Critical Facts
- •Expect 3-4 coats minimum without proper prep
- •Tinted primer reduces to 1 primer + 2 finish coats
- •Gray primer works for most dark-to-light transitions
- •Coverage is 200-300 sq ft/gal over dark colors (vs 400 sq ft normal)
Why Dark Colors Show Through
Light paint has low hiding power. Dark pigments are concentrated and visible through multiple coats of light paint.
Paint Opacity Facts:
- • Light colors: Titanium dioxide (white pigment) has limited hiding power
- • Dark colors: Concentrated pigments show through easily
- • Result: Dark base bleeds through thin light coats
- • Solution: Block dark color with neutral barrier coat (primer)
Professional 3-Coat Method
Prep & Clean Walls
TSP or deglosser removes oils and flattens sheen for better adhesion.
- • Wash with TSP solution (1/4 cup per gallon water)
- • Rinse thoroughly and let dry 24 hours
- • Light sand if surface is glossy (220-grit)
- • Fill any holes or cracks
Apply Tinted Primer
This is the key step. Use primer tinted to 50% of final color or medium gray.
Primer Color Selection:
- • Going to white/cream: Light gray primer
- • Going to beige/tan: Medium gray primer
- • Going to pastel colors: Tint primer 50% toward final color
- • Red walls to light color: Use gray primer (not white!)
Application:
- • Roll in "W" pattern for even coverage
- • Don't overwork - one pass is enough
- • Dry time: 2-4 hours (check label)
- • Coverage: 250-350 sq ft per gallon over dark colors
First Finish Coat
Apply first coat of finish paint. Coverage will be reduced over dark base.
- • Use quality paint - cheap paint requires more coats
- • Coverage: 300-350 sq ft per gallon (first coat over primer)
- • Dry time: 2-4 hours minimum between coats
- • Don't panic if you see slight show-through - that's normal
Second Finish Coat
Final coat provides uniform color and full coverage.
- • Wait full dry time from first coat (usually 4 hours)
- • Coverage: 350-400 sq ft per gallon (second coat)
- • This coat should provide full hide
- • Cure time: 30 days for full durability
Material Requirements: 400 sq ft Room
❌Without Primer
Materials Needed:
- • 3-4 gallons finish paint
- • Cost: $135-180 (@ $45/gal)
Time Required:
- • 4 separate painting sessions
- • 3-4 days total time
- • More labor hours
Frustrating process with uncertain results
✓With Tinted Primer
Materials Needed:
- • 1.5 gallons primer ($38)
- • 2 gallons finish paint ($90)
- • Total cost: $128
Time Required:
- • 3 painting sessions
- • 2-3 days total time
- • Less labor
Save money, time, and frustration
Specific Color Challenges
Red Walls
Red is the hardest color to cover. Red pigments are extremely concentrated and bleed through aggressively.
Solution:
- • Use oil-based primer OR shellac primer for best blocking
- • Water-based primer alone won't fully block red
- • Tint primer medium gray (never white)
- • Expect 1 primer + 2-3 finish coats
Orange/Rust
Orange pigments also bleed readily. Similar challenge to red.
Solution:
- • Gray-tinted oil-based or shellac primer
- • 2 coats primer may be necessary for deep oranges
- • Then 2 finish coats
Purple/Navy
Dark blues and purples are easier than red but still require proper primer.
Solution:
- • Standard water-based primer works fine
- • Tint primer light-medium gray
- • 1 primer + 2 finish coats standard
Dark Gray/Black
Surprisingly easier than red. Gray pigments don't bleed as aggressively.
Solution:
- • Use white or light gray primer
- • Standard water-based primer sufficient
- • 1 primer + 2 finish coats
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using white primer over dark colors
White primer provides poor hide over dark colors. Use gray or tinted primer instead.
Skipping primer entirely
"Paint and primer in one" cannot block dark colors effectively. You'll need 4+ coats and still may have issues.
Not allowing proper dry time
Rushing between coats leads to poor adhesion and peeling. Wait the full recommended dry time.
Using cheap paint
Low-quality paint has poor hiding power. You'll need extra coats, negating any cost savings.
Calculate Paint Requirements
Our calculator factors in reduced coverage rates for dark-to-light transitions and includes proper primer amounts.
Calculate Materials Needed →