As a homeowner, nothing seems more daunting than needing to paint your walls a new color and not necessarily in the same room. It can seem much less challenging than anticipated when you find out what needs to be done to paint over a dark wall with a lighter color successfully.

Here are some helpful tips that will guide you through this process without having to repaint in just a few years.

Plan Ahead of Time

When you are already expecting to paint your walls a different color, it is essential that you plan ahead of time. This means taking the necessary precautions before even attempting this job. For example, take down any pictures or other items on your wall that you do not want to take the risk of getting paint on them and potentially ruin them.

Also, remember to buy enough primer for at least 2 coats because this will help ensure that the paint covers perfectly. 

Use Two Coats of Primer

When you want to successfully paint over a dark wall with a lighter color, you need to allow for time to apply two coats of primer. If the previous paint was oil-based, it is vital that you find an oil-based primer because latex primers may take longer to dry and ultimately might not help the new paint cover properly.

Grab the Right Brush

This might seem like an obvious step, but it is essential when painting over a dark wall with a lighter color. Using the right brush will ensure that you get proper coverage in all areas of the wall without making any mistakes. For example, use either a paintbrush or roller for high places and then switch to a smaller brush when painting around outlets and other small spaces.

Now to Paint!

After you have primed your wall with two coats, and allowed for the appropriate dry time, it is time to start painting! For this particular project, you might want to use oil-based or latex paint because they will help ensure that the job looks its best.

You also need to remember that depending on what color you have chosen as a lighter shade, it may take more than just one coat to cover the wall adequately. If you are using a darker color as your lighter choice, you should not have any issues needing to use multiple coats of paint!

All in all, having to paint over a dark wall with a lighter color will not be difficult if you follow these steps and plan ahead of time.