Congratulations! After thinking for so long, you’ve finally decided to upgrade your interior living spaces using a splash of paint. However, you’re still wondering how to accomplish an impressive paint job when there’s still existing paint covering your walls. And now, you don’t know what to do! Don’t worry; we’re here to help. We’ve asked the best painting company in West Hartford, CT, how people like you can achieve a stunning paint job by painting over old existing paint. Read on to see what house painting tips we’ve come up with.

1. Prepare the Area First Before Painting

The first step in any paint job is to ensure the area is prepared. Start by clearing the space of furniture, appliances, and any existing decorations. It would be a shame to splash paint on your couch, right? Afterward, line your floors with drop cloths to protect your floors from dripping paint. If you can’t acquire drop cloths, you can use newspapers or a canvas sheet. Next, remove the power sockets to avoid painting over them. If you can’t remove them, tape them over instead.

2. Scrape Off the Old Paint

The idea of painting over old paint might be tempting, but West Hartford House Painting Experts recommend you not to. What they suggest is that you scrape off the old paint instead. Sure, it’s a tedious process, but it’s crucial to ensure the new paint adheres properly to the walls and not to the existing paint. Use a scraper to remove the existing paint. You can also use chemical paint strippers, electric sanders, or heat, but be careful! Be sure to do your research first before using any of these things.

3. Fill in the Holes and Cracks

Even before you scraped off the old paint, you may have seen some holes and cracks on your walls. Before you start house painting, you must first fill them in to ensure the new coat of paint is applied consistently across the surface. Patch up any visible holes and cracks using a filler and a filling knife (a scraper can do the trick too). You may have to put more fillers on deeper holes. Once you’re done filling the holes, sand those areas to ensure the even application of the new paint.

4. Clean the Walls

After scraping and sanding the walls and dealing with the cracks and holes, you’ll need to clean the surface from dust and debris. Many painting companies in West Hartford, CT, recommend using a vacuum cleaner to eliminate a good portion of the debris, then wiping the walls using a cloth and some detergent. Afterward, wipe the walls again using clean water to ensure the walls are free from any dirt and grease that can make the painting process more difficult.

5. Remember to Prime Darker Walls

It’s crucial for DIY painters to prime the room’s darker walls first before painting them over, especially if they’re using something lighter compared to the old paint color. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the walls and prevent the old dark-colored paint from bleeding through the light-colored paint. If you still see the old paint bleeding after applying one coat of primer, apply another coat.

6. Wait and Let the Paint Dry

West Hartford House Painting Experts recommend applying at least two coats of paint to ensure a flawless finish. But before applying the next coat, ensure that the previous coat has dried first. Check the instructions on the paint to know how much time it takes to dry. 

Let the Experts Do Your Interior House Painting

It’s always fun to embark on any home improvement projects, but if you find painting your home too tedious and time-consuming, it’s much better to let the professional do the work on your behalf. For a professional, flawless, and stunning paint job, you can rely on painting companies in West Hartford, CT, like West Hartford House Painting Experts. Contact them today and get a free estimate for your paint job – free of charge!

West Hartford House Painting Experts

Address: 1136 Boulevard Unit 1, West Hartford CT 06119

Phone Number: 1-860-431-2559