Sand or just primer over gloss paint?

My daughter just purchased a townhouse and the previous owner painted a few of the walls in semi-gloss paint. Can I cover this with latex primer and then paint as normal or does the gloss need to be sanded off?

Also, paint with primer? I purchased the middle grade of Behr paint. I don't see how it covers any better than using primer first and then paint. Either way I have to use two coats. Is there a real one coat coverage paint?

Thanks,
Rut

 

Paint with primer? Won't touch it. Paint from HD? Won't touch that either. Are there people who had used both and been happy? Sure.

As to sanding, it can almost never hurt to scuff the surface first so it's worth considering. Many even scuff sand the primer as well before applying the paint.

Are you certain the existing paint is latex? If so, then latex primer is fine. If not, I would use an oil based primer.

Personally, I find you get better materials and advice at a paint store than in a paint department. I used to use Benjamin Moore paints but have moved and the Sherwin Williams store is now closer so I'm getting myself acquainted with their stuff.

 

Do you know what type of paint is currently on the wall and woodwork? http://www.doityourself.com/forum/pa...latex-oil.html
IMO an oil base primer is overkill if the existing paint is latex.

What type of paint do you intend to use? if switching to an eggshell/satin enamel - no primer is needed. As mentioned above, sanding is always a good idea! Besides scuffing up the gloss to promote good adhesion it will highlight [maybe remove] any defects in the substrate or paint.

 

Thanks. I choose this brand because for many years Consumer Reports listed it as their best performing. Personally I can't see much difference in it and paint I've purchased from a dedicated paint store.

I'll have to try the test to see exactly what is on the wall. I suspect sanding is the safest bet.

 

We've often wondered about that - CR rates it high but I won't touch the stuff since so many of the painting horror stories posted here come back to have that paint in them.

As I said, many have used it successfully/happily but I won't go near it.

What line you purchase makes a difference as well - I won't touch anyone's bottom of the line paint.