How to Paint Over Dark Walls with Light Colors

Changing the colour of a room can transform its atmosphere and give it a fresh, updated look. If you want to paint over dark walls with light colours, it's essential to follow the right steps to achieve a clean, even, and vibrant finish. Here's a guide on how to successfully paint over dark walls with light colours:

Gather Your Supplies:

You'll need paint in your chosen light colour, primer, painter's tape, drop cloths, paint trays, rollers, brushes, and a ladder.

Prepare the Room:

Clear the room of furniture or move it to the centre and cover it with drop cloths. Remove wall fixtures, switch plates, and outlet covers.

Clean and Repair:

Dark walls may reveal imperfections, so inspect the surface for holes, cracks, or rough patches. Fill and sand these areas until smooth.
Clean the walls thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and grease. A clean surface ensures better paint adhesion.

Prime the Walls:

Using a high-quality primer is crucial when transitioning from dark to light colours. Primer helps prevent the dark colour from bleeding through and ensures the new paint adheres properly.
Apply a coat of primer to the entire wall, allowing it to dry as recommended by the manufacturer.

Apply the Light Paint Color:

Once the primer is dry, you can start painting with your chosen light colour. Stir the paint thoroughly to ensure an even consistency.
Use a brush to "cut in" along the edges and corners of the wall, then use a roller to paint the rest. Apply at least two coats, allowing each to dry completely before the next.

Use Proper Technique:

To avoid streaks or visible brush marks, paint using long, even strokes in a "W" or "M" pattern. Roll the paint in one direction to maintain a consistent finish.
Feather out the paint edges to blend them seamlessly with the previously painted areas.

Inspect and Touch Up:

After the final coat has dried, inspect the wall for any areas that may need touch-ups or additional attention.
Reinstall wall fixtures, switch plates, and outlet covers once the paint is completely dry.

Painting over dark walls with light colours can be a rewarding DIY project that breathes new life into your space. By following these steps and paying attention to proper preparation and technique, you can achieve a fresh, bright, and inviting look in your home.