Should You Remove Old Paint Before Repainting?

Painting over already-painted walls can be more challenging and requires more steps and knowledge to pull off successfully. If done incorrectly, the new paint won't last long and can peel off with the slightest disturbance. Let's consider some tips about when and how to repaint a wall that already has paint on it.

Removing old paint

Unless the old paint is deteriorating and falling off the wall, chances are the underlying primer still works well to provide a good seal. In most cases, old paint can stay on the wall, and applying new colors in one or more coats will cover old designs completely. If the paint has deteriorated or is extremely old, the best way to ensure a good result is to remove it and start from scratch.

Same paint type and similar color

If the previous paint is the same type (oil-based, water-based, etc.) and has roughly the same color as the new paint, there's less of a need to remove it or cover it with a new primer. If the wall is clean and there are no signs of damage, the fresh paint will stick to the old one, effectively filling any minor gaps and refreshing it.

If the wall is damaged or the paint has started to wear off, it's best to patch up the damage. A new primer will be the best way to provide a stable base for the paint to latch on, even on the areas that already have paint on it. The primer can also cover more minor imperfections by itself. As an alternative, look for paints that contain primer in their formula. Self-priming paints might not be the same type as the paint currently on the wall, which can require additional painting steps.

Different paint types

If you're covering up paints that don't fare well with moisture (such as distemper), remove the old coats of paint and start with a blank wall. Similarly, oil-based paints might prove too difficult to paint over with water-based paints or latex paints.

In some cases, a special primer can act as a middle layer to allow different paint types to stick together. However, too many paint coats won't stay on the wall. Therefore, consider whether it already has varying paint layers underneath the existing one.

Different colors

If the paints are the same types, but the colors are radically different (or opposite), the only thing to do is to coat more layers than usual. If the underlying shade is darker than the new one, several coats may cover the old color entirely and let the fresh paint shine. Applying a primer beforehand might reduce the number of coats needed. Purchasing additional primers can cost more than paints, especially if some paint remains unused after the project; consider the budget an essential factor.

Get professional assistance

If you're unsure of the current wall paint or want to err on the side of caution, it's best to call in the professionals. They are likely experienced with a vast array of paint types and can provide answers and assistance to make the walls spotless.

M & B Painting, a Father-Son family-run business, has a proven record of Service Excellence in residential and commercial interior and exterior paint projects. Call us at 623-289-3366 for all of your painting needs!