How do I get an even coverage of a dark red/maroonish paint on a white wall?

Question

I attempted to paint my kitchen a dark sort of maroon color, but it was a disaster! It was totally streaky and looked a hot mess! I went over it at least 3 times with no luck. The next day, I painted over it with a neutral color. I decided that instead of the entire kitchen, I am just going to do an accent wall, but I am afraid that the same thing is going to happen. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to get an even smooth coverage of this red paint? FYI, the wall seems to only have been primered. It's an apartment, so I am not sure if it is primer or a flat paint. The wall feels chalky to the touch, so I am not sure what finish this is. Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer 1

your first mistake was in not using a tinted primer to darken the walls first, and to provide a clean surface for your new color to adhere to.  Your local paint store or home improvement store can suggest a brand of gray primer for you and can even tint it a bit darker to help with your new color's coverage.  You should need only 1 coat of the primer and then 2 coats of your color.

Most apartments ARE painted in flat paint which does feel chalky.  For a kitchen you should use a semigloss paint to keep it easy to wipe clean.

Answer 2

I did the same colour for my living room.  First, take low grit sandpaper and sand the entire area you’re going to paint.  Take a wet rag and remove all the loose grit and paint from the walls.  Get a primer that’s made for your colour… meaning the primer should be pink in colour.  Prime the walls evenly, and then apply paint.  It took four coats of paint till it came out streak less and even.  

Answer 3

I painted my entire dining room dark red.  It's best to apply a coat of tinted primer first.  If you don't it will take 5 coats of red paint.  Trust me, we learned from experience.  I used an eggshell finish so it would be easy to wipe clean.  I prime everything I paint now, and it makes a huge difference.  Also, don't paint with the roller using straight up and down strokes.  This will leave major streaks.  Move the roller in a large "W" movement, and overlap your strokes every time.  Remember, NEVER paint with a dry roller!  Keep the roller full of paint, this will save you lots of time.  

Answer 4

Make you own tinted primer. Buy the primer but add some of the same color paint you will be using and not only will it look better, but you will not have to paint as many coats