Priming and painting walls?

Question

We would like to change the wall colors from a much deeper and darker color into something much lighter(eg. dark blue to light beige). What are the steps that we should take in order to ensure a nice, clean finish? Does priming need to be done before actual painting? What happens if we don't have the walls primed and we just paint two layers over the current colors? Will the new paint color look different on the wall if the walls are not primed?

Answer 1

I know this one!
Primer IS necessary- especially when going from darker to lighter.
One thing that's highly overlooked, because it's a lot of work- but it makes a HUGE difference in the finished product. Wash the walls. Use TSP- and pay attention to the precautions.
Let dry thoroughly. Patch holes. Take the time to seal around base boards, moldings, smoothing out door frames, caulk windows. Latex, white- the cheaper stuff really is OK. All you want to do is plug the holes, neatly.
Keep a damp rag with you and clean up as you go.
2 coats of primer- again, the cheaper stuff is fine.
Don't paint in a specific direction (unless working with staining natural wood). Cut in the top, sides, windows, outlets etc and feather the paint outward to avoid excesses- feathering is the secret.
Use a good brush (Purdy 2 1/2 inch sash) and fluffy rollers. The less pressure you put on the tools the better the finish and the less stress on your body (always stretch out).
2 coats of colour may not be necessary if the room is prepped and primed properly. Plan on it purchase wise.
Keep your brush wet. Always wash your brush and roller skins following use. I had one brush that lasted 15 years- until the lab ate the handle. They become trusted friends.
Don't think of it as a chore; rather physical and visual ownership.
Have fun.

Answer 2

If you use enough coats of paint the color should not be affected by the darker color underneith, however I would be more concerned about the two types of paint not being compatible. If the darker color is an oil based paint and the lighter newer color a latex, then it would definitely peel.

I would suggest priming it to be on the safe side. You should use a primer called Bin Primer or Killz Primer. Either one will stick to just about anything including metal, and properly prepare the surface for any kind of paint, oil based or latex.

Answer 3

If I were you I would use a primer. There might be some differences in the white walls that you can't see. This way you know that the paint isn't going to soak into the walls in some areas and not in others giving you an uneven color look. Congrats on your new house!

Answer 4

It's more than likely latex and you can use latex as its own primer. I doubt that it is an oil base on an interior wall. You could use a white and then cover with another color.