Painting Over Eggshell Paint

Tape a 5-by-7 inch vertical rectangle at eye level on a section of the wall that has the eggshell paint using strips of painter’s tape. Mix 8 ounces of sugar and 8 ounces of tap water in a plastic container with a spoon. Moisten a sponge in the mixture. Wipe the area of the wall contained by the painter’s tape with the moistened sponge.

Wring out the sponge. Moisten the sponge with tap water. Wipe the area of the wall inside the painter’s tape with the moistened sponge. Wring out the sponge and repeat the procedure two more times. Let the area air-dry for two hours.

Place an edge of a piece of fine-grit sandpaper against the upper left corner inside the taped area. Press the edge against the wall as you drag it down the wall. Stop when you reach the taped area. Place the edge against the wall next to where you first started and repeat the procedure. Continue to do this until you have sanded the entire area inside the painter’s tape. Wipe the area clear of dust with a water-moistened paper towel. Let the area air-dry for an hour.

Dip a brush in the paint that will cover the eggshell paint. Place the brush against the upper left corner inside the area contained by the painter’s tape. Apply a downward brush stroke until you come to the tape. Reapply paint to the brush.

Place the brush at the top of the rectangle, next to the area just painted. Apply a downward brush stroke in the same manner as was just done. Repeat this procedure until the entire area inside the painter’s tape is covered with paint. Let the paint air-dry.

Apply another coating of paint to the wall in the same manner following the same process. Stand in front of the painted area to see that the eggshell paint is not longer visible. Stand at a 45 degree angle to the painted area and confirm that the sheen of the eggshell paint can not be seen. It the finish has been covered, use the process to paint the entire wall to cover the eggshell paint.