How to Pick Paint That Will Light Up Dark Walls

If you have dark walls that make your home feel gloomy and closed in, choosing the right paint is key to completely transforming the space. The shade you select can brighten up a room exponentially, while the type and quality of paint impacts coverage and durability. With so many options to consider from color and finish to prep work and application techniques, picking out paint for dark walls may seem daunting.

But understanding what causes walls to be dark, evaluating your goals, and learning about the different factors that affect paint performance will set you up for success. Read on for tips to choose paint that will illuminate dreary dark walls and create a brighter, more uplifting room.

Determine Why Your Walls Are Dark

Before picking out paint colors or finishes, examine your walls to understand what's making them dark. This will help you select products designed to appropriately cover and transform the surface.

Assessing Wall Material and Condition

Wall composition impacts how the paint adheres. Drywall, plaster, concrete, wood paneling, brick, and other materials have different porosities. Glossy or rough textures also affect coverage. Inspect closely for:

• Flaking or cracked paint indicating adhesion issues
• Stains that may bleed through new paint if not properly sealed
• Glossy surfaces that require deglossing for paint to stick

Address any issues with proper prep work like cleaning, sanding, or applying specialty primers. This gives the new paint something to grip onto for even coverage.

Identifying Causes of Discoloration

Over time, walls can yellow with age, exposure to smoke or pollution, leaks causing water damage, mold growth, or just many rounds of repainting. Understanding the source of staining or darker hues allows you to block them.

For example, kilz stain-blocking primer prevents bleeding when painting over stains. Using a fresh coat of high-quality white paint helps overwrite aging or discoloration from past lower-grade paint jobs.

Considering Lighting and Room Size

Small spaces with little natural light contribute to the cave-like feeling of dark walls. But color choice alone may not be enough to counter a lack of light.

Consider adding lighting fixtures or evaluating window treatments that could brighten up the room before painting. This allows you to opt for slightly deeper hues instead of being limited to only very light paint colors.

Testing Paint Colors in Different Lights

The way paint interacts with light impacts how dark it looks. Smartphones now allow you to capture a photo of the wall and test out paint colors digitally.

But paint brands also offer sample sizes. Test out a few swaths directly on your wall in different spots that get morning, afternoon and artificial light. Evaluate at different times of day before deciding.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

Choosing quality paint designed to provide complete opacity in few coats ensures your efforts pay off.

Comparing Paint Sheens

Sheen or paint finish impacts durability and washability. Dark matte or flat paints show imperfections while glossy paints magnify them through added light reflection.

Here's an overview of sheen types:

• Flat - Virtually no shine but may require frequent repainting. Best for ceilings and low-traffic walls.
• Eggshell - Soft velvety appearance that holds up better than flat. Good for bedrooms and dining rooms.
• Satin - Subtle glow resists yellowing and staining. Works well in family rooms and hallways.
• Semi-Gloss - Reflective with a smooth finish. Best for kitchens, baths and trim.

Evaluate sheens on your wall before deciding. Many homeowners opt for soft satin or eggshell paints when covering darker walls in main living areas.

Paint Bases Differences

Manufacturers offer paints in three main base types:

• Water-based (latex) - Breathable for vapor to escape, easy soap and water cleanup. Prone to fading overtime.
• Oil-based -Blocks stains from bleeding through. Harder application and cleanup.
• Acrylic - Water cleanup with stain resistance. Added polymers provide durability similar to oils.

Top-tier acrylic or latex offerings deliver vivid color and protection when covering dark walls. Evaluate manufacturer warranties for insight into long-lasting performance.

Prioritizing Coverage and Durability

Higher volumes of pigments in premium paints allow them to hide dark surfaces better. Added resins make them more scrubbable and stain-resistant.

Investing a few extra dollars per gallon in paint lines like Behr Marquee, Sherwin Williams Emerald, or Valspar Reserve ensures your efforts pay off with completely covered walls that hold up beautifully overtime.

Select the Best Color

Choosing the right hue may seem overwhelming with so many options. But understanding how colors interact with light helps narrow things down.

Understanding Color Theory for Small Dark Spaces

Lighter colors visually expand small spaces. But very bright whites can feel sterile and cold. Soft creams, greys or subtle tones incorporate light while remaining cozy and welcoming when covering dark walls.

Adding just a hint of color via a delicate green, blue, violet or pink undertone livens up neutral walls. Accent walls in deeper shades add character without closing things in.

Consulting Color Matching Services

Many paint brands now offer augmented reality apps allowing you to virtually test colors on your walls before committing. Or visit a paint store where experts can use photos of your space to generate on-target recommendations.

Be sure to share goals, architectural elements, furnishings, flooring and lighting. This ensures suggested hues coordinate beautifully.

Comparing Light Refracting Qualities

Pure whites and very pale neutrals contain high levels of titanium dioxide, which refracts light well. But some homeowners find them too stark.

Off whites like Swiss Coffee, Accessible Beige or White Dove incorporate soft cream or grey pigments to render a warmer, more relaxing effect. Light taupes and mineral colors also illuminate beautifully.

Evaluate how different shades capture and reflect light at home before deciding.

Never choose paint based solely on small swatches. The surface color, texture and light vary room to room. Test out sample sized paint pots directly on your walls in different spots.

Cover at least a two foot square space, allowing the paint to dry completely before assessing at different times of day. The top contenders can then be applied to larger wall sections before making a final selection.

Choosing paint is an integral piece of the puzzle when covering dark walls. But proper prep and application also impacts results. Be sure to clean surfaces thoroughly, sand glossy areas, apply painter's tape to baseboards and fill any holes. Use high-quality applicator tools, like angled trim brushes and microfiber roller covers. Maintain a wet edge as you paint.

It is possible to transform the walls with the right supplies and color. Taking time to assess, test and prep ensures your efforts pay off beautifully!