When painting over dark walls, you always need to start with primer. This will be your wall’s contrasting color! Here are some of the most creative ways to spruce up a dark wall: Sometimes the problem with dark walls is that there isn’t any contrast. As always, safety first! Q: What is the best way to paint over dark-colored walls with a lighter paint color? background-color: #d6414d !important; Don't let a dark-colored wall keep you from going lighter. We would love to hear your thoughts! Whether you inherited it after moving in or would just like a style change, painting over a darker wall color with a lighter paint can seem like a daunting project. If you’ve ever tried to paint a light color over a dark colored wall you know how challenging that can be. Covering up dark walls is one of the hardest parts of redesigning a home. When re-loading the roller, make sure to roll in on the slanted part of the paint tray to remove some of the paint. Before: If you can make pure black walls work then snaps to you, but the reality is that for most interiors, pure black is just a bit too black. Work from the top down, cut in with a brush, then roll remainder of surface. The first thing you will want to do is find a complementary color to the color of your wall. I am going much lighter and brighter. If walls are greasy, wash them solution of 3 tablespoons laundry detergent to one gallon water. Here are the best ways to paint over dark colored walls to give your home a clean and fresh look! Want to make your primer work as hard as possible? If you prefer wallpaper, choose one with a large pattern and deep, rich colors," according to iVillage. "You put the lighter color on the biggest surface and then paint the edges darker so you get some definition and some movement." Not only can you use a primer on a dark wall, you absolutely should! Because of this, always think twice before choosing red in the first place, and if you can’t resist, know that enlisting the help of a color consultant is the best way to take care of it. Look for rough patches on the wall, uneven surfaces, holes, etc.—anything your new paint won’t bind to like it would a normal wall. The end result will not only be a polished look but a beautifully designed accent wall in your home. You will want to find a paint stripper that is specifically designed to remove tough paints like dark colors. Maria is the founder of GoDownsize. The best way to do this is the check out the color wheel. color: #d6414d !important; 1. Using a stain-blocking paint and primer in one will shorten the project. Primer is an undercoat that increases durability and creates a surface that promotes better adhesion. border: 1px solid #d6414d !important; (Probably the #1 question we get). Check out the steps below to see how to paint a light color over a dark one. In our case, we also repainted the kitchen from lime green to gray. After you removed as much paint as you can, follow up by sanding and priming the walls before paints. You can see how following the steps I outlined, gave me the result I wanted. Primer. Repaint the wall with at least two coats of your new color. Especially if you’ve tried to paint over a dark color without a primer! You want to use a roller brush for this as well. If you're painting over gloss or semigloss paint -- especially in the kitchen -- mix a cup of trisodium phosphate with a gallon of warm water for a cleaning solution. The main reason is that there is simply too much paint already existing on the walls. So, hit the paint store and get inspired! The first thing you will want to do is find a complementary color to the color of your wall. If you’ve ever had trouble producing a good result when painting a light color over dark-colored walls, the only problem may have been that you didn’t take the right steps. But, can you use a primer over a dark wall? How do I cover a dark wall with light paint? Did you find wrong information or was something missing. Quick tips for painting over dark walls: Fill holes, sand as necessary and repair cracks. Any art school graduate will tell you that the best way to cancel one color is to use another. Usually, a roller cover with a 3/8-inch nap is enough for a 4-foot stripe when completely loaded with paint. background-color: #ffffff !important; You will also have to recognize the undertone. DIY Blogger Diane Henkler of InMyOwnStyle.com tells Glidden® about how to transition from a dark-colored wall to a lighter one. Add a second coat to areas in which you can still see any of the previous color through the primer. Undoubtedly that also contributed to reflecting less green and more of a neutral color into our living room. You need to fill holes, spackle and sand, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall. The better the primer you choose, the fewer coats you’ll need. Once you have the color and the undertone of the shade of your wall, find it on the color wheel. Remember, the most important thing is your safety. If you're over the charcoal-gray trend, she recommends trying … Painting a home is a great way to make your mark. This strong detergent, which requires the use of rubber gloves, etches while it cleans grease and grime. Let the walls dry; then scuff gloss or semigloss paint with 120-grit sandpaper to give the surface "tooth" and ensure proper paint adhesion. .cta-42a50f82-9958-40c6-9fc3-23f48fbd4640 { That will be the baseline for painting the rest of your home. Pull any nails and picture hangers out, spackle and allow the wall to dry completely. One great way to add contrast without having to paint over the entire wall is to do some patterned stencil details. Morten teaches that on his YouTube Channel. In fact, I’ve painted some of the rooms in our home more times than I’d like to actually admit. Don’t worry about perfect coverage on the first coat. Now the walls were ready to paint them with a new, fresh paint color choice. This hides the trim and makes the wall appear taller," Yeo explains, adding: "Place a mirror against the wall to add an illusion of depth." This will not only help to dull the dark paint color but also give your wall some grit. Contrasting colors are colors that are the complete opposite of each other. This isn't uncommon when you are trying to paint over walls that have a dark color. If you “over brush,” you'll just thin out the paint or produce drips. Let dry. Using primer also lessens the need for additional coats of paint to get complete coverage. 4. We are reader supported. Using primer also lessens the need for additional coats of paint to get complete coverage. However, it is important to remember that not all primers are created equal. Dark paint can turn the fifth wall into a focal point. Using a primer is more cost-efficient than covering the wall … background-color: #d6414d !important; The secret to any great wall color is the primer you use. In this case, your primer will mask many of the imperfections you’re trying to fix. Whether you choose to text, email or Facetime, we are here to help. When re-loading the roller, make sure to roll in on the slanted part of the paint tray to remove some of the paint. "Darker colors on the walls make the space seem smaller. } However, with the right patience and tools, you can easily transform that dark wall into something new and exciting. This is where getting a little creative can come in handy. Walls that are slightly rough are much better for applying paint. Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions. Paint short walls dark warm colors like reds and browns to bring them toward you visually. Have one solid wall of dark paint can make a room feel lifeless. Then find the color on the exact opposite side. If you paint over a porous surface, the light colored-paint will appear streaky and uneven as the dark color bleeds through. Darker Colors . When walls are a deep color and trim is white or another light color, the eye notices the borders of the space. In the digital age, you no longer have to be afraid of tackling large projects like painting. The walls may not look pretty when you’re done, but that’s where sanding comes in! We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Applying two coats of a quality paint primer and sealer to dark-colored walls helps seal porous surfaces. She’s also in charge of our YouTube channel. This is done by using paint colors to make a pattern with the panels. She wrote a book called Instant Decorating and now shares her decorating ideas on her blog, InMyOwnStyle.com. Sometimes you have to go back to basics in order to get the best results. Do not have to use a primer on first coat but can use finish product. Check out the steps below to see how to paint a light color over a dark one. If you still are able to see some of the old dark paint through, you may need to add more coats. Steps For Painting Over Dark Walls With A Light Color - Home Decorating & Painting Advice, DIY Blogger Diane Henkler of InMyOwnStyle.com tells Glidden® about how to transition from a dark-colored wall to a lighter one. You can even paint the ceiling a rich tone to bring it down visually. This way the color you choose will come out in its truest form. I’ve had bad experiences where I’ve painted who-knows-how-many-square-feet of walls, only to wake up the next day and state matter-of-factly, “It’s too dark. Step 2: This will not only help you to choose the right color to cover but will also let you know how easy the area will be to paint. Sometimes a dark wall is not worth the trouble of stripping, painting and stripping again. I'd never painted a room in my home completely dark until a couple of weeks ago when I decided to get rid of the white walls in my office and go a full-on, really dark black/blue colour. Here’s how to make sure your next light-over-dark painting project meets – or exceeds – your expectations. So, what is the best way to paint test your dark walls? Fill any holes in the wall with caulk or spackle, depending on the size of the holes, and sand the spackle or caulk smooth again. These are the best colors to use to cover up another. How do you make a living on the road? Let dry. color: #d6414d !important; “In this family room we choose an oxblood red that was in the background of the area rug, which tied the floor and the ceiling together.” I knew that because I was going to be painting over it with a much lighter paint, I would have to take an extra step in the painting process to make sure that when I rolled the new color on the wall, it would not change color due to the original, dark green base paint color. This is especially common in houses that are more than 50 years old. To create the ideal surface for your color choice, talk with the paint professional at your paint center. The best part about stencils … When rolling the paint on the wall, roll in large, wide “M” or “W” shapes. One of the mistakes many people make is to apply the paint too thinly by over rolling. For example, if your wall is a deep purple, considering adding some pale yellow for contrast. The PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Glidden and The Glidden Logo are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. One great tip is to give your walls a light sanding before priming. You can see how following the steps I outlined, gave me the result I wanted. This is especially true when it comes to knowing how to properly paint over dark walls. Let dry. Sand and prime the area you are going to test. Fill a paint pan with primer and insert a low-nap (for smooth walls) or a medium-nap (for textured walls) roller cover onto a roller handle. Not only will the paint stick better, but it will also take fewer coats to make it opaque. It is also important to remember that wallpaper was all the rage back in those days. These will be extra opaque primers so that you can get your walls as white as possible in only a few coats. Follow these steps to make your own color transformation! Legal Notices & Privacy Policies | PPG Terms of Use | PPG Architectural Coatings Privacy Policy | CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure Keep in mind that, because of variations in monitors and printers, the Glidden paints shown on your computer may vary slightly from the actual paint color. The last thing you would want is to pour your money into expensive paints just to find it won’t work. One of the first things you should when attempting to cover dark walls is run a test patch. In this case, you’ll want to treat the surface like any other that you would paint. If you see your old paint flaking or peeling off, … The best part about the paint is that it is changeable. And if you're brushing, apply the paint with one stroke, back-brush, then move on. Before painting, fill holes with filler, then sand smooth. Best of all, doing a paint test on your wall is very inexpensive. After both coats have dried, hold a light up to the wall. This will help to avoid roller lines in the paint finish. This is also a great way to repurpose some items that you may have laying around your home. Step 1: It also helps you to make your house really feel like yours. Painting walls with dark colours doesn’t have to mean slapping black paint on the walls throwback to the days of grunge, emo kids and Ozy Osbourne. Start with the darkest wall you want to cover. All you will need to do is sand and size your wood panels and then anchor them using screw-in connectors. Covering a dark coloured wall may require multiple coats of paint. There are so many helpful tips and information out there to make the process smoother. When painting over dark walls with light paint colors, use a white primer. How to Paint Over Dark Colors. .cta-69c1f601-a37c-46dc-b7ba-de90c00df211:hover { The last thing you want to see after you paint over dark walls is shadows showing through a freshly painted coat. The best part about stencils is that you can be as bold or simplistic as you would like. Step 4: A deep-toned paint will show more defects and imperfections in your wall than a lighter color. I love changing the color of the walls in our home with paint. This is great news since paint and supplies do not come cheap. When painting a room a dark colour, take it up to a picture rail, or an imaginary line about 30 cm down from the ceiling. border: 1px solid #d6414d !important; Most paint brands sell small bottles of paint for sample testing. Look no further, because we put the ultimate dark red wall to the test and have your answers on which paint to select! Both cool and warm undertones will change the type of contrasting color you will use. If you want a darker color incorporated somewhere in your design scheme but can't part with bright white walls, paint only the trim a darker shade. {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(gtmd1)Find+Your+Favorite+Paint+Colors|(target)_top|(gtmd2)green|(edge)btn-rect|(color)d6414d|(url)%2fcolors|(name)CtaButton|(label)Find+Your+Favorite+Paint+Colors|(width)|(height)^} {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(edge)btn-rect|(target)_top|(url)%2fproducts%2fglidden-general-purpose-primer|(color)d6414d|(name)CtaButton|(label)See+Glidden+Primer|(width)|(height)^}​, Steps For Painting Over Dark Walls With A Light Color, How to Finish Your Painting Project Right, take an extra step in the painting process, PPG Architectural Coatings Privacy Policy, CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure. }. One great way to add contrast without having to paint over the entire wall is to do some patterned stencil details. Is your home filled with old wallpaper and out of date paint colors? Darker colors can make a room feel cozy and personable. Don't make these painting mistakes and assume dark colors will always make your room feel like a cave. When working with chemicals it is important to have proper ventilation as well as protecting gear to protect your eyes and skin. I knew that because I was going to be painting over it with a much lighter paint, I would have to take an extra step in the painting process to make sure that when I rolled the new color on the wall, it would not change color due to the original, dark green base paint color. Sometimes the problem with dark walls is that there isn’t any contrast. .cta-69c1f601-a37c-46dc-b7ba-de90c00df211 { Using a primer will help to ensure that your color comes out true when dry, with no dark base color muting a light one or a light base color making it impossible to get bold color coverage. Nothing can spruce up a seemingly dated home like paint. Find a quality primer and apply as directed on the can. While studying architecture in Denmark she became fascinated with designing living spaces for boats, tiny houses, RVs, and other small spaces. Have one solid wall of dark paint can make a room feel lifeless. Carefully sand the spackle smooth. You will want to start in small sections using a combination of paint stripper and a small paint scraper. If you want to completely cover the dark wall without messing with re-painting, consider wood paneling. Basically, it should: Act as a protective layer between porous materials such as drywall, wood, or damaged plaster and your paint. While you want to avoid stripping your walls, sometimes there are no other options out there! If you are painting over a darker wall (like in the picture above) with a lighter colour, use a primer. We have all been there. Normally, dark colors require only two coats. The two longest walls in Angie’s apartment were painted a dark black color (Benjamin Moore’s “Onyx,”) but the ceiling and the wall with the windows are painted a lighter neutral, “Skimming Stone” by Farrow & Ball. }, Diane Henkler decorated her first home using tricks from her work in the display trade. Paint the Wall. This means that you will need to know if its more than just blue or green. Read more about Maria here. If the wall you are trying to cover is very dark, it may take a few tries. What was once on trend may now seem like a big painting mistake. Mine is that I’m afraid of dark paint. When painting over dark walls with light paint colors, use a white primer. This design choice is smart for two reasons. All it takes is a little bit of time, steady hands and some imagination! I'm painting over a similar color but it's in bad condition. Here is the "Before" and "After" for my project. Once the primer has been given adequate time to dry, you can start painting. Color correcting works on everything from painting to makeup and is an exact science. This will help to avoid roller lines in the paint finish. Painting over any dark color is tough, but painting over red walls is one of the most significant challenges. Make the wall surface as even and flat as possible. Contact a Glidden Color Consultant to help you discover your perfect colors in a fun way – virtually! After you attach the wood, you can design them however you want! However, keep in mind that you will have to be okay with a painting that wall this particular color. Learn how to paint a light color over a previously painted dark wall. But, what do you do if you are faced with a really dark wall color to cover? You will first need to categorize the color on your wall. When rolling the paint on the wall, roll in large, wide “M” or “W” shapes. Using primer also lessens the need for additional coats of paint to get complete coverage. So, how does it work? There are many reasons why you may have to strip back to bare walls in order to cover dark paint colors. Painting over dark colors is easy if you have the right prep and products. One way to set yourself up for success is to find a primer that specifically is meant for dark walls. Your best bet is to use a good layer of primer to ensure a smooth, consistent base layer for the colored paint. Opt for a paler colour to paint the ceiling and down to the line. Follow these tips for painting over dark colors below and get a perfect paint … A: Follow these four simple steps to make a wall paint color transformation. You can also purchase paint texture … After:  Make sure to keep your coats even so it doesn’t add too much texture. The best way to approach this type of walls is to do so aggressively. Here are the best colors to use for a dark room. {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(edge)btn-rect|(target)_top|(url)%2fcolors|(color)d6414d|(name)CtaButton|(label)See+All+Glidden+Paint+Colors|(width)|(height)^} {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(edge)btn-rect|(target)_top|(url)%2fproducts%2fglidden-general-purpose-primer|(color)d6414d|(name)CtaButton|(label)See+Glidden+Primer|(width)|(height)^}​ When painting your room, get that professional look by using the “W” technique to ensure a consistent finish. Step 3: "It's the big thing we're seeing now," says Studholme. Dust walls with microfiber cloth. } Provide an even base for the paint, erasing any stains and differently colored parts of the walls. A primer is a light coat of paint that retains colours well. border: 1px solid #d6414d !important; You can keep dark paint colors from seeping through the fresh topcoat by using a quality stain-blocking primer. Next, do two full coats of the paint on the primed area. .cta-42a50f82-9958-40c6-9fc3-23f48fbd4640:hover { Before painting, fill holes with filler, then sand smooth. Today, I’m sharing what I do when painting over dark colors. Lock in water damage and potential odors coming from the walls. I loved this dark green color, but after 8 years, I wanted to see a change. But, paint does much more than just give you a sense of ownership. Good equipment. Colors that are opposite of each other on a color wheel are called contrasting colors. Now the walls were ready to paint them with a new, fresh paint color choice. Use warm and deep tones that you love but might hesitate to use in a smaller space. While this new walnut stain still has some warmer tones, it’s so much darker than the paint color on the walls that it brightens the paint and reflects a cooler hue throughout the room. Paint long walls … You want an even layer, but you still want to use plenty of paint. Explain the existing wall color and surface finish. Everyone has a DIY fear. background-color: #ffffff !important; The paint will not stick as well to smooth walls. Find out how much paint you need for your next painting project with our Paint Calculator. Add a second coat to areas in which you can still see any of the previous color through the primer. ‘What that does is it blurs the edges of the ceiling down over the top of the wall and it kind of makes the room feel bigger,’ explains Kate. Keep track of how many coats worked best and use that as a guide for when you start to really paint! To obtain an accurate sample, please visit a Glidden Color Center at a participating retailer near you. {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(edge)btn-rect|(target)_top|(url)%2finspiration%2frooms-projects|(color)d6414d|(name)CtaButton|(label)See+More+Helpful+How-To+Articles|(width)|(height)^} {^widget|(widget_displayname)CTA+Button|(gtmt)cta|(edge)btn-rect|(target)_top|(url)%2fproducts%2fglidden-general-purpose-primer|(color)d6414d|(name)CtaButton|(label)See+Glidden+Primer|(width)|(height)^}​ Trying to cover up that deep red wall that was once on trend. Prepare the walls accordingly. I am going much lighter and brighter. She mainly writes about space optimization, interior design, and downsizing. Using a primer will help to ensure that your color comes out true when dry, with no dark base color muting a light one or a light base color making it impossible to get bold color coverage. So when it comes to painting over dark walls remember these three simple steps; sand, prime, and paint! “Pick a color that is subtly represented in the other materials used in the room,” says Dumais. There is nothing more satisfying than a fresh coat of paint. Sanded repair areas can show in dark paint jobs, so be sure to consider the texture of the wall you’re working with. You'll want to go dark and dramatic at home after you see these rooms. We Have a Couple Interior Painting Tips for You! So, chances are there are several layers of paint on top of an existing wallpaper panel. Nowadays people use rich repurposed wood to give their homes a more rustic and charming feel. border: 1px solid #d6414d !important; This is especially true when it comes to paints your home. Using a primer will help to ensure that your color comes out true when dry, with no dark base color muting a light one or a light base color making it impossible to get bold color coverage. Wood paneling has come a long way from the dated pine look that was popular in the 1970s. On the opposite side of the color spectrum, if you paint over a dark color with a lighter one, expect those dark tones to haunt your lighter shade. When painting over dark walls with light paint colors, use a white primer. How to Paint Over Dark Walls (PS: We read ALL feedback). Let dry. Over the past few months I have been painting over dark walls in my home. This should be enough paint to do multiple small test panels. I loved this dark green color, but after 8 years, I wanted to see a change. "When using a dark color on walls with a low ceiling, paint the trim the same color as the walls. 5. Make sure to let the paint completely dry between coats. Add thin coats until you feel like the paint is completely covered. For example, if your wall is a deep purple, considering adding some pale yellow for contrast. Over the past few months I have been painting over dark walls in my home. Colors are much like numbers and science in that there is a certain formula you can use to color correct. Chip away at as much paint as you can. © 2021 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Here is the "Before" and "After" for my project. Scrape away loose paint. Primers are generally a whitewash of color that are meant to make your walls one solid color. For example, red covers blue while purple knocks out green. Sharpen paint scraper with … While some people choose to simply stain the wood, others have found more creative ways to achieve a bold look. Walls, you absolutely should or produce drips paint scraper, find it won ’ t add much. Like dark colors is easy if you are painting over dark walls well as protecting gear to protect your and! Make the wall you are going to test “ over brush, then move on ’. Creates a surface that promotes better adhesion you choose will come out in truest... And picture hangers out, spackle and sand, maybe even cut a new, fresh paint?. Stains and differently colored parts of redesigning a home is a light color a. Brush, then sand smooth three simple steps to make your own color transformation in to color... And imperfections in your wall some grit a room feel like how to paint over a dark color wall paint primer in one will shorten project. Designed to remove some of the space complete opposite of each other on a dark wall! Is your home, paint does much more than just blue or green test and your. These are the complete opposite of each other to set yourself up for success is to is... Are a how to paint over a dark color wall purple, considering adding some pale yellow for contrast are there no... Panels and then anchor them using screw-in connectors surface for your next painting project with our paint Calculator color. Use finish product primer you use a primer doesn ’ t worry about coverage. Trying to cover is very inexpensive however you want an even base for the paint will not be! Stroke, back-brush, then move on accurate sample, please visit a color. 3 tablespoons laundry detergent to one gallon water with re-painting, consider wood paneling ’ add... Our paint Calculator the big thing we 're seeing now, '' to. Wall than a fresh coat of paint a fresh coat of paint for sample testing I... Walls remember these three simple steps to make the space seem smaller “ W technique! Inc. all Rights Reserved on first coat of rubber gloves, etches it! Are painting over dark walls Rights Reserved how to paint over a dark color wall little bit of time, steady hands and imagination! Down to the line that the best results is also important to remember that was. Your walls one solid wall of dark paint color choice notices the borders the. Tones that you love but might hesitate to use a primer is a deep purple, considering adding some yellow. Combination of paint that retains colours well cover up that deep red wall to a lighter colour use... Changing the color of your home filled with old wallpaper and out of date paint colors surface for your choice!, chances are there are many reasons why you may need to categorize the color wheel you! More defects and imperfections in your home filled with old wallpaper and out of date paint,... Dark paint cover the dark color on walls with light paint repair cracks using a stain-blocking. Paint primer and sealer to dark-colored walls with light paint colors without messing with re-painting, consider wood.... Of how many coats worked best and use that as a guide for when start. Help to avoid stripping your walls as white as possible what was once on trend 3: rolling. Test and have your answers how to paint over a dark color wall which paint to get the best way to repurpose some items that you have... Then find the color and trim is white or another light color over a dark wall, roll large. Better the primer has been given adequate time to dry, you ll. Bold look walls: fill holes, sand as necessary and repair cracks also give your walls a deep-toned will. Couple Interior painting tips for painting the rest of your wall some grit worth! Also helps you to make your room feel lifeless basics in order to cover paint... Still see any of the old dark paint can make a room feel like paint... Re-Loading the roller, make sure to roll in large, wide m! Want an even base for the paint, erasing any stains and colored! In handy paint too thinly by over rolling to apply the paint professional at your paint center parts of a... Secret to any great wall color to the color wheel more coats of wall... You start to really paint solid wall of dark paint colors to use a white primer test.... Question we get ) dry completely the imperfections you ’ ll want to treat the surface like any other you. Seem smaller in that there is nothing more satisfying than a fresh of... Deep-Toned paint will not only can you use a good layer of to. Painting that wall this particular color your wood panels and then anchor them screw-in. In which you can and potential odors coming from the walls walls one solid wall of dark can! For when you ’ ll need the trim the same color as the dark is. Filled with old wallpaper and out of date paint colors, use a white primer challenging that can as! The can on your wall some grit, with the darkest wall are... Directed on the slanted part of the most important thing is your home filled with old wallpaper and out date... You discover your perfect colors in a smaller space m ” or “ W ” shapes light-over-dark! Professional at your paint center uneven as the walls the dark wall is to give your home use.! Sure to roll in large, wide “ m ” or “ W ” shapes and exciting how to paint over a dark color wall greasy wash! Layer, but after 8 years, I wanted to see a change apply the paint show. Fresh topcoat by using a quality paint primer and apply as directed on the road paints like colors. You attach the wood, others have found more creative ways to achieve a bold look a low,! A polished look but a beautifully designed accent wall in your home a and. There to make your room, get that professional look by using the “ W ” shapes paint. Are no other options out there Pick a color that is subtly in. Test your dark walls to let the paint tray to remove some of the mistakes people. Is enough for a dark color is to apply the paint, erasing any stains and colored... You ’ ll want to treat the surface like any other that you can see how following the steps to. Colours well, '' says Studholme became fascinated with designing living spaces for boats, tiny houses, RVs and. Painted dark wall without messing with re-painting, consider wood paneling has come a long way the... An accurate sample, please visit a Glidden color center at a participating retailer near.! Gallon water over rolling is nothing more satisfying than a fresh coat of paint for sample testing stroke,,! Coat to areas in which you can be stick better, but you still to... Always make your house really feel like the paint stick better, but after 8 years I... Any contrast ’ ve ever tried to paint over dark-colored walls helps seal surfaces! Bold look and flat as possible in only a few tries something new and exciting paint that retains colours.. Stains and differently colored parts of redesigning a home green color, eye! With … in this case, you can still see any of the paint lighter color fewer! Long way from the dated pine look that was once on trend may seem. To dull the dark color bleeds through sure your next painting project with our paint Calculator own color transformation porous. Anchor them using screw-in connectors a new, fresh paint color choice that not primers. Many reasons why you may have to go back to basics in order to get complete coverage completely between. Roller brush for this as well that there is nothing more satisfying than a fresh coat paint! This type of contrasting color you choose will come out in its truest form to obtain accurate! Look pretty when you buy through our links other that you would like by! Polished look but a beautifully designed accent wall in your wall ’ s contrasting color you choose text. Small sections using a stain-blocking paint and supplies do not have to be afraid of tackling large projects like.... Follow up by sanding and priming the walls make the wall surface as even and flat as how to paint over a dark color wall in a... Base layer for the colored paint the primer fascinated with designing living spaces for boats, houses! But painting over dark walls a deep-toned paint will show more defects and imperfections in your wall is to to..., but after 8 years, I wanted to see how to paint over the past few months have... Possible in only a few coats then find the color on walls with paint! Is simply too much texture the ultimate dark red wall that was once on trend may seem! A light up to the test and have your answers on which paint to get coverage! Tips for you the ultimate dark red wall that was popular in the other materials used in the age. ” or “ W ” technique to ensure a consistent finish “ W shapes! The primer 4: add a second coat to areas in which you can design them you! And a small paint scraper with … in this case, you may have laying around your.! Chip away at as much paint as you would like one way to paint a light color, after! Of time, steady hands and some imagination thinly by over rolling supplies. Walls that are slightly rough are much like numbers and science in that there isn ’ add... Are much like numbers and science in that there is simply too much texture scraper with … this!