How to Get Flat Paint to Cover Stains

Inspect and Prep

• 1

  Shine a bright light on the surface that you are going to paint. Look for variations in color, dull spots or spots that do not reflect light. These are likely stained or water-damaged areas, and they are not always visible under normal lighting conditions. They will, however, show through new paint and possibly prevent the new paint from adhering to the surface.

• 2

  Locate and mark other surface imperfections such as bumps, cracks and uneven texture. The flat paint should cover these on its own in addition to the stain or stains.

• 3

  Cover any items or areas that should not be exposed to paint and primer with masking tape and masking paper. Primer is prone to splattering, even more so than paint, so always error on the side of over-masking.

Prime

• 4

  Shake the primer vigorously for one to two minutes. Oil-based primers separate very quickly so you must blend them before each use by shaking or stirring.

• 5

  Pour a small amount of primer into a roller tray.

• 6

  Work the roller into the primer in the tray until you have completely covered it.

• 7

  Roll the primer over the stains in alternating diagonal motions. Blend the primer out away from the stain to make a gradual transition from the primed stain to the rest of the surface. If there are numerous stains on the surface, simply prime the entire area rather than try to spot prime every stain.

• 8

  Allow the primer to dry. Most primers dry very quickly at room temperature, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. You can apply an additional coat as soon as the first is dry. Additional coats will be necessary if any stain is visible through the primer, but in many cases, a single coat is sufficient.

Paint

• 9

  Shake the flat paint for one to two minutes. Unless you have stored the paint for an extended period of time a thorough stir should be just as effective on a latex paint.

• 10

  Pour a small amount of the paint into a roller tray.

• 11

  Work the roller into the paint, and begin rolling the paint on the walls. Each pass of the roller must overlap the previous for a smooth, even coat of paint.

• 12

  Cover as much of the surface as possible using the roller. For corners, edges and other areas that are difficult to reach, you will need to use a paintbrush. At the end of each brush stroke continue moving in the direction of your strokes while lifting the brush off the surface. This will prevent excess paint from building up at the end of the strokes and will minimize brush marks.

• 13

  Flat paint will take longer to dry than the primer. Some flat paints will dry in as little as one to two hours, but it is best to wait a full eight hours at room temperature to make sure the entire coat is dry. Inspect the surface for any signs of the stains or uneven paint application and apply another coat if needed.