If you’re thinking about refreshing your walls and they currently have a silk finish, you’re probably wondering how to paint over silk paint the right way. Silk paint, known for its shiny, smooth surface, can be a bit tricky to cover with a new coat—especially if you want a matte or eggshell finish instead. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
What Is Silk Paint?
Before diving into how to paint over silk paint, it’s important to understand what silk paint actually is. Silk paint is a type of emulsion with a slightly glossy or shiny finish. It reflects light, which makes it great for smaller rooms or darker spaces as it can make them feel brighter and more open. It’s also often used in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms because it’s more durable and easier to wipe clean than matte paints.
However, that glossy surface is also what makes it a bit of a problem when it comes time to repaint. Paint doesn’t stick well to shiny finishes, which is why you can’t simply slap a new coat on top and hope for the best.
Why You Can’t Just Paint Over It
Painting over silk paint without the proper preparation can lead to peeling, uneven coverage, or streaky results. That’s because the smooth surface doesn’t give new paint anything to grip onto. You might also find that the new coat slides or doesn’t adhere evenly. If you’re switching to a less glossy paint like matte or eggshell, skipping prep work will almost always result in a patchy, disappointing finish.
So, if you’re aiming for a professional-looking paint job, prepping the wall properly is the most important step—and honestly, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Step 1: Clean the Walls
The first thing you’ll want to do is give your walls a good clean. Silk paint tends to attract dust, grease, and general household grime over time, especially in kitchens or near radiators. Use a sponge or cloth with warm water and a mild detergent to scrub the walls. Rinse off any soap residue with clean water and allow the wall to dry completely. This step might seem basic, but it’s critical. Painting over a dirty wall can prevent paint from adhering properly and may cause bubbling or flaking down the road.
Step 2: Lightly Sand the Surface
Once the wall is clean and dry, it’s time to rough up the surface a little. This is what will allow your new paint to stick. Use a fine-to-medium grit sandpaper (around 120 to 180 grit) and lightly sand the entire surface of the wall. You don’t need to remove the paint completely—just dull the gloss enough so that it feels a bit rough to the touch. After sanding, wipe the wall down with a damp cloth to remove dust.
This is one of the most important steps in how to paint over silk paint. Skipping sanding or doing a poor job here can cause your fresh coat to fail.
Step 3: Apply a Suitable Primer
Primer is your best friend when painting over silk paint, especially if you’re switching finishes. A good bonding primer will create a stable surface for the new paint to adhere to and prevent any old gloss from seeping through. Choose a high-quality multi-surface or stain-blocking primer, and make sure it’s suitable for use on previously painted surfaces.
Apply the primer evenly using a roller or brush, and be sure to cover every inch of the wall. Allow it to dry thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 4–6 hours, or overnight to be safe. If you’re going from a very dark or bold silk paint color to something lighter, you may even need two coats of primer to fully neutralize the base color.
Step 4: Time to Paint
Once your primer has dried, it’s time for the fun part—painting! You can now use any type of emulsion paint you like, whether it’s matte, satin, eggshell, or even another layer of silk if you prefer that look. Use a good-quality roller for large areas and a brush for edges and corners. Two coats of paint are usually enough for an even, professional-looking finish, but always read the paint tin for guidance.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. This will help you avoid streaks and patchiness.
Extra Tips for the Best Results
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when figuring out how to paint over silk paint:
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Test first: If you’re unsure whether your paint will stick well, do a small test patch before tackling the entire wall.
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Ventilation is key: Open windows or use fans to help with drying times and reduce paint fumes.
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Use painter’s tape: This will help protect trim, ceilings, and other areas you don’t want to paint.
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Be patient: Don’t rush drying times between coats. If the primer or base coat isn’t dry, it can cause bubbling or poor adhesion.
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Don’t overload your brush or roller: Too much paint can lead to drips and uneven layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When painting over silk paint, many people make the same simple mistakes that can lead to frustration and a less-than-perfect finish. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Skipping the sanding step: This is the biggest mistake. Silk paint’s glossy finish needs to be dulled for new paint to stick.
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Using the wrong primer—or none at all: Regular primers won’t always work. Choose one made for tough-to-paint surfaces.
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Painting too soon after washing the walls: Moisture can get trapped under the paint and cause peeling. Let the wall dry completely.
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Only using one coat of paint: Even the best paints often need two coats for full coverage and rich color.
What If You Want to Keep the Silk Finish?
If you like the shiny appearance and easy-clean nature of silk paint, you can absolutely repaint with silk again. The process is still the same: clean, sand, prime, and paint. The key difference is that if you’re using silk over silk, you may not need a primer, especially if you’re not changing color dramatically. However, sanding is still recommended to help the new paint bond properly.
Final Thoughts
Painting over silk paint might seem like a bit of extra work compared to a regular repaint, but it’s totally manageable with the right approach. The glossy nature of silk paint means you’ll need to spend some time prepping—cleaning, sanding, and priming—but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re after a soft matte finish or just refreshing your current silk coating, following the proper steps will give you a clean, durable, and professional-looking finish.
Now that you know how to paint over silk paint the right way, you can take on your next DIY project with confidence. Just remember: the prep is just as important as the paint itself. Take your time, use the right materials, and you’ll end up with walls that look fresh and flawless.