Paint it Black – Just Be Sure to Prepare

The last few years have given us some of the boldest and most exciting ventures in interior painting and design. From striking chevrons to lacquered ceilings and beyond, the message is loud and clear that it’s a great time to experiment and go beyond the norm to find the home design that fits you best. Still, some homeowners forget to account for extra preparation when taking on the most daring trends.

One of the trends that has the most potential to go wrong is black interior paint. No, we don’t mean charcoal, deep purple, or even blackish-brown–we mean true black. The Orlando painters at New Ceilings want to assure you that when it’s done correctly, this stunning statement can look classy and gorgeous, but you have to make sure to prepare your space the right way. Here are a few helpful tips:

• The finish is extra important. Many people may think that a matte finish would work best with dark paint, creating the deepest, darkest hue possible by absorbing the light. But believe it or not, dark wall paints are more likely to show dirt and damage, with fingerprints and the like leaving behind a chalky residue. Styling experts recommend an eggshell finish, right between glossy and satin, to help make the paint more durable and reduce your cleaning time.

• Speaking of absorbing the light...Have you ever noticed how light- and bright-colored rooms seem to shine when the light shines in? Black walls do the exact opposite, absorbing the light from any source. You may want to think about installing a few new lighting fixtures around the room, or at least making sure you choose a room with great natural lighting. Otherwise, the place may wind up looking dismal.

• The difference is in the details. When you have a room with black paint, especially when it’s on more than one wall, having white fixtures and trim around the room makes it lose that moody, elegant edge. Be sure to invest in black ceiling fans, track lights, and blinds to make the space cohesive; otherwise, you could risk your room looking amateur or segmented.

Selecting the perfect paint is especially important when doing a dark treatment on interior walls, because dark colors make the space look smaller, and every little detail–and blemish–will become apparent to you and your guests. To get the best product with the best service, get in touch with the painting team at New Ceilings. Give us a call at 407-378-6040 to schedule your free consultation.