Changing paint color in a can

Lynn
by Lynn
Ok, I'm sure this is a dumb question, but if I have a gallon of paint (a very 'blue' blue!) but don't want to waste it, is there anything the paint store can do to change the color to a much lighter or different color? I know I can get white and dilute it down to a light blue, but can anything be added to 'change' the color? I know its a complicated chemistry, but in general, can it be changed?

  14 answers
  • LINDA LINDA on Jul 10, 2017

    You can add white to it until it becomes the lightest blue you want. You do have to use the same type and brand of paint. You may also want to ask the salesperson at the paint counter how to change the color by mixing different colors ex: blue and yellow make green etc.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 10, 2017

    Yes the paint store can add the proper blend of white to tone down the blue.

  • Medora Dally Medora Dally on Jul 10, 2017

    If you add some white to tone it down then add some red, you can create a beautiful purple. Then you can decide to go lighter or darker depending on your taste and what you plan on painting.

  • Lynn Lynn on Jul 10, 2017

    Ok so my options for colors are a light blue, a shade of green or a shade of purple then? Thanks! I knew colors could be added in general (ie food coloring) but I wasn't sure if the same would work in paint since I know they add several colors in to get the blue in the first place. I just hate this blue!!

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jul 10, 2017

    I do this myself all the time. Keep mixing in white until you get the shade you want. Keep a sample (like on your mixing stick) in case you want it color matched in the future

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jul 10, 2017

    NO! Do not try to add white to it. You will end up only a touch lighter. If your blue is really deep, the only thing you can do is add it to white. If you want to change the color, mix in a complimentary color - red and it will head toward the purple rang; yellow and it will go toward green. Either way, to lighten the hue, you start with white and add the darker color.

  • 13526476 13526476 on Jul 10, 2017

    Take a look at www.paintingtutorials.com. This site gives great instructions on changing paint colors at homes for latex and oil paints.

  • Amanda Amanda on Jul 10, 2017

    The paint store will be able to change the color lighter.

  • Lynn Lynn on Jul 10, 2017

    Great suggestions from everyone, thank you!

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 10, 2017

    I am sure if you brought a gallon of white you could lighten it up, then they could tint it to a duller blue by adding grey or black; or a bit of yellow to give it a green hue, or add green to make it more aqua. Red and blue make violet. If you can go back to the original store you purchase it at, I am sure they would tint it for free or a couple bucks.

  • Bobbie Bobbie on Jul 10, 2017

    many paint stores will accept returns on unused paint that is not a color you want or like.

  • Charlee Hunter Charlee Hunter on Jul 10, 2017

    Yep. It depends on 'to what'.. like you are not going to change it from blue to red, but with the addition of red pigment it becomes purple, or add yellow to make green, .. the choices are many. The paint store has concentrated pigments which would be Way easier than you doing it yourself and take up less room in the can.

  • Kno8228129 Kno8228129 on Jul 10, 2017

    You don't have to go to the paint store, I have done this by adding white paint until you get the desired color you want.

  • Gayle Tucker Gayle Tucker on Jul 10, 2017

    Buy a gallon of white, add a small amount of the blue to get it lighter. You can make colors darker by tint but you cannot make them lighter.