Painting Over Stains

However, it is not as simple as just slapping a new coat of paint over the discoloration.  Many stains are oil-based, so the paint will not stick to the wall in that area.  You may also have a problem if you are trying to cover a dark stain or ink mark with white paint.  Fortunately, with a bit of preparation ahead of time, even the most stubborn stains can effectively be covered over with paint.

Of course, any painting job requires a certain amount of preparation.  Safety equipment such as coveralls, gloves, face masks, and goggles should be inspected for any tears or cracks before you head to the home improvement store for your materials.  Make sure to cover any areas you do not wish to paint by using plastic dropcloths and masking tape.  There is also specialized painter's tape that is a bit sturdier, but less adhesive so it will repel paint while remaining easy to remove at the end of the job.

Clean the walls or ceilings thoroughly to remove any oil, dirt, and debris that may mix with the paint you are about to apply.  Be sure to dust the walls before using any wet cleaning products.  Start cleaning from the bottom of the wall and work your way up toward the top so that you do not have any drips on your freshly cleaned surface.  Let everything dry completely before applying your coats of primer or paint.  You do not want to trap moisture under the paint as this may lead to mold and mildew problems in the future.

After giving the wall a general cleaning, you must treat the stains so that they can be painted over.  Ink stains should be covered up by using white correction fluid.  Try to keep the fluid as smooth and flush with the wall as possible.  Let it dry, then sand down any bulges caused by the applicator or bubbles in the fluid itself.  Small water stains can also be covered up with correction fluid or white shoe polish.  Larger water stains may require treatment with a bleaching solution.  Dilute hydrogen peroxide in a large bucket of water so that it is about 3-5% strength, then use a long-handled mop to clean hard-to-reach ceilings and corners.

Oily stains should be covered up with a sealant before they can be primed and painted.  Otherwise, the paint will simply slip off of that area, leaving the stain plainly visible.  Clear varnish will also work as a sealer to keep the oily surface away from your new paint.  Crayon marks are often waxy and oily and should be treated in a similar manner.  You may be able to remove the crayon stain with dry cleaning solvent or foaming bathtub cleaner.  If neither of these remove the marks, you will probably have to seal and paint over the stains.