Covering up a bad paint job

[HarpingOn]

Some years back some idiots decided it'd be a really great idea to paint a room in our house in aubergine, using that colour matching thing.

So, now it's blotchy, partially faded aubergine and looks terrible.

If I ever find out who's idea that was I'll ....

Anyway, how to cover this up in the easiest and cheapest way?

I've tried some tester pots from Dulux and Crown and they don't really cover very well. So I'm thinking it either needs treating, and/or undercoating first.

Walls, and ceiling need doing

But with what and how?

Ideally I'd like to only paint the room a maximum of twice.

Even an undercoat would probably look loads better than how it looks now.

Planning also on using paper coated polystyrene coving, so wall to ceiling edging shouldn't be a problem either.

Thanks!

[Adrian]

Lots and lots of coats of white. And then a couple more.

Hah. Good luck...

[newshound]

Heavy lining paper? Also makes rough old lath and plaster walls look a lot better.

[John Williamson]

Go to a trade outlet and ask for "obliterating emulsion" or "obliterating paint".

It may need three coats, but two will normally do the job. You can then paint over it any colour you wish.

Failing that, hack off and replaster. ;-)

[Steve Firth]

What he said.

I've had to do this often. Get a good quality white emulsion. Don't use those stupid paint pods the paint doesn't cover well. Crown solid emulsion applied with a roller worked well last time I had to do it. The emulsion that goes on pink and dries white was also good for cover.

Indeed, two coats of white you can get away with but at least three if another colour is wanted as the finish coat, possibly four.

[Roger Mills]

Why not cover it with thick wallpaper?

[Dave W]

I haven't tried it, but how about a coat of black paint followed by a coat of white?

[The Other Mike]

[The Medway Handyman]

Try one of the "one coat" emulsions. Wilkinsons is good & cheap.

[newshound]

Also, when you come to paint, I find paint pads faster than brush or roller. To see what experts can do with professional kit, google for air assisted airless spraying.

[S Viemeister]

I agree - I've been converted to paint pads, after years of using rollers.

[stuart noble]

Their brushes aren't bad either

[ajlocksmith52]

Replaster and start again.emergency locksmiths services leicester

[rbel]

The quickest painting solution would probably be Zinsser 123, available at most decorators merchants (eg Brewers), followed by the trade emulsion of your choice. It is quite expensive but it is very good.

[HarpingOn]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Now I need some tuits.

[meow2222]

Good quality emulsion. Glidden has good covering power.

NT