You probably don't need a primer. If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (both are oil-based for example), you can head straight for the paint. You need to fill holes, spackle and sand*, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall.
Generally speaking, no need to add a layer of primer over white walls unless there is some sort of significant staining or blemishes you need to cover up. It would be a waste of time and money.
On new drywall, you will use 3 coats of the finish material instead of a primer coat plus 2 coats of finish. Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer.
In short yes you can paint directly over an already painted wall. Do you need to prime the wall? If you are using a lighter color over a dark color then YES! This will save you from using expensive paint to cover the dark walls.
If your walls are in a good condition and you're using a similar paint to the existing paint, you may not need primer. Always check the instructions on your chosen paint for guidance on using primer.
Without primer, paint will absorb into the surface instead of forming a film on top. This can cause patchy, uneven color that requires even more coats of paint.
Do Professional Painters Wash Walls Before Painting? In most cases, professional painters don't wash walls with a detergent solution to avoid damaging the drywall or trim. Instead, most professional painters lightly sand or “scuff” the walls with a pole sander using fine-grit sandpaper.
Your best bet is to use a good layer of primer to ensure a smooth, consistent base layer for the colored paint. In this case, your primer will mask many of the imperfections you're trying to fix. You will need to use a primer in this case.
Yes, you can paint right over old painted furniture without sanding. You will need something called a DEGLOSSER and you can use this on OLD KITCHEN CABINETS to prep for new paint as well!
In general, the only time a primer is not needed is if you're re-painting a surface that's in good condition. Your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams paint expert can provide additional advice about selecting and applying the right primer for your project.
Do you always need to prime drywall before painting? It's important to prime after new drywall installation. The new surface will be porous and will absorb the color of the paint. Primers will also cover the joint compound and provide a good base for texturing or painting over skim-coated drywall.
In order to save time and money, professional painters recommend using a good primer.
Can I use white paint as a primer? No, white paint doesn't work as a paint primer. This is because the composition between paint and primer is quite different.
Cleaning walls before painting is an essential step in the process. Use a soft, damp sponge to wipe away dirt or dust from the surfaces. Wash the walls thoroughly with sugar soap and rinse them with clean water to remove any residue. Then give them a good check over for cracks or holes before painting.
If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.
Always swatch white in your space
Like I said, white is a notoriously tough color to get right because it can look completely different than the swatch in various lighting conditions. The only way to know which white is for you is to test it on your walls.
CAUTION: Do NOT use any water-based clear coat over bright whites such as GF Snow White Milk Paint, or GF White Poly as it may cause yellowing. Lighter-colored paints may alter slightly with a topcoat application, but the color shift is less noticeable.
A soft white or gray creates a peaceful and clean ambiance. They can make a small bedroom feel more spacious and airy, promoting a clutter-free mind. What's more, white and light gray are excellent for those who prefer a minimalist approach.
Without using a primer, dark colors can bleed through the new paint layers, which might necessitate applying additional coats and consequently increase the time and materials needed.
What do you wash walls with before painting? In most situations, the best wall cleaner before painting is nothing more than dish soap and water. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) may be needed in areas with build-up on the walls. Generally, these are the only cleaning items required for the process.
When mixed with water to create an alkaline solution, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover. It's also used to prep painted surfaces for refinishing or repainting, as it can both de-gloss paint and remove flaking or peeling areas.