The Complete Step-By-Step Guide To Painting Over Painted Walls

If your interior walls are looking dull, dated, or just in need of a refresh, painting over your existing paint is an easy and affordable solution. With some basic prep work, the right supplies, and careful technique, you can give any room a beautiful facelift with a fresh coat of paint.

From choosing the perfect paint and prepping your surface to mastering cutting-in and achieving a seamlessly smooth finish, we'll walk through the entire painting process from start to finish.

Choosing the Right Paint

The first step when painting over existing walls is selecting the right type of paint. There are a few key factors to consider:

• Finish - Eggshell or satin finishes are ideal for most interior walls, providing subtle sheen and easy washability.
• Quality - Choose a top-quality acrylic latex paint from a reputable brand for maximum durability and coverage.
• Sheen - Match the existing paint's sheen level to ensure uniform results.
• Color - Opt for lighter hues to brighten up a space and add visual interest.

While latex paints are preferable for painting over previously painted walls, oil-based paints provide greater adhesion and durability on slick or glossy surfaces. Be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations to determine which type of paint will work best for your walls.

Selecting Painting Supplies

Having the right painting tools on hand will make your job much easier. Here are some essential supplies to gather before you begin:

• Paintbrushes - 2-3" angled sash brush for cutting in edges, 1-2" synthetic bristle brush for corners and detail work.
• Paint roller - 9" roller with 1/2" or 3/4" nap for applying paint to large wall areas.
• Paint trays and liners - To hold and distribute paint to your roller.
• Drop cloths - To protect floors and furniture from paint drips and splatters.
• Sandpaper - 120-150 grit to scuff walls prior to painting.
• Spackle or putty - To fill any small holes or imperfections.

You may also want painter's tape, plastic sheeting, a paint scraper, and clean rags on hand. Visit your local hardware store or paint specialty retailer to get outfitted with all the essential DIY painting gear.

Preparing the Surface

Proper wall prep is crucial for achieving flawless painted results. Here are the key steps:

1. Remove wall hangings, outlet covers, and switch plates. Set aside any furniture or decor items.
2. Clean walls thoroughly with a diluted soap solution to remove dirt, grease, and grime.
3. Fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with spackle or putty. Allow to dry completely and sand smooth.
4. Lightly sand walls to scuff up the glossy surface. This helps the paint adhere properly.
5. Use painter's tape to mask off baseboards, trim, moldings, and outlets you don't want painted.

Pro tip: Wipe sanded walls with a damp cloth to remove dust before you start painting. Your paint job will only be as good as the surface you're applying it to.

Priming Walls

Primer creates an ideal surface for the new paint to bond to. While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended when painting over existing paint. Primer seals porous surfaces, masks minor imperfections, and allows for more even color coverage.

For painting interior walls, a high quality latex-based primer is the best choice. Opt for a tintable primer closest to your topcoat color for optimal results. Apply one coat of primer using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer according to manufacturer's directions.

Pro tip: Spot prime any repaired areas after spackling to prevent the new paint from flashing differently than the surrounding surfaces.

Painting Techniques and Tips

Now comes the fun part - rolling on that fresh new color! Follow these key techniques for flawless painted walls:

Cutting In

Use your angled sash brush to "cut in" along ceilings, corners, trim, and edges. Hold the brush at a 45deg angle, dipping just the tip of the bristles into paint. Apply paint with light, feathery vertical strokes in 2-3" widths.

Rolling

Use your roller to apply paint to large wall expanses. Load the roller with paint and distribute evenly in the paint tray. Apply in 3 x 3 ft sections using "W" or "M" shaped strokes, overlapping lightly as you go. Apply in thin, even coats and maintain a wet edge.

Tips for an Even Finish

• Work methodically and top to bottom to avoid drips.
• Only paint as far as you can reach comfortably without overextending.
• Maintain proper roller pressure - too light or too heavy results in uneven coverage.
• Blend sections together before paint starts to dry.
• Allow proper drying time between coats as directed.

Take your time, and don't rush through the painting process. Patience and care pays off in an immaculate finish.

Achieving a Flawless Finish

For truly professional painted walls without any lap marks, drips, or imperfections:

• Inspect walls and touch up any missed spots.
• Feather out paint edges for a seamless appearance.
• Apply a third coat on dark colors or if coverage is uneven.
• Caulk along trim and repaint if any bleeding occurs.

Fix paint flaws as you go before the paint dries. This prevents having to repaint entire sections. A little extra attention to detail goes a long way!

Drying, Cleanup and Aftercare

Once your painting project is complete, there are still a few final steps:

• Allow paint to dry fully before removing any painters tape on trim/edges.
• Reattach any switch plate covers, outlets, vent covers.
• Wash all paint brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• Clean any paint spills or drips on floors or surfaces.
• Gently wipe walls with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust nibs.
• Wait at least 2 weeks before wiping or cleaning freshly painted walls.

Give your paint ample time to fully cure and harden before doing any wiping or cleaning. With proper care, your freshly painted walls will look pristine for years to come!

With the right prep work, high quality paint, and proper technique, you can achieve stunning results painting over existing interior walls. Carefully following each step in the process helps ensure a flawless, professional-looking finish.

Remember to prepare surfaces thoroughly, apply primer where needed, and use proper cutting-in and rolling techniques for smooth, consistent coverage. Take your time with each phase, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. With a little patience, DIY-painted walls can look every bit as good as a professional paint job.

Just think of the dramatic, transforming effect fresh new paint can have on dull, dated walls. So grab your brushes, rollers, and drop cloths and get ready to beautify your interior space with ease!