Whether you are planning on painting your home with a darker color or you are painting over a dark color, you are likely ready for a change in your home. But as you start planning your painting project, you hear something you didn’t expect—the color you choose might affect the cost. Wait, what? Isn’t all paint the same price? If you’re like many homeowners, this can feel confusing and frustrating. After all, picking a color should be exciting, not stressful!
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners bring their spaces to life for years. We understand how overwhelming the painting process can be, especially when unexpected factors—like how color impacts cost—enter the picture. Our team has painted everything from soft neutrals to bold, dark hues, so we’ve seen firsthand how color choice can influence the time, materials, and effort needed to achieve stunning results.
In this article, we’ll clear up the mystery of how color can affect the cost of your interior painting project. By the end, you’ll know why darker colors may require more effort (and money), how high-quality products can actually save you in the long run, and what to ask your painter to make sure you’re getting the best value.
The simple answer is yes, color can impact the cost of your interior painting project. But why? It’s all about the science of paint and the practicalities of getting your walls to look flawless.
When you choose a dark color, like deep blue or charcoal gray, it often takes more paint to achieve solid, even coverage. Here’s why:
Because of these factors, your painter may need to apply multiple coats, use special primers, or take extra time for preparation—all of which can increase labor and material costs.
If you’re trying to cover a dark wall with a lighter color, the process can be even more labor-intensive. A wall painted in black or burgundy, for example, will require:
This is why covering dark colors can sometimes cost more than simply adding a new light color over an existing light wall.
If you're opting for a dark, bold color like navy blue or forest green, you may see an increase of at least $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot added to your base painting cost. This is generally the cost of one coat of paint per square foot. If the painter needs to apply two coats, you could see double those numbers.
One of the biggest factors driving up the cost is the quality of paint. High-quality paints, like Emerald from Sherwin-Williams or Regal Select and Aura by Benjamin Moore, have better color retention and coverage. While they may cost more upfront, they often require fewer coats to achieve the desired finish. However, even the best paint may need additional coats if you’re going from a light base color to a dark, saturated one—or vice versa.
For example:
The painter’s time and labor are another significant part of the overall cost. When tackling difficult colors, painters need to spend extra time ensuring every layer is applied evenly.
Every professional painter has a base rate, typically calculated per square foot or by room. This rate often assumes a neutral or mid-tone color. When you introduce a challenging color, many painters will add a surcharge to account for:
For example, if the base rate for painting the walls in a standard room in Omaha is $2.00 per square foot, choosing a dark color could bring that rate up to $2.50 to $3.20 per square foot. While this might seem like a small difference, it can add up quickly for larger spaces.
Cutting costs by choosing budget paint or skipping primer might be tempting, but this can backfire. High-quality paint products can actually save you money in the long run.
Premium paints have better coverage, meaning they’ll often need fewer coats to achieve full opacity. This is especially important when working with bold or dark colors. For example:
On the other hand, low-quality paint products can actually weaken the paint when they are mixed with dark colors. This is because of the amount of pigment that dark colors require.
This means the paint will underperform even more than fading over time, nicks and scratches, and needing multiple coats.
When discussing your project with a professional painter, make sure to ask:
A reputable painter will be happy to walk you through their process and explain any additional costs.
Does color affect the cost of interior painting? The answer is yes, but understanding why and when can help you make smarter decisions for your home. Darker colors often require more effort and materials, while high-quality products can minimize these challenges and deliver beautiful, long-lasting results.
Whether you’re painting over a dark wall or adding a bold new shade, it’s important to work with a professional who knows how to get the job done right.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’re here to guide Omaha homeowners through every step of the painting process. If you’re ready to transform your space, click the button below to get a quote and let us help bring your vision to life.
If you’re not ready to get a quote, click the button below to get your paint color and design guide. This guide will help you be confident in the color you choose for your next painting project because you deserve to love the look of your home.