How many coats of white paint to cover dark grey?

Author: Alisa Quitzon III  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

ALL whites take 3-4 coats to cover midtone gray and some colors of white are 5. White is common these days. Everyone seems to be trying to switch to a fresh white pallet instead of relying on trendy colors.

Can you paint white over dark grey?

It should work. I'd personally prime grey then an ivory colour before painting white.

How many coats of white paint over dark color?

It is advisable to apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely as per the instructions on the paint can, which guarantees a vibrant and true representation of the color you have chosen.

What is the hardest paint color to cover up?

Colors like red, green, blue, and orange can be particularly stubborn, often bleeding through lighter topcoats if not properly prepared. Covering these colors usually requires multiple coats of paint and careful surface preparation.

Will 3 coats of paint make it darker?

How many coats of paint does it take to change colour? As a general rule of thumb, you need two coats of paint to change the paint colour of your surfaces. So, it's always a good idea to apply another coat of paint. But make sure you allow the first coat to dry.

How To Paint Over A Dark Wall - Ace Hardware

Can I paint 2 coats of paint a day?

Semi-gloss: It takes roughly 1 hour to dry and 2 hours before applying the second coat. Matte Paint: 30 minutes to an hour for drying and 1-2 hours before applying the second coat. Eggshell paint: 1 hour to dry and 2 hours before applying the second coat.

Why is my paint patchy after 3 coats?

Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.

Do I need a primer to cover dark paint?

Dark coloured walls can be brightened with a lighter colour paint, but there are a few things you should consider before jumping into this project. A primer or base coat is necessary to completely cover the darker colour and really make your wall look great.

What is the easiest color to paint over?

As a general rule, lighter colors and shades are the easiest to paint over, whether it's light blue, green, yellow, gray, and so on. These paints don't contain as much pigment as darker ones. So, when painting over a lighter surface, the more saturated darker paint easily conceals whatever lies beneath it.

What color paint never goes out of style?

Beige: The Neutral Backbone of Any Room

This versatile neutral never goes out of style because it effortlessly complements any space while adding warmth and balance. Its ability to blend into different décor styles has made it a go-to for creating cozy, welcoming rooms.

What is the best way to paint white over a dark color?

For covering dark paint with a lighter color, it's advisable to apply a quality primer—the best one can significantly reduce the number of topcoat layers needed. Experts often recommend at least two coats of primer followed by two to three coats of the new color to ensure an opaque finish.

Why won't my white paint cover?

Existing Colors on the Wall

If you're painting over a dark or bold color with white paint, you'll likely need more coats to hide the previous color. The contrast between the dark base and the light topcoat can make it difficult for the white paint to achieve full coverage in just one or two coats.

Will paint look better after a second coat?

As a result, the depth of the paint colour will appear more defined. Two coats should provide better coverage of any spots or streaks missed on your walls and ceilings with the first coat of paint.

How many coats of white to cover grey paint?

ALL whites take 3-4 coats to cover midtone gray and some colors of white are 5. White is common these days. Everyone seems to be trying to switch to a fresh white pallet instead of relying on trendy colors.

Can dark grey go with white?

Be sure to consider the wedding's dress code—if it's black-tie, you might need to opt for a tuxedo instead. Pairing Options: A crisp white shirt is a classic choice that pairs well with charcoal grey.

How do you lighten dark gray paint?

For making a dark color lighter in paint, you can mix it with white paint. This process is called "tinting." Start by adding a small amount of white paint to the dark color and mix thoroughly. Gradually add more white until you reach the desired lighter shade.

What is the hardest color to paint over?

Painting over bright, wild or dark colors is an easy design fix, but may not be as easy as it seems. Color families such as reds, greens, oranges, and blues can be a real challenge.

What is the best white paint to cover dark walls?

Johnstone's Trade Acrylic Durable Matt Brilliant White

This provides a great finish, which is scrubbable and also offers great levels of opacity when you're looking to paint over a dark wall with a lighter colour.

Can you paint straight over dark paint?

Dark paint tends to show through lighter shades and requires additional coats of paint to cover it up. Although, it is possible to achieve a flawless look with the right prep work and paint products.

How many coats of paint to cover a dark color?

With primer, all you want is a thin coat -- the goal is no blank spots, but it's fine if the under layer is visible. Then two coats of paint. I recommend high-quality paint, but still do two coats because it's really hard to make sure you didn't miss any spots the first time around.

What happens if you don't primer before painting?

Without primer, the paint absorbs into the surface unevenly, leaving an inconsistent finish with patched areas showing through the final coat of paint.

Can I use white paint as undercoat?

Using white first will save a little bit on cost of materials. But again, a special wall primer over solid previously emulsion painted walls is absolutely not required in normal circumstances.

Should I sandpaper between coats of paint?

The end-goal for painting projects is to produce a very smooth finish: One way to achieve this is to lightly sand between each coat of primer and paint you apply using fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding between each coat of primer and paint is one way to achieve the best finish for any painting project.

Why does white paint not cover well?

The opacity of a paint is the ability to "hide" the surface underneath. Paints that have more hiding capacity are made with a "white" base which contains a larger combination of calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide.

How do you fix a bad first coat of paint?

To fix this, you can:
  1. Scrape the drips off with a paint scraper and/or sand the area until smooth. Patching may be necessary afterward, be careful as it may take off underlying paint. If severe enough, it may be easier to patch the whole area.
  2. Clean the area with a damp cloth.
  3. Repaint it.

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