Wet paint tends to have a different color from dried paint. So, does paint change its color after it dries?
Technically, paint doesn’t change its color after it dries. However, once the solvent evaporates, the finish becomes less reflective. This makes the finish appear darker once it dries.
Before drying, the coating is filled with solvent. The solvent produces a reflective sheen making the coating appear brighter. However, as the coating dries, the solvent starts to evaporate. This causes the finish to be less reflective.
So, in reality, paint doesn’t change color or become dark. It just loses its reflective sheen.
More Coats Won’t Make The Finish Darker
In terms of color variation, the second coat of paint won’t change the color shade. The misconception that a second coat makes the finish color darker is due to the appearance of the paint when wet.
When the coating is still wet, it appears darker due to the presence of solvents and liquid. But, when the second coat dries, the color shade will be the same as the first coating. The second coat will only improve the durability and coverage of the finish.
While the paint is drying, the solvent (water or oil) is evaporating. Once the solvent evaporates, the pigments will take their original color shade. So, while the paint is still wet, the pigments are mixed with the solvent and will appear brighter. However, once the solvent evaporates, the pigments take their original color shade. So, in reality, the color shade doesn’t change.
A second coat can make the coating brighter or deeper only if there’s bleed-through. If you apply a deep color over bright color, the first coat of paint won’t be able to prevent bleed-through, so the finish will look brighter. However, once you apply the second and third coats, the paint underneath won’t bleed through anymore, and the finish will take its original shade color.
What About The Third or Forth Coat?
Applying more coats of paint won’t make the finish darker. The finish will appear darker while the new coating is still drying, but once it dries, the finish will have the same color.
You shouldn’t add more than the needed number of coats to change the color shade. To change the color shade of a finish, apply paint with a deeper (or lighter) shade.
If you apply too many coats, you risk ruining the finish. For instance, if you apply more than 4 coats of oil-based paint, the finish will turn sticky and peel off. Or, if you apply more than 4 coats of oil-based polyurethane, the finish will turn blurry. The same thing applies to latex or acrylic paints.
Things That Make a Difference
Paints can appear lighter or darker when dry based on the surface type and the room lighting. For example, if you paint in a room with many lights, the finish will appear brighter when dry. However, the finish will appear darker if you apply it in a room with less lighting.
The surface color also makes a difference. For example, if you paint over dark wood, the finish will appear darker than it is. However, if you paint over a white wall, the finish will appear lighter. This only applies to the first coat because once you apply the second and the third coat, the finish will take its original color shade.
Sealing a painted surface will also change its color shade. For instance, if you seal it with wax, the paint will appear darker. That’s because wax has a darker shade. There are also clear coat waxes.
However, if you seal the finish with polyurethane, its color will appear lighter. That’s because polyurethane is a clear coat that allows light to pass through, making it appear lighter.
Paints can also appear darker over time if you don’t clean or maintain them. This is due to accumulated dust and oils on the coating.
Tips For Avoiding a Different Color Shade
Here are a few tips to help you get the color of paint expected:
- Don’t Apply Too Many Coats – You shouldn’t apply too many (or fewer) coats than necessary. Different paints have different requirements for the number of coats. As a rule of thumb, don’t apply more than 4 coats or less than 2.
- Sand and Prime Before – Porous materials must be sanded and primed before painting them. Without priming, porous materials can suck more paint than needed. This can cause the finish to appear darker or lighter.
- Allow Enough Dry Time– For the paint to dry, the solvent must evaporate from the coating. But, if you apply a new coat too soon, the solvent will be trapped between the coats and can cause the finish to appear cloudy.
- Wait For The Right Conditions – The temperature affects the drying time of paint. So, always apply it under the required conditions. Paint must be applied at room temperature or above 60 degrees (F). The humidity levels must be between 40-50% to prevent a sticky finish.
- Pick a Clear Coat Sealant – If you use a sealant with a dark shade, the finish will look darker. If you use a clear coat sealant, the finish will look brighter.
Final Words
Paints don’t get darker or lighter when dry. The paint has a different shade when wet because the solvent hasn’t evaporated yet. Once the solvent evaporates, and the coating dries (becomes hard), the finish will have the same color shade.
Tony Adams
Tony is a professional painter and an author of DIY Geeks. Tony has completed over 1,000 painting projects for his clients. It's safe to say he knows what he Is talking about,