Painting Over Dark Colors: Tips for Full Coverage

Have you ever tried to paint over a dark wall color and ended up with a patchy, uneven result no matter how many coats you applied? Dark colors can be tricky to cover fully, but with the right technique and patience, you can achieve an opaque, uniform finish. The key is using a primer, applying multiple thin coats, and choosing a paint formula suited for the job. If you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way to transforming that brooding burgundy or navy blue wall into your color of choice. Read on to learn how to bid farewell to those dark walls for good.

Assessing the Current Paint Color

The first step is determining how dark the existing color actually is. Hold up a piece of white paper or cardboard next to the wall to see how much it contrasts. The more it contrasts, the darker the color.

You'll also want to consider the sheen. Flat or matte paints absorb more light, making the color appear darker. Glossy paints reflect more light, influencing how dark the color seems.

• For deeper, richer colors like burgundies or navies, you may need to apply a primer first. A primer creates a smooth base for the new paint to adhere to and helps with coverage.
• For medium to dark shades, you'll typically need at least two coats of new paint for full, even coverage. Sometimes three coats are needed, especially when painting over a glossy finish.
• When choosing a new color, go at least two shades lighter than what you have now. So if you have a deep forest green, choose a sage or mint green. This helps ensure you'll get good coverage in fewer coats.

Once you have a handle on your current color and sheen, you can choose a primer and new paint accordingly. The key is not underestimating how much work it will be to paint over dark colors. But with the right prep and products, you'll get amazing results and a color you'll love!

Choosing the Right Primer

When it comes to painting over dark walls, the key is choosing the right primer. Using a primer specifically designed for covering up deep, rich colors will help you achieve an even base coat in fewer coats.

For the best results, opt for a pigmented primer, like Sherwin Williams’ Multi-Surface Primer or Zinsser’s Cover Stain. These are heavily pigmented to block stains and dark colors. Compared to regular primer, pigmented primers may cost a bit more but will save you time, effort and money in the long run.

Next, consider a primer tinted to a similar shade as your topcoat color. A tinted primer helps provide maximum coverage in fewer coats. Have your paint store tint the primer for you when you purchase your paint.

Application tips

Make sure to clean and lightly sand the walls before applying any primer. This helps the primer adhere better. Then apply at least two coats of primer, waiting 2-4 hours between coats.

Use a high quality angled brush to prime corners and edges, then roll on primer with a thick roller for large, open areas. Let the primer dry as directed before painting your color coats.

With the right primer and proper application, you’ll be well on your way to transforming those dark walls. No more peeking through! By putting in the work upfront with a quality primer, you’ll end up with a flawless finished look.

Picking the Correct Paint Sheen

When picking out paint for your project, the sheen, or finish, is an important factor to consider. The sheen affects how much light reflects off the painted surface, which impacts both appearance and durability. For painting over dark colors, a higher sheen paint is typically needed to provide full, even coverage.

Eggshell or Satin Finish

For most DIYers painting over deeper hues, an eggshell or satin finish is ideal. These provide a soft, subtle sheen that helps reflect a fair amount of light, allowing the new color to show through thoroughly. Satin in particular offers a velvety, durable finish that stands up well to washing and scrubbing. Either of these finishes will typically require two coats for complete coverage over darker paints or stains.

Semi-Gloss Finish

A step up from satin, semi-gloss paint has a glossy, light-reflective finish that provides maximum coverage in fewer coats. This makes it a great choice if you’re painting over very dark colors or want to avoid having to apply too many coats. Semi-gloss also has excellent stain resistance and durability. The downside is that it shows more imperfections on walls and trim. For the most flawless finish, make sure to properly prepare the surface before painting.

• Apply a primer for the best results, especially when painting over darker hues. A primer helps provide a uniform surface for the new paint to adhere to. Without priming first, you risk the new paint not covering fully or showing unevenness.

• For trim and doors, a glossier sheen like semi-gloss also makes sense. These areas typically see more wear and tear, so a durable finish is important.

• Flat or matte paint will not provide enough light reflection to properly cover darker colors. Avoid these sheens when painting over deep tones.

By choosing an eggshell, satin or semi-gloss paint finish and properly preparing your surfaces, you’ll achieve beautiful, full coverage over even the darkest of colors. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can successfully transform any space.

Using a Darker Base Paint Color

Using a darker base coat is key to achieving full coverage when painting over darker colors.

Start with a layer of primer

Apply a coat of primer designed for covering dark paint colors. Primer helps create a smooth base for your topcoat to adhere to. Let the primer dry as directed.

Choose a shade darker than your target color

Select a base coat that is at least one shade darker than your final color choice. Painting over dark hues requires building up color gradually. Starting with a darker base allows for full coverage in fewer coats.

Use a paint with good coverage

Look for a premium paint that specifies ‘high coverage’ or ‘one coat coverage’ on the label. These paints contain more pigment than regular paint, helping to conceal dark shades underneath. For the deepest colors like bright reds or forest greens, an enamel or lacquer paint may be required.

Apply two coats

No matter how premium the paint, plan on applying at least two coats when painting over dark colors. The first coat will not completely hide the original shade. Allow each coat to dry as directed by the product instructions before applying the next coat.

Use a roller for large, flat areas

For walls and ceilings, use a roller to apply your base coats. A roller allows you to work quickly and evenly over large areas. Use a brush only for trim and cutting in edges.

Consider a darker trim color for the best results

If your dark shade extends to doors, windows, baseboards and trim, consider repainting the trim in a darker color that complements your new wall shade. Painting trim a lighter color may require additional coats to cover the dark paint fully, and may not produce an ideal end result.

With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve complete coverage over even the darkest paint colors. Choosing a darker base shade, applying a coat of primer, selecting a premium paint and applying multiple coats are keys to success when painting over dark hues.

Applying Multiple Coats for Full Coverage

To fully cover dark colors when painting, applying multiple coats is key. Here are some tips to help you get an even, opaque finish.

Start with a primer

Applying a primer designed for painting over dark colors will provide a good base for your topcoats of paint. Look for a primer that is specifically meant for covering bold, deep shades. Two coats of primer are usually needed to block the dark color from bleeding through.

Use a quality paint

Invest in a premium paint in a satin or eggshell sheen. Higher quality paints provide better coverage in fewer coats. For the deepest colors like navy or forest green, choose a paint with a higher percentage of titanium dioxide, which helps with opacity and coverage.

Apply at least two topcoats

Regardless of the primer and paint you choose, plan on applying at least two coats of your selected wall color. Dark colors have more pigment, so they show through more easily. Two coats ensure an even finish and help avoid spots where the previous color peeks through. For the most dramatic color changes, three coats may be needed.

Use a brush for edges and corners

While a roller can work for large, open walls, use a brush to cut in edges, corners, and trim. A brush allows you to work the paint into crevices where a roller can't reach. This helps avoid visible spots where the previous color shows at the edges.

Check coverage in all lighting

View your work in both natural and artificial light to check for any areas needing additional paint. What looks covered in indoor lighting may show spots you missed when viewed in sunlight. Touch up as needed before moving on to the next wall.

With patience and the proper techniques, you can achieve full coverage over even the deepest, boldest wall colors. Applying primer, quality paint, multiple coats, and careful brushwork will transform dark walls into the color of your choice.

Using Specialty Paints and Products

When painting over dark colors, using the right paint and products can make a big difference in getting full, even coverage.

Primer

Applying a coat of primer first is key. Primer seals the existing dark paint and provides a neutral base for your topcoat of paint. For the best results, use a primer specifically meant for painting over dark colors. These are more opaque and help block the color from bleeding through. Two coats of primer may be needed for very dark hues.

Paint Opacity

Choose a paint with high opacity or “hide.” The higher the opacity, the better it will cover in one coat. For dark colors like deep reds or navy blues, look for a paint with opacity of at least 95% or higher. Lighter pastel shades may require less opacity. Test the paint on a small section first to determine how many coats you need for full coverage.

Tinted Primer

For a dramatic color change from dark to light, tinted primer can help. Have your primer tinted close to your topcoat color. This helps mask the dark existing color even before you apply the paint. You may still need multiple coats of paint, but the tinted primer provides a strong head start.

Paint Additives

For stubborn dark colors or imperfections in the wall surface, additives can boost the paint's hiding power. Add a paint extender or conditioner, which improves the flow and adhesion of the paint. Or add a paint additive like titanium white pigment or zinc oxide, which increases opacity without changing the color. Follow the directions on the product to determine how much to add for your needs.

Patience

When making a big color change or painting over a very dark color, patience is key. It can take three or more coats of primer and paint to get an even, attractive finish. Waiting for each coat to dry completely between applications and sanding lightly with fine-grit sandpaper will provide the best results. With time and the right technique and products, you’ll get the full coverage you want.

Proper Surface Preparation Is Key

Proper surface preparation is the key to achieving full, even coverage when painting over dark colors. Take the time to do it right and you’ll get professional-looking results.

Clean the Walls

Wash the walls to remove any dirt or grease. Use a degreaser like trisodium phosphate (TSP) and scrub off any loose paint. Rinse thoroughly with water and let dry completely. Clean walls allow the new paint to adhere properly.

Lightly Sand Rough Spots

Go over the entire wall with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to rough up the surface. This gives the new paint “tooth” to grip onto. Pay extra attention to any glossy areas. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Apply a Primer

For the best coverage, apply a coat of primer. Look for a primer specifically meant for painting over dark colors. Tinted primers, especially gray, help block the color from bleeding through. Apply an even coat and let it dry as directed.

Use a Higher Sheen Paint

Choose a paint with an eggshell, satin or semi-gloss sheen rather than flat. Higher sheen paints contain more resin, which helps hide imperfections and block stains from bleeding through. Two coats of eggshell or satin paint should provide full coverage over most dark colors.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats

Thin coats adhere and cover better than thick coats. Apply at least two coats of paint, waiting 2-4 hours between coats. Use a high quality angled brush to cut in edges and roll the rest using a 1⁄2-inch nap roller cover. Take your time—rushing can lead to missed spots and an uneven finish.

With diligent surface preparation and multiple thin coats of high-quality, tinted paint, you'll achieve a durable, professional finish and full coverage over even the darkest of wall colors. The extra effort will be well worth the outstanding results.

Advanced Techniques for Stubborn Areas

When it comes to painting over dark colors, advanced techniques are often needed for the most stubborn areas. Here are a few tricks of the trade to help you achieve an even, opaque coat of your new color.

Primer Power

For the darkest walls, a coat of primer is your best friend. Primer is specifically designed to provide maximum adhesion and coverage. Apply a coat of primer, then two coats of your new paint color. The primer will block the dark color from bleeding through, giving you a clean canvas to work with.

Tint Your Primer

If you want to avoid an extra coat of paint, have your primer tinted to a shade slightly lighter than your new wall color. The tinted primer will provide more coverage than plain white primer alone. You may still need two coats of paint, but the primer will provide extra masking power.

Use a Stain-Blocking Primer

For dark colors that have stubborn stains like water damage, nicotine, or grease, use a stain-blocking primer. These heavy-duty primers contain sealants to block stains and prevent them from bleeding into your new paint job. They do have a strong smell, so ventilate and wear a mask.

Paint Additives

For maximum coverage in fewer coats, add a paint extender or paint conditioner to your paint. These additives, added at a rate of 1 part additive to 3 parts paint, help the paint glide on more smoothly and evenly. They allow the paint to penetrate into tiny cracks and crevices for a flawless finish.

Touch Up With a Brush

Use a paintbrush to touch up any areas where your roller may have missed, like edges, corners, and trim. A brush allows you to maneuver into tight spaces and feather out the edges for seamless coverage. Take your time with the brushwork—it will make a big difference in your end results.

With the right prep, primer, techniques and patience, you can successfully paint over even the darkest of walls. Keep at it and don't get discouraged—the end result will be worth the effort!

Painting Over Dark Colors FAQs

Have you ever tried to paint over a dark wall color and found that it just won't cover no matter how many coats you apply? Dark colors can be tricky to paint over, but with the right techniques and products, you can get full coverage and a fresh new look.

• Use a primer. A primer is specially designed to provide a smooth base for your new paint color. Primers that are tinted to a lighter shade than your new paint color work the best for covering dark walls. Apply 1-2 coats of primer and let it dry as directed before painting.
• Choose a paint with high opacity. The higher the opacity or "hide" rating of the paint, the better it will cover dark colors. Look for paint with an opacity rating of at least 95% or higher. Higher quality paints also tend to offer better coverage.
• Apply multiple thin coats instead of thick coats. It's best to apply 2-3 thinner coats of paint instead of 1-2 thick coats. Thinner coats dry more evenly and provide better coverage. Let each coat dry completely between applications.
• Use a paint with the same sheen or higher. If you're painting over a dark color with a satin or semi-gloss sheen, choose a new paint with satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheen. Paints with higher sheens tend to provide more opacity than flat paints.
• Consider using a paint with primer already added. Some premium paints have primer mixed right in to provide excellent coverage in 1-2 coats. These can save you time by eliminating the separate priming step. Look for "paint and primer in one" products.
• Be patient through the process. It can take 3-4 coats to fully cover a dark color, so be patient and let each coat dry as directed. Rushing the job will only lead to uneven coverage and the dark color showing through. With the proper techniques and patience, you'll get great results!

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to successfully painting over dark wall colors and transforming the look of your space. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, some helpful tips for getting full coverage when painting over dark colors. The key is patience and the right tools and techniques. Prime the surface, apply multiple thin coats of paint instead of thick coats, and consider using a paint with stain blocking abilities. With the proper prep, the right equipment like high quality brushes and rollers, and a little elbow grease, you'll be well on your way to a successful paint job that covers completely. No more peeking through of those deep, dark colors of the past. Your walls will be bright, fresh, and the color you choose. You've got this! Now get to work and don't forget - patience is key. With time and the right approach, you'll get full coverage in no time.