Why won't my DARK latex paint cover?

Question

I'm painting with semi gloss latex, it's a dark cinnamon colour, over semi gloss latex.... no matter what I've used (brush, foam or traditional roller) it doesn't give good coverage. The results have been streaky, uneven and looks terribe. I've had to put on 3-5 coats to cover the streaks!!! Is it possibly the paint itself? It's Glidden Spred Enamel Latex semi gloss. I am sure it is latex semi I am covering as I spoke to the person who painted originally. Please, any help would be appreciated. I've used a gallon already to paint a small bathroom cabinet, door and window trim, and a couple doors! I've NEVER had this much difficulty with paint!!!!

Answer 1

I would suggest using a primer first. I always use kilz to primer, but there are many. A primer will cover up any previous colors, as well as help hide any flaws in the original paint. If there are major runs or streaks in the original paint, you might want to sand them down a little before putting on the primer.

Answer 2

I had the same problem. Turned out I was trying to paint on a surface that wasn't porous enough to set and hold correctly (another latex layer). It's like painting a balloon.
If you try sanding the latex surface before you paint it will be difficult but may help. Latex is rubbery and it will gum up your sander. The best thing to do is to scrape or chemically strip it first. When you scrape it off you will see that it will come off in a whole sheet of stretchy dried paint. Latex is not a good choice for things that are used as counter top type furniture. It scratches easy.

Answer 3

you may have gotten a bad batch of paint, or , if you used thinner, the thinner may be th wrong kind. what you may try is use a pre-coat called kilz. it will often cover the prior coat and allow a new coat to adhere properly. if you have continued problems, use a sanding pad to scuff the old coat before putting a new coat on. don't assume the previous paint was what was described. the person may not have known for sure unless he kept the original can it came in.

Answer 4

You should have used a primer first. Semi gloss is too shiny and smooth. Primer is the best way to solve a lot of problems.
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Make sure the area your painting is clean too!

Answer 5

In a bathroom you generally will want to degloss and clean existing surfaces very good, then prime with a good primer tinted to match your end color. this should reduce the coats you have to put down..

Answer 6

You should wait untill it dry before another coat. one base coat and two coats of semi gloss should be enough.

Answer 7

put a prep paint on it to dampen the color of the original then paint over that should help...