Have you ever chosen a paint color you fell in love with, only to be left confused when it looks entirely different on your walls? Whether the color just wasn’t what you were expecting or it looks different on each all, It’s frustrating.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners bring their vision to life since 1996. We’ve seen this issue countless times and have the know-how to explain why it happens and, more importantly, how to avoid it. Understanding the science behind color perception and how different factors affect paint appearance can save you from disappointment and costly mistakes.
In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why the same paint shade can look different on various walls. You’ll walk away with practical tips to ensure your chosen colors meet your expectations, no matter the lighting, surface, or room they’re in.
To understand why paint shades change appearance, we need to touch on how color works. Paint doesn’t emit color; it reflects light. What you see is influenced by how light interacts with the pigments in the paint. The type of light, angle, and surrounding colors all play a role in how your eyes perceive the shade.
The type and direction of light in a room are the biggest culprits when a paint color looks inconsistent.
The colors in a room—from furniture to flooring—affect how a wall color looks. This is due to color contrast and reflection:
The texture and sheen of your walls can also impact color perception:
The original color of the wall plays a big role in how the new paint appears. For example:
The exact formula of the paint used on your walls matters. If you use another gallon of the same paint color on a different wall, it may not have been tinted to match perfectly. Slight variations in tinting can cause noticeable color differences, especially when viewed side by side. This is why it’s crucial to make sure you buy enough paint at the beginning and then check them side by side to ensure that they match.
Even the way the paint is applied can make a difference:
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent these issues and achieve consistent, beautiful results:
Never rely on paint chips alone. Instead:
Think about the type and amount of light the room gets:
Match the paint finish to the room’s purpose:
Always use a high-quality primer that matches your paint’s base color. This step ensures even coverage and prevents old colors from interfering with the new shade.
After you get the paint, you/your painter should make sure each separate pint or gallon matches.
Before starting your project, you can also pour all the paint you plan to use into a single container and mix it thoroughly. This ensures the formula is consistent throughout and avoids any subtle differences between cans.
Hiring a professional painting company can save you time and stress. The right painter should help you choose colors that work for your space, ensure proper application, and deliver results you’ll love.
Color inconsistency can be a puzzling and frustrating issue for homeowners, but understanding the factors at play—like lighting, surrounding colors, wall texture, previous wall color, and paint formula—can help you avoid surprises. By testing samples, considering your room’s lighting, and using the right techniques, you can ensure your paint color looks just as you envisioned.
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, Nebraska, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. We know how important the right color is. This is why we offer a color consultation for interior painting projects. A color consultation can help you find the right color for your project and be confident.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Click the button below to get a quote and take the first step toward a home you’ll love.
If you’re not ready to get a quote for your painting project, click the button below to get your paint color and design guide. This guide will give you 8 tips on how to choose the best paint shade for your painting project.