I have one of those standing photo screens but it is a really dark color and the paint is chipped in several places. Since I don't like the color, I would really like to just paint it a lighter color like a cream or off white. Can I just paint right over it without the darker color showing through? What kind of paint should I use? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
By Debbie from Detroit, MI
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No, don't paint it without using a good primer first- and that advice holds true for just about any paint job!
I agree with the person who mentioned a GOOD primer, that is a must or your color will never cover good.
Use a primer but stay away from a product called Klitz. You will be unhappy just trying to cover the klitz with the top coat. Go to a paint store. They can help you with the correct primer to cover a dark area with a lighter color.
If you want to repaint something, you first have to determine what kind of paint is already on the surface. Is it a dark stain? Is it a high gloss paint? Or is it a a latex paint?
If it is a stain, which usually contains an oil. a new coat of primer probably won't adhere to it without using a lacquer thinner to clean the surface first and doing a little sanding.
If it is a gloss finish, you will need to use a paint thinner to sort of dilute the finish and then sand it. If it is a latex finish, a good primer will work, but a latex will not stay on a high gloss paint. Even after it is dry, the latex paint layer will just peel right off. But sanding a layer of latex paint is a little tricky. Latex is rubber and trying to sand it kind of balls up the paint. So I would advise against vigorously sanding on latex paint. You can lightly sand it so that a new paint layer has something to adhere to.
Any paint that is already on the surface should be sanded so that whatever you paint it with, whether it's primer or paint, has a good bond. Pat T in Nevada
I was given an old dark brown dresser that had seen better days. All I did was sand it a little to rough up the surface, then painted it with white enamel paint from Walmart. That was 10 years ago and it still looks good!
Enamel paint is washable so that is an added benefit.
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What is primer? Can you please describe what it is or perhaps better still its purpose. I really need to know how to paint dark paint without removing it as I am highly allergic to that stuff that removes the old paint.
By joanfry
Primer is like an undercoat that people put on before painting. It is supposed to make coverage easier, especially over dark colors, etc. However, I have seen ads on TV from some of the Home Improvement stores that say there is a paint that they stock that will cover over dark colors without primer or a even more coats of paint. They show using it on walls that have previously been painted in black and white stripes. Consult one of these stores and see what they have and what they say.
A primer is used under a top coat to allow the top coat to adhere to the substrate. With out a primer the top coat will peel. Stains and semi transparent stains do not need primers.
You can also go to google.com and type in " What is a paint primer" or other words that have paint primer in the question.
A lot of paints these days have the primer already in them. Check the label to see if the color and brand you want has the primer in it. Also, there is a product on the market called KILZ. You can apply a couple of coats over your walls (2 if your going from dark to light). I always go with the paint with the primer already included and have never had a problem with coverage.
Thanks so much. I will follow your advice starting today. We have a three day weekend. When I do not know how to directly translate a word, I have to fully understand the function so I can explain it to the vendor. I think I will be able to cope now.
Have a good weekend.
Buy Behr paint at Home Depot. It is awesome! After my Mom & Dad passed away, I had to get their house ready to sell. My Mom loved dark green, & she painted their living room & kitchen a very dark green, even the ceilings!
Some companies I think Glidden,Behr & Benjamin Moore plus others have the primer & paint mixed right in. I would suggest going to the different paint sites & asking there 1st. If you might find a safer stripper; so you'll have a smooth painted surface on what you're painting. Then buy primer/paint in one can. Although some paints cover well without primer, you will probably need to strip 1st & I would inquire about that as well. Making an informed decision will save you $$$ & time. Good Luck. : )
