What Is the Hardest Wall Colour to Paint Over?

Some wall colours look fine when first applied but cause problems later during repainting. The issue usually isn’t skill. It’s pigment strength, contrast, and how the original paint reacts under lighter colours. Knowing which colours are hardest to cover helps avoid wasted paint, extra coats, and uneven results.

Why Certain Colours Cause Problems

Paint coverage depends on how much pigment is already on the wall. Dark or highly saturated colours tend to show through lighter paints, even after multiple coats. Contrast plays a role too. The greater the difference between the old and new colour, the harder it is to get a consistent finish.

Other factors include paint quality and wall condition. Older or cheaper paint often absorbs new coats unevenly, which makes coverage harder.

Colours That Are Hardest to Paint Over

Red

Red is consistently the most difficult colour to cover. The pigment remains visible under light paint and often leaves a warm or pink undertone. Without primer, repainting red usually takes more coats than expected.

Dark Blue and Navy

Deep blues absorb light and create strong contrast. Lighter colours often look streaky unless the surface is sealed first. Navy walls usually require primer and multiple finish coats.

Dark Green

Green pigment tends to linger under whites and greys. Without preparation, the result often looks dull or muddy. This is common in older feature walls.

Purple

Purple combines red and blue pigment, which makes it hard to neutralise. When painted over, it can leave a cool or grey tint that shows through lighter colours.

Black and Charcoal

Black doesn’t bleed colour, but its depth makes coverage difficult. Light paint struggles to look even without a primer layer underneath.

Bright and Saturated Colours

Bright yellow, orange, and pink can also be difficult. Yellow is known for poor coverage and often needs extra coats, even over neutral colours. These shades reflect light unevenly, which makes patchiness more noticeable.

Why Primer Matters

Primer blocks old colour and gives the new paint a neutral base. It also improves adhesion and reduces the number of finish coats needed. Skipping primer usually leads to extra work and inconsistent results.

For dark walls, painters often use tinted primer to reduce contrast. This speeds up coverage and helps achieve an even finish.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Poor Results

Most repainting issues come from rushing preparation or cutting costs.

Common problems include:

Painting light colours directly over dark walls
Using low-quality paint
Applying coats too thinly
Not allowing proper drying time

These mistakes often result in visible patches and repainting the same area again.

When Repainting Becomes Less Straightforward

Strong colours take more effort to cover, especially in large rooms or areas with natural light. High ceilings and textured walls add another layer of difficulty. Small inconsistencies become more noticeable once the paint dries.

Experienced painters understand how many coats are needed, which primers work best, and how to avoid flashing and streaks.

Final Notes

Red is the hardest wall colour to paint over, followed by dark blue, green, purple, and black. These colours aren’t impossible to cover, but they do require proper preparation and the right products.

If you’re repainting bold or dark walls and want a consistent finish without trial and error, it helps to get professional advice. Properties Unlimited Group can assess the surface and recommend the right approach before work starts, saving time and unnecessary repainting.