What to do if paint is darker than I thought. I'd like to lighten up

Ega21484723
by Ega21484723
  5 answers
  • Repaint. Did you do test patches first? Even if it is not a room I use often, a flip house, rental, whatever, I always buy the samples and test first. Lighting in a warehose or paint store is completely different than your home. Start over with a lighter shde than what you currently have, but this time, purchase testers and put up on more than one wall in each of the rooms you want to paint and look at it several times a day, then decide and order your paint. No easy fix on this one, sorry . . . But when you are done, you will love it so worth the extra work.

  • Van22936529 Van22936529 on May 20, 2017

    If you're talking about a CAN of paint that seems too dark take it back to the store and ask for their help in altering the formula.... they're usually pretty nice about helping.

    If it's on a wall.......repaint.

  • Gma Kirk Gma Kirk on May 20, 2017

    if you are still wanting the same color family, you can take the paint back to where you purchased it and ask them to lighten it up.

  • Ginny Ginny on May 23, 2017

    When I did my first paint job at the age of 23, I didn't realize that paint turns out darker when it dries. That is probably why many paint manufacturers are now selling small sample cans of paint so buyers can try out different colors.

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on May 23, 2017

    Always test the paint on all 4 walls and view the color in the day time and night time to be sure that's what you want. Colors will appear lighter or darker depending on lighting. If the room is painted, you could consider doing a white wash over the walls with a mixture of glaze and white paint, using an old soft t-shirt rag. Apply one coat, let dry overnight, repeat if needed. Best of luck.