Some homeowners think they can take a shortcut by merely painting over a current paint or drywall. However, this is usually not advised if you want to achieve professional-looking results. If you want the new paint to adhere properly, you cannot take any chances. Otherwise, you will waste your time.

Creating a Finished and Polished Look

In most instances, it is best to prep the surface and add primer. This means sanding the surface so it is smooth and adding a primer to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. This is especially true if you have cracks or bumps in a wall. Smoothing the surface will make it possible to create a finished and polished look.

Clean the Surface First

You also want to make sure to begin any paint job with a clean surface. Use a dampened cloth to clean away dust, dirt, or grease. Buildup can actually crack new paint or cause chipping. Therefore, always clean the surface first. When sanding the wall and prepping it, never use a wood sander. Doing so will damage the drywall. Instead, use a drywall sander with a fine sandpaper. Fill cracks or holes with a filler that is designed for drywall prep.

Why Adding a Primer Is Usually Advised

You can in some instances paint over existing drywall without benefit of a primer if the drywall is already painted. That is because painted drywall usually has been primed. However, in most cases, primer is typically advised for the following reasons:

• You want to paint a wall with a whole new color, especially if the current paint is dark and you want to paint the wall a much lighter shade.
• You need to apply a good deal of filler that needs sealing.
• You are using a cheaper paint that will not provide full coverage or does not contain a primer-type seal.

Tape Off the Areas That Do Not Require Paint

You can paint over an existing paint, provided that you prep the wall and make sure that you are working with a clean, smooth surface. To embark on the project, tape off the areas that you do not want to paint, such as the trim, fixtures, and windows. Apply the paint with a high-quality roller and permit it to dry. Usually, it is best to apply a second coat for the best results.

Do Not Rush; Take Your Time

As you can see, there are really no shortcuts that you can take when painting a larger surface area. Even if the wall features existing paint, you still need to clean it and prime it. If you want good results that do not feature cracks or chips, you need to make sure that you take your time.

Prevent Expensive Painting Mistakes

Merely painting over existing paint without cleaning it or priming it is asking for trouble that can be costly and frustrating. If you want to make sure that your paint adheres correctly, prep the surface first to prevent expensive painting mistakes. If you want to spend less time painting, you need to take your time.