Whether you’re repainting your home’s interiors or just touching up a few walls, choosing the right paint can significantly impact your results. But what happens when you want to switch from eggshell to flat? Can you paint flat over eggshell?
Painting flat over eggshell is possible with proper preparation and attention to detail. Prepare the surface by cleaning it with a mild detergent. Sand down the area to create a smooth base for painting. Finally, add a coat or two of primer before painting with flat paint.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 4 factors to consider when painting flat over eggshell
- How to paint over eggshell with flat paint
- 6 tips for achieving a smooth and even finish
The 4 Factors to Consider When Painting Flat Over Eggshell
1. Surface Condition
The first factor to consider when painting over eggshell paint is the condition of the painted surface. If the surface is rough, flaky, or otherwise damaged, you may need to repair it before painting with flat paint. This could involve filling cracks, smoothing out bumps, and sanding down any areas that are uneven.
2. Surface Preparation
Before painting flat over eggshell, it is essential to ensure that the surface is clean and smooth. Any dirt, grease, or debris on the walls can affect adhesion and create an uneven finish.
Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash your walls, and then rinse with clean water. Allow the walls to dry completely before priming and painting.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity can also have an effect on painting flat over eggshell. If the temperature is too low or the humidity too high, the paint may not adhere properly and may cause bubbling or peeling. Make sure to check your local weather forecast before starting any painting project.
4. Application Technique
Finally, the application technique is also important. You may need to use a brush, roller, or sprayer depending on the type of paint you are using and the size of the area you are painting. Make sure to follow the directions provided with your paint for the best results.
How to Paint Over Eggshell With Flat Paint
Tools and Materials
- Zinsser’s B-I-N Primer-Sealer
- Flat paint
- Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit)
- Sanding block
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Tack cloth
Step 1: Prepare and Protect the Surrounding Areas
The first step in painting flat over eggshell is to prepare and protect the surrounding areas. This includes removing all hardware from the walls or any other surfaces you are planning to paint, such as knobs and handles, light switch covers, electrical outlets, etc. Removing these items is important so you can properly clean and prime the surface.
Next, put down a drop cloth to cover any furniture or flooring. This will help protect them from spills and splatters during the painting process.
Apply painter’s tape along the edges of any trim, ceiling, or baseboards to ensure a crisp line. Finally, clean the walls with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Once the walls have been prepared, it’s time to clean them. Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove any grease or oil that may be present. Rinse the walls with clean water and allow them to dry completely before beginning the painting process.
Can I use TSP to clean the walls?
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a powerful cleaner typically used to remove dirt, grease, and grime from hard surfaces. However, it should not be used when painting flat over eggshell because of its strong properties. TSP can strip away too much of the paint and may even damage underlying surfaces.
Step 3: Repair and Sand
If there are any cracks, dents, or other imperfections in the walls, they should be repaired before painting. Use a putty knife to fill in any holes with a high-quality spackling compound.
Once dry, sand down the area until it is smooth. Be sure to use 120-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit to create a smooth finish. Wipe down the walls with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
Step 4: Remove the Gloss Layer
When painting flat over eggshell, removing the gloss layer before beginning the process is important. This is because the glossy surface of eggshell paint reflects light and will result in a streaky finish if not removed before painting. Removing the gloss layer also allows for better adhesion of the new paint, resulting in a longer-lasting finish.
The traditional way of removing the gloss layer is to sand down the walls starting with 120 grit sandpaper and moving up to 220 grit. This will smooth out the surface and create an even finish.
Can You Paint Over Eggshell Without Sanding?
You can paint over eggshell without sanding by using a liquid deglosser or paint stripper. These products are applied before priming and do not require sanding to remove the glossy layer of paint.
They are also effective in removing dirt, grease, and grime that may be present on the walls before painting. However, following the directions provided with these products is important for optimal results.
Step 5: Prime the Walls
Once the walls have been prepared and cleaned, it’s time to prime them. I recommend using a high-quality primer such as Zinsser’s B-I-N Primer-Sealer.
This will help ensure the paint adheres properly to the walls and provide extra protection against any moisture. Allow the primer to dry completely before beginning the painting process.
Step 6: Paint the Walls
Once the walls have been primed and dry, you can begin painting them. Start by cutting in around the edges of the trim and baseboards using a paintbrush.
Once that is complete, roll on your paint using a roller. Apply 2-3 coats of paint, allowing each one to dry completely before applying the next.
Step 7: Inspect and Clean Up
Once the painting is complete, inspect the walls for missed spots or drips. If necessary, touch up these areas with a brush. Finally, clean up any spilled paint and remove the painter’s tape from around the edges of the trim and baseboards.
6 Tips for Achieving a Smooth and Even Finish
- To avoid lap marks when painting, roll the full height of the wall in one go from top to bottom. This will help create an even finish across the entire wall.
- When applying paint, use a brush to get into tight corners and edges, then use a roller to cover larger areas quickly and evenly. Move the brush or roller in a side-to-side motion for best results.
- Use natural lighting when painting. This will help you spot any flaws or imperfections in your work and give you a better idea of the finished look.
- Clean any spills immediately with a damp cloth to avoid staining and discoloration.
- After the first coat dries, sand it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the second coat for better adhesion and a smoother finish.
- Using a roller, use the W technique. Start in the corner of the section and roll up and down in a W shape, then fill in the W without lifting the roller. This helps create an even finish.