Do i need to sand and/or primer wall before painting?

Question

I want to paint my kids rooms in different color. Right now their rooms have white flat paint. What do I need to do to prepare walls for re-painting them ? Do I have to use primer? Do I need to sand them? Or just paint?
In kids bathroom, which I'm planning to paint too, paint is glossy. I have no idea if it's oil or latex. I want paint to be glossy in the bathroom, I just want to change color. What do I do to achieve good result?

Answer 1

Since the kid's rooms are painted flat white, that's about as good as primer. A good washing will ensure good adhesion. You don't have to sand unless you do some patchwork or want to remove an old texture. Here's a tip: when you are finished, before you replace the light switch cover (you should remove all switch and outlet covers, of course) write the indentifying name and number of your paint for reference in case you should need some more in the future. Underneath the switch cover is handy and you'll always know where to look for it! I also write the date the room was last painted, in case I should ever wonder about that, too.
In glossy bathroom, a coat of primer might not be a bad idea. I'd ask the paint guy at your home improvement store what he suggests. As a rule, a new coat should stick to an old one if it's clean. It's probably just latex enamel, hardly anyone ever uses interior oil-based paint any more. It really shouldn't matter though, if the surface is clean. A coat of primer is a must if you're going from a dark or bright color to a lighter color. It will ensure uniform coverage of your new color and prevent bleed-through. Good luck!

Answer 2

it's probably a good idea to use primer on the walls in your kids room first, only because they tend to toss things across the room and always seem to hit the walls. If the current paint in flat, you can choose to stay with a flat paint, but i would probably go with a semi gloss. it's easier to clean and not too glossy. as for the already glossy walls in the bathroom, you may want to sand a bit before applying another coat of glossy paint, it may start to peel if you don't sand. good luck!

Answer 3

You shouldn't have to sand unless you have rough edges or want to remove old texture. You should use primer, and if you are painting on a new color get your primer tinted. The paint store will do this for you. Primer will cover any stains, even out the surface and lessen the amount of paint that soaks in. It helps the new paint to stick to glossy also. Use it in both cases.

Answer 4

For the kids walls they are a flat white, similar to a primer go ahead and paint them, the bathroom has a stronger possibility of being an oil base in which case I would prime first then paint

Answer 5

I just had this problem too......went to the paint store and asked the paint guy.

Repainting depends on the type of old paint on the wall/surface.

There is an test for this. Call the guy at the paint store.
Primer is a good idea.

Answer 6

Depending on the wall, it sounds like just a good washing to remove dirt will do in the kids room. I would suggest a latex instead of oil...it is much healthier..if you get a latex gloss it should do fine for both rooms. A semi gloss in the kids room wont be so shiny but still lets you wipe prints off easily..you can go to diynetwork.com for all kinds of information on this too and some great ideas for kids rooms and bathrooms..

Answer 7

Any paint one would normally use for interior work will stick quite nicely to flat latex paint. Don't need to sand or prime but if it is greasy, you want to clean that off.

To paint over glossy paint, either use a gloss cutter by wiping it on or sand with 150 grit sand paper.

Answer 8

you should sand down the walls to make them smooth, if there are any bumps, also use compound w to fill in any holes or dents, then you have to sand that, to smooth it out....if you dont need to do any of that, the flat white paint will be easy to cover, but the glossy paint you may need to put some primer on that so it covers easily....Good luck

Answer 9

To get the best results, you should prime over both walls. This will make the new application even with a better coverage. I have painted over unprimed walls, but sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. I would hate for you to have to paint over the walls again if you fail to prime it properly and the color doesn't look right.

Answer 10

go to home depot and tell them of your situation, they will advise you as to what kind of paint to use and if you need primer. most flat latex walls don't need priming uless its a dark color and you are painting light. or if you have water stains or such. a lot of things come into play depending on your situation
kids bedroom i would say just paint since they are white, consult home depot or lowe's paint people on the bath room
you cna't paint over oil based paint with water base without help.