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How to Cover Up Black Paint?

Published in Painting Techniques 3 mins read

To effectively cover up black paint, using the right products and techniques is key.

Understanding the Challenge

Black paint, due to its high pigment concentration, is one of the most difficult colors to cover. It often requires multiple coats of paint to achieve full coverage, potentially leading to a lot of time and effort.

Effective Solutions

Here's how to best cover up black paint:

  • Primer is Crucial: You must use a high-quality primer. A regular paint alone will likely struggle to cover the black. The best choice is an all-in-one Primer and Sealer, which does a great job of blocking the dark color and preparing the surface for the new paint.
  • Tinted Primer: Don't use pure white primer. This will require even more coats of your top coat. Tint the primer in a light grey. Light grey is a great base to transition to lighter colors. According to the provided reference, colors like Seagull Grey are excellent choices. You could also use Ultra Pure White from the Behr Marquee line.
  • Choose the Right Paint: Select a high-quality paint. Behr Marquee is mentioned in the reference as a good option.
  • Multiple Coats: Even with a tinted primer, you will probably need two or more coats of your chosen paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This is crucial to achieving an even, opaque finish.

Recommended Paint Colors

The provided reference suggests that, if you are aiming for white, Behr’s Polar Bear Tint is a good option for warmer whites and Behr’s White for cooler whites. Here's a brief table to summarize color suggestions.

Color Type Recommended Colors
Light Grey Seagull Grey
White Ultra Pure White (Behr Marquee)
Warmer White Polar Bear Tint (Behr)
Cooler White White (Behr)

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Clean the Surface: Make sure your walls are free of dirt and grime.
  2. Apply Tinted Primer: Apply an even coat of your grey tinted all-in-one primer and sealer.
  3. Allow to Dry: Let the primer dry completely per the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Apply First Coat of Paint: Start with your chosen paint color and apply a full coat.
  5. Allow to Dry: Once again, allow it to fully dry.
  6. Apply Second Coat of Paint: Apply the final coat of your paint for complete coverage.
  7. Inspect and Touch Up: If any spots are still visible, touch them up.

By following these steps, you can successfully cover black paint and achieve a new look for your space.