Help with repainting a wall?

Question

Unfortunately, the last occupant of one of my rooms painted the wall a combination of red and black paint. It is not possible for me to put up new dry wall/strip any paint.

Is there any tips that would help me paint the room a very light color next? I was hoping for a light blue or green, is this completely unrealistic? Would a primer of some sort help?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, a good quality primer is the way to go. It will help to hide the darker color. You may still need to go over it with 2 coads of your final color, but in some cases you can get away with 1.

Here are some more tips for painting a room:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/i...

Answer 2

No, it's not unrealistic! Kilz makes a primer specifically for painting over dark colors. You are going to want to use at least 2 coats of primer. Then paint the color you want and you will most likely need at least 2 coats of the color you choose. Go to your local home improvement store and tell them you are looking for primer for painting over dark colors, they should be able to help you.

Answer 3

a good quality primer is your first priority and even though most folks think it silly - i ALWAYS have my primer tinted to match my final wall color - that way if the wall does get a bit of a chip in it the primer isn't obvious!  i have been doing this for over twenty years and it always works well.  good luck!  

Answer 4

Yes.You can buy a primer that would cover the dark paint with one coat.Sherwin Williams makes it.My sons room was black before we painted it a light yellow and we used this primer and it covered great.