I recently painted my bedroom using a certain type of paint, and it turned out really well. Now I'm tackling my office, which I'm painting dark green instead of the dark gray I used for the bedroom. I've followed the same prep steps for both rooms: I removed cover plates, took out screws and nails while filling up the holes, sanded the walls, vacuumed any debris, washed the walls with a damp cloth, and let them dry overnight before applying paint. The bedroom went smoothly, but in the office, the paint just doesn't stick well. Although I can see that it adhered properly to spots where screws and nails were, everywhere else it seems to be an issue. Should I consider using a primer for this room? If so, what type of primer would be best for my situation?
3 Answers
One thing to consider is if the finishes of your paints are different. If your old one was glossier, like a semi-gloss, the new paint would struggle to stick. Sometimes cleaning with TSP can also prep it better. So make sure to check the sheen levels of both paints before going in with the new paint!
Good point! A clean surface is definitely crucial, especially if the old paint is old and potentially grimy.
For any surface that isn't glossy or dirty, primer helps paint to adhere and achieve an even finish. Definitely look into getting a good quality primer for your office. Brands like Kilz are pretty popular and effective for this kind of job. Don't skip this step if the previous paint was layers old—it makes a big difference!
Right! Plus, a primer can help hide any old textures or colors, especially in an older house.
Totally agree! I've always found that a good primer saves so much hassle in the long run.
Using a primer is definitely a smart move! If you're working with latex paint and the old paint might be oil-based, the latex won't stick properly, which can lead to the issues you're seeing. Also, if you're going over a lighter color with a darker shade, a primer can help things cover more evenly. You might want to tint the primer to a gray that matches your dark green paint to help with the coverage. This way, the final coat will adhere better and look more uniform.
If you're unsure about the paint type, try rubbing some thinner on a hidden section; if it dissolves, it’s oil-based and you'll need to use primer.
Exactly! I had a similar experience when switching from oil to latex; the paint just wouldn't stay put. You'll definitely want to do some tests to see if the previous paint is oil-based.
Absolutely, sheen can change everything. Make sure you’re working with a consistent finish!