Interior painting problems

Covering Stains, Grease, Graffiti, and Problem Surfaces.

Most folks find out about stains and problem surfaces after it is too late -- during, or after they are done, painting. Repeated coats of paint won't cover properly because the problem areas bleed through the new paint.
Special Problem Areas
Old paint, oil or lead based
Grease, oil, mold, or mildew
Graffiti, ball point ink, permanent markers, paint
Bad plaster, crumbling or water damaged
Old oil and lead base paints often used special pigments that bleed through new latex paints. Light colors might not bleed at all while some darker colors cannot be covered even with several coats of paint. You can test a small area, let it dry for 24 hours, and check for coverage.

To seal the old paint, you need to use a special primer. Normally, it will be an oil base primer especially made to cover oil base paint before painting with latex paint. Be sure to get one designed for this purpose. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying the first coat of paint.
Grease, oil, mold, or mildew should be cleaned with a household clearner first. Next, clean with a solution made for use before painting, such as Soilax. You can purchase it at a paint or hardware store. After the soiled areas are dry, paint them will a special primer designed for hiding these kind of spots.

Porters--Stay-Kill--primer works well. You can prime the entire surface, or just cover up the soiled areas. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying the first coat of paint.
Graffiti, ball point ink, permanent markers, and paint can be covered with a special primer designed for hiding these kinds of spots. Porters Stay-Kill primer works well. You need to cover the soiled areas. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying a second coat of primer or the first coat of paint.
Bad plaster, crumbling or water damaged needs to be cleaned first. Use a scrub brush and water to remove all the loose plaster. If there's extensive damage, you should repair the damaged plaster, too. Water damage causes some of the chemicals in plaster to bleed through new paint. It's a good idea to use a primer like Porters Stay-Kill before painting. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying a second coat of primer or the first coat of paint.

Painting tips . . .
Buy good quality paint. Porters are one of the brands that are good, however, other name brands are good, too, and have similar types of primers and paints.
In kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas, use a "latex enamel" paint which is more waterproof and can be cleaned easily
Allow plenty of drying time for a primer, and between each coat of paint. Getting in a hurry might end up with a poor finish, or require an additional coat of paint
If you're trying to get by with just one coat of paint, don't apply it to heavy. If a second coat is needed, you will have wasted paint
If you plan to use two coats of paint, don't put the first coat on too thin. Two even coats will look better and last longer
Be sure you have plenty of ventilation. If you're painting your home, plan to does it during warm weather so you can leave the windows open during, and for several days after, painting?