Can Light Influence the Color of My Paint?

If you’re about to embark on an interior painting project, you’re probably feeling excited at the prospect of transforming part (or all) of your house into something spectacular! But you should want to ensure that your results last for as long as possible and don’t unexpectedly change in appearance. However, did you know that light can sometimes alter the perceived color of paint? Continue reading below to learn a little more about how light can influence the color of paint, and how you can ensure that it doesn’t greatly affect your results!

How Does Light Affect the Color of Paint?

The color of paint can be altered in all sorts of ways—for instance, walls in areas with high traffic might experience wear and tear that leads to faded color. Another example is if the paint itself was improperly applied, or not enough of it was applied; this can lead to fading over time as well. However, perhaps the biggest factor that changes how paint appears is light!

Natural lighting, or light that enters your home from outside, can drastically alter how paint looks. This is because this type of light is often inconsistent; it changes in intensity throughout the day and also throughout the year. In the mornings, light tends to be cooler and bluish, whereas in the evenings, light is warmer and more yellow or red. Likewise, light from the north/south/east/west can all have differing effects on a room’s walls, including casting shadows or adding saturation.

Artificial light can be just as problematic. This lighting refers to that which comes from your lamps, wall sconces, overhead lights, and other interior sources. Different types of bulbs like incandescent bulbs tend to produce warm, yellow-toned light, while LEDs and fluorescent bulbs can vary from cool to warm. These variances in brightness and temperature can all affect the color of the paint.

How Can I Ensure My Paint Retains Its Original Color?

Fortunately, you don’t have to live in fear of your paint losing its original color; there are several things you can do to ensure lasting, beautiful results. Mainly, you’ll want to consider the positioning and intensity of light entering your home or being emitted from light sources within your home. Consider the interplay between light and shadow and note that it can and will influence the perceived color of paint. You can use paint sample sticks to help with this; they allow you to see how certain colors look under all types of lighting!

Of course, you also shouldn’t hesitate to consult with a team of professionals if you’re having trouble picking a suitable color for your project due to concerns about lighting. They’ll be able to easily help you come to an informed decision that leaves you with spectacular, lasting results!

About Platinum Painting of Fort Worth

The Platinum Painting team has proudly served homeowners in the Fort Worth area for over 15 years, offering assistance with a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home consultation to see how they can help you transform your home, feel free to visit their website or give them a call today! Telephone: (817) 885-5656.