How to Paint Over Stains and Discoloured Walls

March 5, 2025

Say Goodbye to Stains: How to Paint Over Discoloured Walls Like a Pro

Ever walked into a room and spotted an unsightly stain staring right back at you? Water spots, smoke discolouration, or even the delightful masterpiece left behind by sticky little fingers—whatever the cause, stains have a sneaky way of making walls look tired and neglected. But don’t stress, because with the right approach, you can get rid of the problem and give your space a fresh new start.

Identify the Stain Before You Paint

Before grabbing a brush, take a moment to figure out what kind of stain you’re dealing with. Some stains, like watermarks, could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a leak. Fix the source of the problem first. Other stains, like nicotine discoloration or pen marks, just need the right prep work to ensure they don’t bleed through fresh paint. Knowing what you're up against makes all the difference in choosing the best plan of attack.

Prepare the Wall Like a Pro

Great results start with proper preparation. No shortcuts allowed!

Clean the area – Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove grease, dirt, or dust. For stubborn stains like mould or nicotine, a specialised cleaner may be needed.
Sand lightly – If the stain has left a rough texture, give it a gentle sand to even things out.
Check for peeling paint – Scrape off any loose paint to create a smooth, lasting finish.

Seal the Stain Before Painting

Here’s the crucial step: sealing the stain to stop it from showing through your fresh paint. Without this, stains can bleed through even multiple coats. A high-quality undercoat, like Haymes Paint Ultraseal, makes all the difference. This premium water-based Acrylic Sealer Undercoat is designed for both interior and exterior use. It dries fast, sands beautifully, and provides superb coverage. Best of all, it acts as a barrier to stubborn stains, helping ensure a flawless topcoat.

Time to Repaint

Once your undercoat is dry, you're ready to bring in the magic with a new layer of paint.

Choose a paint type that suits the space – Low sheen works well for living rooms, while semi-gloss or gloss is ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Use quality brushes and rollers to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Apply at least two coats for consistent coverage, allowing each layer to dry properly.

Keep Your Fresh Paint Looking Great

Now that your walls are looking their best, keep them that way by dealing with new marks before they become a problem. Use gentle cleaners to wipe up spills and smudges as they happen. If a wall starts looking dull, a quick wipe with a damp cloth can do wonders.

Ready to Refresh Your Home?

Don’t let stubborn stains take over your walls. With a little prep, the right products, and patience, you can have crisp, beautiful spaces once again. Need help choosing the right sealer or topcoat? Drop into Strathalbyn H Hardware for expert advice and quality Haymes Paint products.

Happy painting!

Candeece