Are you tired of your dark walls making your rooms look gloomy and cramped? Do you want to brighten up your space with a fresh coat of paint but don’t know which one to choose? If you answered yes to these questions, this article is for you!
In this article, we will show you the best paint to cover dark walls in the UK and how to apply it for a stunning result.
We have the perfect paint for you whether you want a light and airy feel, a bold and dramatic contrast, or a cozy and warm ambiance. Read on to find out more!
Best Paint to Cover Dark Walls UK
1. AMES BWRF5 Water Base High Strength Elastomeric Liquid Rubber, 5 Gallon White
AMES BWRF5 Water Base High Strength Elastomeric Liquid Rubber is a specially formulated coating designed to waterproof concrete walls, cinder blocks, and various other surfaces.
This versatile liquid rubber offers excellent adhesion and high strength, making it suitable for various applications, including ICF (insulated concrete forms), metal, wood, and more.
Key Features:
- Waterproofing properties: Forms a tough, elastic membrane that prevents water infiltration and protects surfaces from moisture damage.
- Versatile application: Can be applied to concrete walls, cinder blocks, metal, wood, and other surfaces.
- Crack-filling capabilities: Fills cracks and crevices up to ⅛ inch in size, providing a seamless, watertight seal.
- Easy application: A sprayer, roller, or brush can be applied for convenient use.
- Environmentally friendly: Non-toxic, low-odor formula is environmentally friendly and made in the USA.
Benefits:
AMES BWRF5 Water Base High Strength Elastomeric Liquid Rubber offers homeowners a reliable solution for waterproofing and protecting various surfaces.
Its high-strength formula provides long-lasting durability, while its flexibility allows for up to 1800% elongation to resist cracking and peeling. Its low odor and environmentally friendly composition make it a safe choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the liquid rubber offers excellent waterproofing properties, some users may find multiple coats needed to achieve optimal coverage, especially on porous surfaces. Additionally, proper surface preparation may be required for best results.
Ease of Use:
This liquid rubber is designed for easy application, allowing users to apply it with a sprayer, roller, or brush for versatile use. Its thick consistency ensures smooth application and excellent coverage, while its low-odor formula makes it suitable for indoor use.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, AMES BWRF5 Water Base High Strength Elastomeric Liquid Rubber dries to a tough, elastic membrane that provides long-lasting waterproofing and protection.
Its high solids content and up to 1800% elongation ensure resistance to cracking and peeling, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications.
What We Liked Most:
- Excellent waterproofing properties
- Versatile application on various surfaces
- Environmentally friendly and low odor formula
What Could Be Improved:
- Improved coverage to reduce the need for multiple coats
2. verny Drywall Spray Paint for Wall, Odorless Water Based Drywall Spray for Refinishing Ceiling Stains Spots, Wall Spray Refinishing Paint for Indoor Use, Wall Repair Kit, 12oz (Pack of 2)
verny Drywall Spray Paint offers homeowners a convenient and effective solution for repairing wall stains and ceiling spots.
With its low-odor formula, user-friendly application, and quick drying time, this spray paint provides both performance and convenience for indoor painting projects.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a beginner, verny delivers quality and ease of use in every can.
Key Features:
- Low odor formula: Offers a lower odor compared to most oil-based paints, ensuring a more pleasant painting experience.
- Effortless application: Specifically designed for easy wall stain repair, providing a uniform and smooth surface with just a few sprays.
- User-friendly spray application: Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and beginners, with simple instructions for achieving optimal results.
- Quick drying: Dries to the touch within 2 to 4 hours, ensuring efficient project completion.
- Ample coverage: Each package includes 2 cans of spray paint, providing coverage for up to 25-30 sq. ft. with 2 coats, making it a cost-effective solution for painting needs.
Benefits:
verny Drywall Spray Paint offers homeowners a hassle-free way to repair wall stains and ceiling spots, restoring them to their original textured appearance.
Its low-odor formula ensures a more pleasant painting experience, while its quick-drying properties allow for efficient project completion.
Additionally, the ample coverage provided by each package makes it a cost-effective solution for painting needs.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the spray paint offers excellent coverage and quick drying time, some users may find that multiple coats are needed to achieve optimal results, especially on porous surfaces. Additionally, proper surface preparation may be required for best results.
Ease of Use:
This drywall spray paint is designed for effortless application, making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts and beginners.
Its user-friendly spray application allows quick and easy repairs, with simple instructions for achieving a uniform and smooth surface.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, verny Drywall Spray Paint provides a long-lasting protective coating with excellent rust prevention, ensuring the longevity of surfaces.
Its water-based formula dries to a durable finish that resists fading and peeling, making it a reliable choice for indoor use.
What We Liked Most:
- Low odor formula for a more pleasant painting experience
- Effortless application for quick and easy repairs
- Quick drying time for efficient project completion
3. Krylon K03913000-14 Glitter Finish Quart, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Iridescent
The Krylon Glitter Finish Quart in Iridescent is a sparkling addition to any DIY enthusiast’s toolkit. Designed to add a touch of glamour to various surfaces, this glitter finish paint is versatile and easy to use.
Whether sprucing up furniture or adding flair to walls, this product promises to deliver a dazzling finish.
Key Features:
- Sparkle-infused style: Adds a brilliant shimmer to your projects.
- Versatile application: Suitable for use on walls, furniture, mirrors, and seasonal décor.
- Compatibility: Can be paired with Krylon Brilliant Metallic finish paint as a topcoat.
- Smooth application: Applies evenly for a professional-looking finish.
- Buildable intensity: Apply multiple thin coats to achieve your desired sparkle level.
Benefits:
The Krylon Glitter Finish Quart offers homeowners a hassle-free way to elevate their interior décor.
Its ability to transform ordinary surfaces into glimmering focal points makes it a go-to choice for those seeking to add a touch of glamour to their living spaces.
Its compatibility with Krylon Brilliant Metallic finish paint also provides users with endless creative possibilities.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the glitter finish adds a stunning effect, some users may find that achieving their desired sparkle requires multiple coats, which can be time-consuming.
Ease of Use:
This glitter finish paint is user-friendly and applies smoothly onto various surfaces. Its liquid form allows easy brush application, ensuring even coverage with minimal effort.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, the Krylon Glitter Finish Quart dries to a durable finish, ensuring long-lasting sparkle and glamour. The iridescent hue adds depth and dimension to surfaces, creating a visually captivating effect.
What We Liked Most:
- Easy application process
- Versatile use on different surfaces
- Compatibility with other Krylon products for endless creativity
What Could Be Improved:
- Faster drying time to expedite the project completion process
4. Rust-Oleum 224423 8 oz Indoor/Outdoor Latex Paint
The Rust-Oleum 224423 8 oz Indoor/Outdoor Latex Paint in Deep Blue is a reliable choice for homeowners seeking durable and versatile paint for their projects.
With its matte finish, vibrant colour, and easy application, this latex paint offers both style and performance for interior and exterior surfaces.
Whether refreshing your indoor walls or adding a splash of colour to outdoor décor, Rust-Oleum delivers quality and convenience in every can.
Key Features:
- Matte finish: Provides a sleek, non-reflective surface for a modern look.
- Indoor/outdoor use: Suitable for a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors.
- Versatile colour: Deep Blue hue adds depth and richness to any space.
- Durable formula: Resistant to fading, chipping, and weathering for long-lasting results.
- Easy application: Liquid form allows for smooth brush strokes and even coverage.
Benefits:
The Rust-Oleum 224423 Latex Paint offers homeowners the convenience of a single product for indoor and outdoor projects.
Its matte finish adds sophistication to interior walls while its durability makes it ideal for withstanding the elements outdoors. The Deep Blue colour provides a timeless appeal that complements a range of décor styles.
Potential Drawbacks:
Some users may find additional coats needed for full coverage, particularly on porous surfaces. Additionally, while the paint is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, proper surface preparation may be required for optimal adhesion and longevity.
Ease of Use:
This latex paint is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer, making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels. Its liquid form ensures smooth application and minimal drips, producing professional-looking results with minimal effort.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, the Rust-Oleum 224423 Latex Paint dries to a durable finish that resists fading, chipping, and weathering. The matte finish adds a contemporary touch to surfaces, while the Deep Blue colour provides a rich and inviting aesthetic.
What We Liked Most:
- Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- Durable formula for long-lasting results
- Smooth application with minimal drips
5. Valspar Deep Base Chalky Paint
The Valspar Deep Base Chalky Paint offers DIY enthusiasts a versatile, easy-to-use solution for transforming various surfaces into stunning, vintage-inspired masterpieces.
This ultra-matte paint requires minimal prep work and can be easily applied to any surface, making it an ideal choice for creative projects.
Key Features:
- Ultra-matte finish: Provides a smooth, velvety texture with a low-gloss appearance.
- Easy application: Requires minimal prep work and can be applied to any surface.
- Versatile use: Suitable for various projects, from furniture refurbishment to decorative accents.
- Compatibility: Can be paired with Valspar’s Sealing Wax for added protection and durability.
- Quick drying: A full cure time of just 4 hours allows for fast project completion.
Benefits:
The Valspar Deep Base Chalky Paint offers homeowners a hassle-free way to achieve a chic, vintage look in their home décor projects.
Its ultra-matte finish adds depth and character to surfaces, while its easy application process makes it accessible to DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Additionally, the quick drying time allows for efficient project completion, minimizing downtime and allowing users to enjoy their newly transformed spaces sooner.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the paint offers excellent coverage and durability, some users may find additional coats needed for full opacity, particularly on darker surfaces. Proper surface preparation may also be required to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity.
Ease of Use:
This chalky paint is designed for easy application, requiring minimal prep work and offering smooth coverage on various surfaces.
Its wax-like consistency allows for effortless brush strokes and ensures a professional-looking finish with minimal effort.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, the Valspar Deep Base Chalky Paint dries to an ultra-matte finish with a subtle, low-gloss appearance.
Users can opt to top coat with Valspar’s Sealing Wax for added protection and durability, ensuring long-lasting results that maintain their vintage charm.
What We Liked Most:
Easy application process with minimal prep work
Versatile use on any surface
Quick drying time for efficient project completion
6. Rust-Oleum 323860 Glitter Interior Wall Paint Iridescent Clear 32oz
Rust-Oleum 323860 Glitter Interior Wall Paint in Iridescent Clear offers homeowners a hassle-free way to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to their interior spaces.
This unique paint provides an intense, multi-dimensional shimmer without the mess typically associated with traditional glitter applications.
With the glitter already mixed in, users can effortlessly create a statement look on their walls.
Key Features:
- Intense shimmer: Provides a multi-dimensional sparkle that catches and reflects light for a dazzling effect.
- Easy application: A brush, roller, or sprayer can be applied for versatile use.
- Quick drying: Dries to the touch in 2 hours, allowing for efficient project completion.
- Buildable coverage: Additional coats can create a bolder, more dramatic look.
- Low-profile finish: Results in a slightly textured finish that adds depth and dimension to walls.
Benefits:
The Rust-Oleum 323860 Glitter Interior Wall Paint offers homeowners a convenient and mess-free way to elevate their interior décor.
Its easy application process and quick drying time suit DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether adding a subtle sparkle to a feature wall or creating a bold statement in a bedroom, this glitter paint delivers stunning results every time.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the paint provides excellent coverage and shimmer, some users may find that additional coats are needed to achieve their desired level of sparkle. Proper surface preparation may be required for optimal adhesion and longevity.
Ease of Use:
This glitter wall paint is designed for easy application, allowing users to apply it with a brush, roller, or sprayer for versatile use.
Its quick drying time ensures minimal downtime, allowing users to enjoy their newly transformed spaces sooner rather than later.
Durability & Finish:
Once applied, the Rust-Oleum 323860 Glitter Interior Wall Paint dries to a low-profile finish, adding texture and dimension to the walls.
Its durable formula ensures long-lasting sparkle and glamour, making it a reliable choice for interior decorating projects.
What We Liked Most:
- Intense shimmer without the mess of traditional glitter applications
- Versatile application methods for easy use
- Quick drying time for efficient project completion
Can I paint over dark wall paint?
Yes, you can paint over dark wall paint, but preparing the surface properly is crucial for the best results.
Start by cleaning the walls and repairing any imperfections. Applying a primer to block out dark colours helps create a neutral base and improves paint adhesion.
Multiple coats of lighter-coloured paint may be needed to achieve full coverage and hide the dark colour effectively.
With proper preparation and the right paint products, painting over dark wall paint can result in a fresh, updated look for your space.
How do you paint over dark walls UK?
Materials Needed:
- Paint (primer and lighter-coloured topcoat)
- Paint rollers
- Paintbrushes
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Sandpaper
- Spackling compound or filler
- Paint tray
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Prepare the Room
- Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths to protect it from paint splatters.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want to paint, such as baseboards, trim, and light switches.
2. Clean the Walls
- Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or grease, ensuring proper paint adhesion.
3. Repair any Damage
- Fill holes or cracks with spackling compound or filler.
- Sand the repaired areas smoothly once dry to create a seamless surface for painting.
4. Prime the Walls
- Apply a primer to block out the existing dark colour and provide a neutral base for the new paint.
- Use a tinted primer in a light shade to aid coverage.
5. Cut In
- Use a paintbrush to carefully paint along the edges of the walls, corners, and trim, where rollers cannot reach.
- This step ensures clean and precise lines.
6. Roll the Paint
- Use a paint roller to apply the topcoat of paint to the walls.
- Start from one corner and work across the wall in a “W” or “M” pattern to ensure even coverage.
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for best results.
7. Allow to Dry
- Let the first coat of paint dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before applying additional coats.
- This usually takes a few hours, depending on the paint type and environmental conditions.
8. Apply Additional Coats
- If necessary, apply two or more coats of paint to achieve the desired finish and coverage.
- Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
9. Remove Painter’s Tape
- Once the final coat of paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape from the edges to reveal clean, crisp lines.
10. Touch Up
- Inspect the walls for missed spots or uneven areas.
- Touch up with additional paint as needed to ensure a uniform finish.
11. Clean Up
- Clean brushes, rollers, and paint tray with water or paint thinner, depending on the paint type.
- Dispose of drop cloths and remove painter’s tape from surfaces.
What wall colours brighten a dark room?
Wall colours that can brighten a dark room include
- Soft, light neutrals such as off-white, cream, or light beige, reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness.
- Pale shades of yellow or peach add warmth and brightness without overwhelming the space.
- Light shades of blue or green, reminiscent of the sky or nature, can create a calming and airy atmosphere.
- Soft pastel colours like lavender or pale pink add subtle brightness and make the room more cheerful.
- White, especially crisp pure white, can bounce light around the room and create a fresh look.
How many coats of paint does it take to cover dark color?
The number of coats needed to cover a dark colour depends on factors like the darkness of the original colour and the opacity of the new paint.
Generally, it often takes at least two coats of paint to effectively cover a dark colour with a lighter one, ensuring an even and opaque finish.
However, for particularly deep or intense dark colours, additional coats may be necessary to completely conceal the underlying hue and achieve the desired lightness and uniformity.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions and applying the paint evenly is essential to ensure satisfactory coverage.
Can you paint over dark colors without primer?
While it’s possible to paint over dark colours without primer, it’s generally not recommended. Applying primer before painting over dark colours helps to create a neutral base, improves paint adhesion, and enhances coverage.
The dark colour may bleed through the new paint without primer, requiring more coats to achieve the desired finish.
Primer also helps to seal porous surfaces and smooth out imperfections, resulting in a more professional-looking paint job.
While it’s technically feasible to skip primer, using primer significantly improves the quality and longevity of the paint job, making it a worthwhile step in the painting process.
The best primers for hiding dark colours include:
- KILZ Original Interior Primer
- INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer
- Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Premium Latex Primer
- KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer
- INSL-X Aqua Lock Plus Primer/Sealer
- Zinsser Bondz Maximum Adhesion Primer
These primers are specially formulated to provide excellent coverage over dark colours, ensuring a smooth and even base for your paint. They help to block out the underlying colour and provide a neutral surface for the new paint to adhere to, resulting in a professional-looking finish.
Conclusion
Selecting the right wall colour can significantly impact the brightness and atmosphere of a dark room.
Opting for soft, light neutrals like off-white or cream, pale shades of yellow or blue, and soft pastel colours can effectively brighten up the space by reflecting light and creating a sense of openness.
Incorporating elements like mirrors, strategic lighting, and minimalistic decor can further enhance the brightness and visual appeal of a dark room.
By carefully considering these factors and choosing the appropriate wall colour, homeowners can transform dark rooms into inviting and luminous spaces that feel more spacious and welcoming.