Revive Dull Walls: Low-Sheen Paint Fixes

Sheen uniformity issues, such as dull or shiny spots, can occur due to various factors, including inconsistent gloss levels, poor application techniques, or a lack of primer. To fix dull areas with low sheen paint, you can try several methods. Firstly, ensure that new surfaces are primed or sealed before the topcoat is applied to create a uniformly porous surface. Secondly, use enough paint to adequately cover the entire surface, and apply it with a soft, even rolling motion using a roller brush designed for the specific surface. Additionally, consider using a high-quality water-based enamel paint and apply it from wet to dry to prevent lapping. If these methods do not improve the dull areas, you may need to apply an additional coat of paint to even out sheen irregularities.

How to fix dull areas with low sheen paint

Use a roller for touch-ups to hide brush marks

When fixing dull areas with low sheen paint, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to avoid unsightly blotches. To achieve a seamless touch-up, use a roller to hide brush marks and follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have the same paint that was originally used on the wall, or a similar colour if the exact paint is unavailable. If you are using latex paint, add water to about 5-10% of the paint's volume to thin it out, and for oil-based paints, use turpentine or mineral spirits in the same quantity. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific thinning guidelines. Thinning the paint will help it blend better, but it will also lighten the colour, so be sure to test it on a small area first.

Next, prepare the area by cleaning the wall with a damp sponge and then drying it with a clean cloth. Remove any dirt, grease, or grime, and fill in small holes or gouges with a spackling compound. It is important to start with a smooth, clean surface to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Now, it's time to load your roller with paint. Use just enough paint to cover the touch-up area. Start in the middle and work your way out to the edges. Without adding more paint to the roller, feather the edges by making light strokes that extend slightly beyond the touch-up area onto the surrounding wall. This technique helps create a seamless blend between the new and old paint, ensuring that the touch-up spot blends in naturally.

When using the roller, apply the paint with a soft, even rolling motion, ensuring you use enough paint to effectively cover the area. Smaller rollers are generally recommended for touch-ups as they offer more control and precision. By following these steps and using a roller for touch-ups, you can effectively hide brush marks and create a uniform finish on your walls.

Ensure the wall is clean and dust-free

To ensure the wall is clean and dust-free, start by removing any furniture or items that are against the wall, as well as any wall hangings and nails. Then, use a dust mop or long-handled duster to dust the walls, starting from the top and working your way down to remove dust and cobwebs. If there are any stubborn spots, use a new damp cloth with a mild cleaning agent to gently rub and remove the marks. For kitchen walls, use a light degreaser or a mild dish soap and water solution to remove grease stains. If there are crayon marks, use trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a similar product. For mould or mildew, use a bleach and water solution, being sure to wear protective gloves and goggles. After cleaning, use a fresh cloth and clean water to rinse off any cleaning agents. Finally, allow the walls to dry completely before painting—24 hours is recommended.

Prime/seal new surfaces before the top coat

When it comes to fixing dull areas with low sheen paint, priming and sealing new surfaces before the top coat is a crucial step. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a successful outcome:

Prepare the Surface:

Before applying any primer or sealer, it is essential to prepare the surface thoroughly. Start by filling any cracks, vugs, voids, and nail holes with an appropriate filler or caulk. Ensure the surface is clean and free of debris, dirt, and organic growth. If there is existing paint, remove any loose or peeling paint and spot-prime those areas, feathering into the solidly adhering paint. For glossy and hard surfaces, including unpainted wood, roughen the surface with sandpaper to create a better adhesion for the primer.

Choose the Right Primer or Sealer:

Select a primer or sealer that is compatible with the surface you are working on. For example, if you are working with unsealed masonry, concrete, or wood, an ultra-high-performance clear acrylic sealer and primer like Prime-N-Seal® #1 100 VOC can be an excellent choice. It provides excellent adhesion, reduces peeling, and dries quickly with a clear finish.

Application Techniques:

The application technique will depend on the specific product you are using. Generally, spray application followed by back-rolling or back-brushing improves adhesion and helps force the primer into cracks and gaps. For small cracks, turn the spray pattern parallel to the crack, fully saturate, and then back-roll or back-brush. Repeat this process several times, allowing adequate drying time between applications. For larger areas, flood the surface with the primer and then immediately back-roll.

Drying and Recoating:

Allow sufficient drying time between coats. For example, with Prime-N-Seal®, the manufacturer recommends a drying time of 2 hours before recoating. For full flood coat applications, extend the drying time to 2-4 hours between coats. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying and recoating guidelines.

Water Testing for Masonry:

If you are sealing masonry surfaces, it is important to perform a water test after the second coat has cured for 72 hours. Flood the surface with water and look for areas that darken, indicating the need for more Prime & Seal®. This step is crucial for ensuring that the sealer is effective and that water migration is not occurring.

By following these detailed instructions, you can effectively prime and seal new surfaces before applying the top coat, ensuring a uniform and durable finish.

Use enough paint to cover the wall

To fix dull areas with low sheen paint, it is important to use enough paint to cover the wall. This means ensuring that there is sufficient paint to effectively cover every inch of the surface being painted. Not using enough paint can lead to inconsistent gloss levels, resulting in shiny or dull spots, also known as "flashing".

When touching up painted walls, it is essential to use enough paint to match the coverage of the original coat. If too little paint is used, it can result in shiny patches where the touch-up was made. This is often due to the paint being absorbed more into the surface, causing the sheen and durability to differ from the original coat.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use a roller brush specifically designed for the surface being painted. Apply the paint with a soft, even rolling motion, ensuring that every inch of the wall is covered evenly. This will help to maintain a consistent sheen across the entire surface.

Additionally, new substrates should be primed or sealed before applying the topcoat to ensure a uniformly porous surface. Without priming or sealing, the paint may absorb unevenly, leading to variations in sheen. By using enough paint and following these recommended steps, you can effectively cover the wall and achieve a uniform finish.

In some cases, if the sheen difference is noticeable, it may be necessary to repaint the entire wall to ensure a consistent finish. This can help create a uniform appearance, especially when viewed from different angles or lighting conditions. By using enough paint and following proper painting techniques, you can avoid dull areas and achieve the desired low sheen finish.

Use a roller brush designed for the surface

When fixing dull areas with low sheen paint, it is important to consider the application technique. Using a roller brush designed for the surface you are painting is crucial to achieving a uniform finish. Sheen differences can occur when different application techniques are used, such as mixing spraying, brushing, or rolling. To avoid this, ensure that you use the appropriate roller for the specific surface.

When touching up painted walls, using the same roller that was initially used can help prevent shiny patches. If you are unable to access the original roller, it is recommended to use a roller with a low nap. This will help to hide any touch-ups and ensure a consistent finish across the surface.

Additionally, it is important to prepare the surface properly before applying the paint. New surfaces should be primed or sealed before the topcoat is applied to ensure a uniform porous surface. Proper preparation will help to prevent the need for excessive touch-ups and will result in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

By following these guidelines and using a roller brush designed for the specific surface, you can effectively fix dull areas with low sheen paint and achieve a uniform and desirable finish. Remember that the appropriate tools and preparation are key to achieving the best results.

If you are unable to completely eliminate the dull areas, there are a few alternative solutions you can consider. One option is to use a microfiber towel or a mild eraser to gently dull the shiny spots, creating a more consistent appearance. However, it is important to test these methods on a small area first to ensure they do not cause any damage to the surface. In some cases, a complete repaint may be necessary to achieve the desired uniformity.

Frequently asked questions