Does wall paint dry darker or lighter?

hi gina...

you've gotten lot of responses far...and unfortunately, none of 'em entirely correct.

assuming paint mixed correctly, dried sample of paint should match color strip. paints go on dark , dry color, while others go on light , dry down color.

why , how paints determined pigment structure of particular product. paints go on dark , dry light called "dry hide" paints opaque when dried, transparent when wet. dry hide paints typically inexpensive, times described second tier quality or commercial grade. apartment paints dry hide products.

paints go on lighter dry down color referred "wet" hide products opaque when wet when dry. wet hide products higher or premium quality paints , typically more expensive.

performance assumptions can made based on information. dry hide product not have same level of washability or stain , burnish resistance wet hide product. wet hide products may spread @ greater rate dry hide products as 20 - 30% or more - e.g. dry hide product may cover approximately 250 square feet per gallon, while wet hide product may cover 350 square feet per gallon*.

* interior latex paints recommend spread rate of 400 square feet per gallon - rate theoretical, based on application @ consistent 4.0 mils wet film thickness , obtained.

latex paints comprised of 2 types of pigment - prime , filler. interior paints, common prime pigment titanium dioxide. titanium dioxide expensive (3x cost of filler pigments) , primary function provide hiding (opacity) , impart color.

filler pigments inexpensive. common types of filler pigments calcium carbonate (chalk), magnesium sulfate, diatamaceous clay , many others. function of filler pigments absorb resin (sheen levels determined amount of resin absorbed these pigments), , create (or control) film build.

simply, when mixed water titanium dioxide remains opaque , stays opaque when water evaporates - while other pigments listed turn transparent , become opaque again when water evaporates.

illustrate mix spoonful of baking soda (calcium carbonate) glass of water - dissolves you'll notice becomes clear , water appears clean. if pour glass of water onto dark fabric, white calcium carbonate visible once water has dried.

way illustrate dry hide think of wet t-shirt. opaque when dry...complete transparent when wet (i love illustration).

so, there have - product has higher ratio of prime pigments (titanium dioxide) of filler pigments (calcium carbonate et al) more expensive , hide better (at least while wet)...

product has higher ratio of filler pigment prime, more transparent (when wet) , more of resin absorbed (diminishing overall structural integrity of paint film)...

if haven't fallen asleep yet, hope info answers question , i'm sorry it's lengthy (believe me, abbreviated version)...good luck on projects.

ric

when painting wall paint dry darker or lighter

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