Paint often changes shades as it dries, so some people may find it challenging to get the exact look they had intended. When it's fully dry, the painted surface should match the paint swatch from the manufacturer, though. Use this guide to learn how to get the right shade, and find out if paint dries lighter or darker.
3 Factors That Impact Paint Color as it Dries
Typically, wet paint will appear lighter than dry, which means that as the paint dries, the color will darken. There are several factors that can impact the paint color as it dries, such as the type of paint, temperature, and even the humidity.
Type of Paint
The finished look of the paint depends partly on the type of paint that you select. This is due to the difference in chemical composition between the various types of paint, including acrylic, latex, and oil-based paint.
- Acrylic paint dries quickly with minimal color differences between when it is applied and when the paint is fully dry. This water-soluble paint is a good option for cabinets, interior trim, and even metal surfaces.
- Latex paint is another water-based paint, though it tends to take longer to dry, which can lead to the paint drying darker than it was when it was first applied. This type of paint is commonly used for interior ceilings and walls, though it can also be applied to concrete, stucco, or siding.
- Oil-based paint has a high concentration of pigment and will typically take longer to dry than either acrylic or latex paint. The long drying time and the density of the pigment leads to a darker, more opaque appearance as it dries. Use this type of paint in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.
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Type of Finish
The type of paint finish that you choose will also have some impact on how the paint looks as it dries, because of how the light interacts with the texture and appearance of the paint.
For instance, a gloss finish may give the paint a richer, deeper appearance, but may also cause the color of the paint to look darker. Similarly, paint that has a satin finish often dries darker once it has time to fully cure, while a matte or flat finish will absorb more light, giving the paint a lighter appearance.
Primer Color
You may default to a white primer to prepare for your painting project, but the color of the primer can actually affect how the paint appears during application and after it has had time to dry. If you have selected a paint with light hues, a white or lightly-tinted primer is a good choice for getting the desired look, but if you are using darker shades of paint, go with a primer that has a gray base to prevent the paint from looking lighter after application.
Does Paint Get Darker With a Second Coat?
Applying a second coat of paint can help to ensure you gets the desired results. The second coat improves overall coverage, reducing the impact of the primer base and giving the paint a darker, more saturated appearance.
The second coat adds to the pigment density, while reducing the amount of light that can pass through the paint film. However, it's important to note that even if a second coat can give the paint a darker appearance, there are still some factors that can impact the paint color as it dries, like the type of paint or type of finish.
How Temperature and Humidity Affect Paint Shade
Painting at lower temperatures causes the paint to take longer to dry, leading to a darker appearance, while painting at high temperatures has the opposite effect. If the temperature is too high, the top layer of paint may dry faster than the lower layers, which can lead to the paint warping or cracking.
If the humidity is too high, the solvents in the paint will take longer to evaporate. This long drying time cause the paint to dry with a darker appearance, though it can also lead to uneven drying, streaks, and paint discoloration. Low humidity environments promote rapid drying, but if the top layer of paint dries too quickly, it may cause problems in the future, like warping, cracking, or paint blisters.
5 Tips for Ensuring You Choose the Right Shade
Before starting a painting project, there are a few tips to take into consideration that can help you choose the right shade and achieve the desired look once the paint is dry.
- Conduct small paint sample tests on a spare piece of wood for a highly effective method of determining how the paint will look once it has dried. For the most accurate results, make sure the test is completed in the exact same way as you intend to paint the room.
- View the paint in the right lighting before painting the entire room. Often the lighting in a room can make the paint appear different than it would in another room or outdoors, so it's best to prepare the paint sample in the room you will be painting.
- Mix the paint properly before using to help ensure that the paint pigments are evenly distributed throughout the paint, reducing the risk of color inconsistencies.
- Wait until the paint is fully dried and cured for a final impression of how it will look. When paint is first applied, it typically appears lighter, but after several hours, the solvent will have fully evaporated, giving the DIYer the most accurate depiction of the true paint color.