If you’re searching for painting companies near me in Falmouth, ME, you’ve probably got a room (or a whole house) that needs a fresh coat. But before you hire anyone, you might be wondering: should you paint over old paint, or does the old stuff need to come off first?

It’s a fair question. And the answer can save you money, or cost you big, depending on what you do next.

Let’s break it down so you can make a smart choice for your interior house painting project.

Key Takeaways

  • You can often paint over old paint, but only if the surface is clean, dry, and in good shape.
  • Peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint needs to be removed before repainting.
  • Primer is required when switching paint types or covering dark colors.
  • A professional house painter can assess your walls and recommend the right prep work.
  • Skipping proper prep leads to paint failure within 1-3 years.

When You Can Paint Over Old Paint

Good news: In many cases, you can paint right over existing paint. But there are conditions.

If your walls meet all of these criteria, painting over old paint is usually safe:

  • The old paint is firmly attached to the wall.
  • There’s no peeling, bubbling, or cracking.
  • The surface is clean and free of grease, dirt, or mildew.
  • You’re using the same type of paint (latex over latex, for example)

When these boxes are checked, an interior house painter can clean the walls, lightly sand to help the new paint stick, and apply fresh coats. This approach saves time and keeps costs down.

Many painting companies near me in Falmouth, ME, follow this process for homes with walls in decent condition. It’s standard practice when the old paint is stable.

When You Should NOT Paint Over Old Paint

Here’s where things get tricky. If you skip prep work when it’s needed, your new paint job won’t last. You’ll see peeling, cracking, or bubbling within a year or two.

Don’t paint over old paint if you notice:

  • Peeling or flaking. This indicates the bond between the paint and the wall has failed. New paint won’t fix it.

  • Bubbling. Usually caused by moisture. The source needs to be addressed before repainting.

  • Chalky residue. Common on older painted surfaces. It prevents new paint from sticking.

  • Glossy surfaces without sanding. Paint won’t grip a slick surface.

  • Mold or mildew stains. These must be treated, not just covered up.

A professional house painter will spot these issues during an estimate. If you’re asking yourself whether should you paint over old paint, the condition of the existing surface is the deciding factor.

The Primer Question: When Do You Need It?

A primer isn’t always required. But there are situations where skipping it leads to problems.

You need primer when:

  • Switching from oil-based paint to latex (or vice versa)
  • Covering a dark color with a lighter one
  • Painting over bare drywall, wood, or patched areas
  • The old paint is stained or water-damaged.
  • You’re working with a porous or uneven surface.

Primer creates a uniform base for your topcoat. It helps the new paint stick better and look more even. For interior house painting, using the right primer can make a noticeable difference in the finished walls.

Most painting companies near me in Falmouth, ME, include primer in their estimates when the job calls for it. If a company says you never need primer, that’s a red flag.

What Happens If You Skip Proper Prep?

Let’s be blunt. Cutting corners on prep work leads to paint failure.

Here’s what you might see if someone paints over old paint that wasn’t ready:

  • Peeling within months
  • Visible texture differences or bumps
  • Uneven color or sheen

  • New paint is pulling old paint off the wall.

Fixing a failed paint job costs more than doing it right the first time. You’ll pay to strip the old paint, repair the walls, and repaint. That’s double the labor and materials.

A skilled interior house painter knows that prep work is where quality begins. The actual painting is the easy part. Getting the surface ready takes more time โ€” but it’s what makes the job last.

low-voc paint

How a Professional House Painter Handles Old Paint

When you hire a pro, they’ll start with an inspection. They’ll look at the condition of your existing paint and walls. Then they’ll tell you what prep work is needed.

A typical process for interior house painting looks like this:

  • Inspection. Check for peeling, cracking, mold, or damage

  • Cleaning. Remove dust, dirt, grease, and cobwebs

  • Repairs. Fill holes, fix cracks, replace damaged drywall

  • Sanding. Smooth rough areas and dull glossy surfaces

  • Priming. Apply primer where needed

  • Painting. Apply two coats of quality paint

This process answers the question of how to paint over old paint by addressing it before the first brush stroke. The prep work determines whether your new paint will last 2 years or 10+ years.

Questions to Ask Painting Companies Near Me in Falmouth, ME

When you’re getting estimates, ask these questions:

  • “What prep work is included in this estimate?”
  • “Will you remove any peeling or damaged paint?”
  • “Is primer included? What type?”
  • “What happens if you find problems once you start?”

A trustworthy interior house painter will give you straight answers. They won’t lowball the estimate by skipping prep, then charge extra later.

If a company’s bid is much lower than others, ask why. They might be cutting corners on prep, which means you’ll pay for it later when the paint fails.

Falmouth Homes and Interior Painting

Older homes in Falmouth, ME often have multiple layers of paint built up over decades. Some may even have lead paint underneath (common in homes built before 1978).

If your home was built before 1978, a professional house painter should test for lead before disturbing old paint. Lead paint removal requires special handling to keep your family safe.

This is another reason to hire painting companies near me in Falmouth, ME with proper training and experience. They’ll know local building codes and safety requirements.

The Bottom Line on Painting Over Old Paint

So, should you paint over old paint? The answer depends on the condition.

If your walls are clean, stable, and in good condition, yesโ€”you can paint over them. If the old paint is peeling, bubbling, or damaged, it needs to come off first.

The smartest move is to let a professional house painter assess your walls before work begins. They’ll tell you exactly what’s needed and give you a fair price for the job.

Should You Paint Over Old Paint: Ready to Get Started?

Your home deserves a paint job that looks great and lasts for years. At CYR Painting Service, we inspect every wall before we paint. We don’t cut corners on prep, and we stand behind our work.

If you’re looking for reliable painting companies near me in Falmouth, ME, give us a call. We’ll answer your questions, provide a free estimate, and show you why interior house painting done right makes all the difference.

Call 207-410-4544 today to schedule your free consultation.