Our walls are painted a strong colour (lime green, blue, mint). How do you turn them pure white without the old shade showing through?

Bold wall colours — such as lime green, bright blue or mint — often make rooms feel smaller and darker, especially once they pick up scuffs, picture-hook holes or peelingPeeling paintWhen paint loses its grip and lifts off in flakes or sheets. It is almost always a sign of a problem underneath, usually damp or poor preparation. patches. Returning to white brightens the flat immediately, but takes proper preparation so the old colour does not bleed through.

Before the first white coat goes on, the surface must be sound and smooth. Anywhere the old paint is lifting is scraped back to a firm edge, and all corners, holes and cracksCrackA split or gap in render, concrete, a wall, a coating or wood. Fine cracks are usually only on the surface; ones that grow, keep reopening or run diagonally need attention. are filled and sandedSandingSmoothing a surface with sandpaper or a power sander to remove bumps, loose old paint or gloss, so the new paint or varnish grips well and comes out smooth..

The first coat of white breaks the strength of the old colour and highlights any tiny blemishes. Once dry, the finishing coats bring the walls to a clean, even white under any light.