Painting Advice: How To Paint An Accent Wall
Color sets the stage in any room. One way to bring more color into your home is to use an accent wall. It's easy to create an accent wall in your home with some painting advice. If you are wondering how to paint an accent wall yourself instead of hiring house painters, you'll find out here.
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How To Paint An Accent Wall
Painting Advice
1. Picking A Wall
An accent wall is a wall painted a different color from the rest of the room and will naturally garner attention. Choosing the right wall will highlight an already prominent feature of the room.
It's best to select a wall in an open area that has lots of light, either natural or artificial.
The wall that your eye is pulled towards or that has interesting architectural features is especially good.
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How To Paint An Accent Wall
Painting Advice
2. Choosing the Color
A single accent wall can help tie everything in the house together, if you choose the color carefully.
Many people like to go with bold colors when making an accent wall. However, almost any contrasting color will do, so look at your favorite colors to highlight a wall.
If you have minor hints of one color in the room, like red, adding in that color as an accent wall is ideal. The entire room will look organized and part of an overall design scheme.
Colors that stand out and can work in almost any home are Adventure, Field Poppy, Onyx, Wayward Wind and Chocolate Pretzel.
How To Paint An Accent Wall
Painting Advice
3. Choosing a Paint Sheen
Next, think about the kind of paint sheen that you want. Each paint sheen reflects light differently and you can use that knowledge to set the mood of the room.
A subtle eggshell finish can make the entire room feel softer.
Shinier finishes, like semi-gloss or satin, will help add light and make the wall stand out even more.
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How To Paint An Accent Wall
Painting Advice
4. Painting the Wall
Start by taping the edges of the wall you're painting with masking tape or painter's tape. You don't want paint on any other surface. Cover the floor with a tarp.
Cut in a 2 to 3-inch area where the wall meets the ceiling and around trim or lighting fixtures, using a brush.
Using a brush or roller, fill in the rest of the wall. Make sure the paint is evenly spread. Start painting from the ceiling down to the floor in long, even motions.
Depending on the color, you may have to use more than one coat. Be sure to let the paint dry between coats.
Looking to paint some vintage furniture to go with your accent wall? Check out our How To Paint Furniture guide!
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Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.
