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The general steps to painting a wall is to sand its surface, clean, then apply a primer and then topcoat.
Sanding using sandpaper and a sanding blocks helps ensure a smooth surface.
Once you're done, you'll need to remove all the sanding dust from the wall using a clean rag. I then suggest using sugar soap wipes to clean the surface of the wall.
When the wall is nice, clean and dry you can now begin painting.
The two types of paint you'll need to use is called the primer and topcoat. The primer is the first coat you'll need to use in order to cover the dark shade of the wall.
I recommend applying a minimum of two coats of UltraAir Interior Primer. The purpose of the primer is to neutralise the colour of the wall and bring it back to a neutral white so that the colour tone of the old paint will not travel through.
It is sometimes necessary to apply a third coat if the old colour is so dark that you can still see a hint of its colour coming through the primer.
Next is the the topcoat: the main surface paint that goes over the primer. This paint will be tinted to the colour of your choice or colour matched to your preference. I suggest putting on two coats of the Dulux UltraAir Interior Walls so that you get full coverage and get the colour tone you are after.
Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a paint mask when working on your painting project.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to paint like a professional by @Peggers. - EricL
Using a specially formulated undercoat like Zinsser CoverStain, designed for covering dark colours, will prevent excessive coats of standard primers or topcoats.
Apply as many coats of undercoat as necessary to cover the dark colour before moving onto your topcoat paint.
Two coats of a specialised undercoat could save you doing as many as five coats of regular paint. - MitchellMc
I recently started repainting my new house white. I had to cover some darkish walls, a very vibrant green and I have 1 darkish blue wall to go.
I simply lightly sanded and cleaned the walls and started painting - nothing secret here. Then I did as many coats as necessary til the walls were white enough. The most coats I've had to do so far was on the vibrant green wall - 5 coats.
I guess the most important thing is that you use quality paint (Dulux) and rollers (Monarch Razorback are great). Also just have a chat to the paint peeps at Bunnings and let them know what you're doing because the tint in some whites can make the job a little easier. - ProjectPete
There are now paint products on the market that are specifically for covering dark walls. I would speak to a specialist at your local paint store before wasting days with multiple coats!
Dulux definitely do one called Wash & Wear + Super Hide. - KingStreetReno
