What to do When the Paint Color is Wrong

Posted on May 9, 2020

There is surely a bit of stress that comes with choosing a new house color. You choose, you’ve painted and it just doesn’t feel right. Even the best laid plans for painting can go awry with an undertone that’s off. Here’s what to do when the paint color is wrong.

You picked the perfect swatch and tested it. Now that it’s on the walls, it’s all wrong. Before you lose it, here are some options to ease the situation.

Mixing

If you realize the error before you put it on the walls, the gallon could have been mixed wrong. Maybe it has settled. Use a stick to stir it and see if it still seems off. While it’s a nuisance and an extra step, consider returning to the store before you start painting. It’s better to fix this issue now.

Lighting

If you’ve put the paint up and you’re unhappy with the color, try changing the light. There are different colors of white bulbs that can make the color appear off in your room. New ultra bright and neon bulbs generally will make a room look blue. Soft white gives a warm yellow glow. Try changing out the bulbs in lamps and lights or add a dimmer switch to see if you can rectify the problem.

Accessories

If you choose colors without taking into consideration your colors in the room from furniture and accessories, you could be traveling a path to failure. A bright throw or deep colored couch can quickly make your walls take on a different shade. If you’re noticing the color is off, try removing these items and see if the paint matches what you expected. It’s easier to replace a rug than the paint on the walls.

Faux Paint Techniques

Textured paints can help you to transform paint to what you were expecting. Pick a cooler or warmer color to texture over your original paint. This will help to create the feeling you were aiming for initially. Dabbing the new color over top will give it the tones it was missing and create a unique look in the room.

Repaint

No one wants to hear that they need to immediately repaint their room. If the color is just not up to snuff and you have tried these suggestions, it could be your last resort. If you cringe every time you enter the room, you must consider this option. Make sure you test the new color thoroughly before you commit. Tell the mixer the color on the wall and the issue you had with it. Being honest will help you to avoid another painting disaster.

If you’d rather pass this job off to a professional, our crews are here to paint. Schedule a free estimate appointment today.