Painting over paint swatches successfully requires proper preparation. Simply applying new paint may not fully cover the existing swatches, especially if multiple layers were applied.
Preparing the Surface
The key to effectively painting over paint swatches is surface preparation. Thick swatches create a noticeable buildup. Therefore, you must:
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Sand the area: Gently sand down the raised areas of the paint swatches. This reduces the uneven texture and ensures better adhesion for the new paint. The goal isn't to completely remove the swatch, but to smooth out any significant bumps or ridges. (Ref: "When you put two or three layers of sample paint in a square on the wall, you've created a buildup that's going to be noticeable even after you paint over it. Because of this, you're going to need to sand that area down before priming and painting it with the final color.")
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Prime the surface (optional but recommended): Priming helps to create a uniform surface for the topcoat and prevents the old paint colors from bleeding through. A tinted primer, roughly 75% the shade of your final paint, can further assist in coverage. (Ref: "Then I used a good quality primer tinted to 75% of the paint color on the whole room, then one coat of the main color in a good quality SW paint...") If the color difference is significant, priming is crucial. (Ref: "The only reason to use primer over the sample spots is to facilitate coverage. Depending on the color of the primer and the color of the finish...")
Painting the Swatches
After sanding and priming (if necessary), apply your chosen paint:
- Apply thin coats: Several thin coats of paint provide better coverage and reduce the chances of brush strokes and uneven textures than one thick coat. (Ref: Multiple sources imply the importance of multiple thin coats.)
- Allow for drying time: Ensure each coat of paint is completely dry before applying the next to guarantee complete coverage and proper adhesion. (Ref: "We painted a coat of primer over the whole wall and waited a day. Next, we painted two coats (half day between each) of eggshell on top of the primer.")
- Consider a covering primer: Products like Kilz are designed to neutralize existing colors and improve coverage. (Ref: "Try painting over with a product called Kilz, which is designed to neutralize exactly this sort of thing.")
Alternative Approaches
For minor touch-ups or if you prefer avoiding extensive sanding and priming, you might consider:
- Multiple coats of high-quality paint: Using two or more coats of a high-quality, high-pigment paint might adequately cover the swatches, particularly if the color difference isn't substantial.
Remember, proper surface preparation is key to successfully painting over existing paint swatches. By sanding, priming (when needed), and applying multiple thin coats of paint, you can ensure a professional and flawless finish.
