painting over semi gloss or pearl sheen with flat - use primer?? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Zeebo · 11-21-2005, 12:26 PM

I have a client who has semi gloss and perl sheen (both latex) on their walls. Wants me to put 2 coats of flat latex. Walls are in good shape. Usually I would sand the walls very well and clean with amonia and water before applying flat latex. I would not (usually) use a primer unless smoke, water damage or changing from one dramatic colour to another.

However, another painter advised him to use primer (ie. zinnser) before applying the 2 coats of flat.

What do other painters do?? When you have a semi gloss or pearl sheen on the wall (again latex only).....would you apply primer first before the 2 coats of flat or eggshell paint??? Assume the walls are in good shape and require no skimming.

Please advise. Thanks.

Zeebo

Glasshousebltr · 11-21-2005, 12:45 PM

I'd prime, then hit it with eggshell. That should cover up real nice.

Bob

Zeebo · 11-21-2005, 06:42 PM

thanks for the info.

**ProWallGuy** · 11-21-2005, 07:06 PM

If its not much of a color change, I would do as you said. Sand it, clean it, paint it. Primer is an option in this case, not necessarily required.

nahudso · 11-21-2005, 08:10 PM

rough it up (pole sand) and paint it

AAPaint · 11-21-2005, 09:25 PM

I'm with these guys. Primer is only going to be a waste if the current paint coat is in good condition and shows no signs of adhesion problems. Pole sand is my favorite way to prep on repaints. Matter of factly, I just did an exterior from satin to flat one coat sprayed with no flashing problems what so ever. PWG would be proud to know I used one of his favorites, Moore Glo and it performed great. It was just a one coat maintenance paint job same color and it came out sweet....oh yeah, hardiboard siding.

**ProWallGuy** · 11-21-2005, 10:16 PM

Isn't the flat called MoorLife?

AAPaint · 11-22-2005, 07:21 AM

Yes, you're right, it was Moorlife....the shutters were MooreGlo! Doh....shows how often I use that stuff!

**slickshift** · 11-22-2005, 01:37 PM

I'd rough it up with a screen on a pole
No primer unless it was a real color change

Zeebo · 11-22-2005, 05:47 PM

thanks for the feeback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Rohland · 11-22-2005, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProWallGuy

If its not much of a color change, I would do as you said. Sand it, clean it, paint it. Primer is an option in this case, not necessarily required.

Might want to reconsider your sequence of events.

If you don't mind I'd like to recommend CLEANING before sanding and allow for adequate DRY-OUT TIME.

Then let's PRIME it.

PAINT IT.

NEXT JOB!

Tom
Ranger Painting

**ProWallGuy** · 11-22-2005, 07:18 PM

Yep, that would be true if I was doing a thorough, wet cleaning.
But the cleaning I was referring to above was meaning just to knock off the sanding dust. I never really 'clean' surfaces (wet method) unless its moldy, nicotine stained, or grease, etc. 90% of the surfaces don't need a wet clean. At least interior.

Zeebo · 11-22-2005, 07:57 PM

I agree with Prowaller....what I meant to say when I first started this thread is that "cleaning" means wiping off the dust. I would first sand and then wipe off the dust with a mop (ie. swifer...spelling?) or even a vacuum before painting or applying primer. I would rarely use a "wet clean" unless very dirty with grease. In fact many primers, such as Zinnser, allow direct application of primer to glossy surfaces without sanding....but the surface must be cleaned with amonia and water. (not TSP).

If I had the luxury of time and money, I would probably do a wet clean....let it dry.....sand.....and wipe off the sand and then paint. But the customer would probably not hire me because of the extra labor I would be charging them.

Thanks for the suggestion....always learning from this site.