How to Use Black Ceiling Paint

Posted on: August 30th, 2021

With interior painting trends leaning away from more traditional colors and tones, black ceiling paint is quickly becoming all the rage. Gone are the days of boring, white ceilings. Homeowners are embracing big, bold, and going black. Your ceiling can be painted black to create a dramatic and unique space, helping architectural elements to pop, while adding elegance and charm to any room. 

Black has a reputation for making rooms feel gloomy and small. However, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the power this once misunderstood color can present. 

If you need to buy black ceiling paint and live in the Sacramento area, we recommend Sherwin Williams. That’s who we partner with because their paint is long-lasting and of the best quality.

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Rooms With Black Ceilings 

Painting your ceiling black creates an eye-catching focal point of interior design and can single-handedly define your room’s decorating style. Dark colors are impressive and glamorous. There seems to be an element of mystery and intrigue associated with black ceilings. The common prejudices about black paint that once existed among painters and interior decorators have gone the way of the wind. 

Other dark colors that have been adapted by designers for ceilings include graphite and charcoal gray, grays with a bluish hue, silver grays, and of course navy. Dark tones combined with bright white or other bold colors are a brave way to be creative and add personality. 

Black ceilings draw your eyes upward, giving the illusion that your walls may be taller than they appear. Tall ceilings are always a wow factor and are an extremely coveted selling point in the real estate world. People are more likely to remember a room as pleasing to the eye if it has high ceilings. When paired with lighter colors and designed properly, a black ceiling can actually make your room appear larger. 

How To Paint Basement Ceilings Black 

An unsightly basement ceiling isn’t something you want to stare at for years to come. Many partially finished basement ceilings have pipes or ductwork that is left exposed. Nobody wants that as their interior decor. Instead of paying a small fortune for drywall, a coat of black paint by a professional can smooth over all the unpleasantness. This black paint covering gives off an industrial feel that can work these days. Complete the look with corrugated metal siding and black blinds or window coverings. If you have a door leading into the basement, paint it black as well to tie it all together. 

Basement ceilings are known for having yellowed water stains as well as other spots that have randomly shown up over time. Black paint does amazingly well at concealing blemishes and discoloration.

Black Ceiling Paint 

Just like white paint, black ceiling paint has endless different shades to consider. Depending on the lighting and furniture, black can pull in surrounding shades, changing its appearance. Some black hues can appear more navy while others are grayer. The trick to discovering the right black is all in the undertones. Simply check out the other colors on the color strip and see if they are in keeping with your vision. Black is merely a dark version of some other color. Natural light helps showcase these undertones so study perspective black tones in different lighting to make the best choice. 

Another very important factor in determining the best black paint lies in the finish. High gloss paints add an element of sophistication and glamour but are harder to get looking perfect. Surfaces need to be smooth and blemish-free for glossy paints to look their best. Flat or Matte finishes soak up the light instead of reflecting it, creating an intimate, warm feel. A satin sheen meets flat and high gloss in the middle and gives off just the right amount of light and luster. 

Black Ceiling in Restaraunt

How To Paint a Black Ceiling 

Painting your ceiling black is virtually no different than painting it any other traditional color. The same technique, skill, and tools are required. But, there are a few things to consider to ensure a successful outcome. Darker colors aren’t as forgiving! 

  1. Pick The Proper Paint Sheen or Finish 

Pay attention to the light in the room you will be painting and the quality or state your ceiling is currently in. Both of these factors will help you determine what sheen will look best. Typically, a lower sheen paint works best for black ceilings. Stick with matte, eggshell, or at most, a satin finish for black ceilings. You don’t want too much reflection from a higher gloss paint. The flatter sheens also hide blemishes and imperfections ceilings tend to have. 

  1. Consider The Drying Time 

Darker paints are less forgiving when it comes to blending and roller marks. Don’t make painting with black or other dark colors a one-man show. Your team will need to work quickly. Once your edging has started to dry, it’ll be much harder to make it look fluid and cohesive with the main body of the ceiling or wall. Try your best to blend quickly when it comes to cutting in around walls and rolling your ceiling. 

If you have beautiful beams, crown molding, or other details in or around your ceiling, we recommend you hire a skilled professional. If your lines aren’t clean, with black paint there’s no hiding it. Painting professionals know how to create the perfect lines and edges even on the most intricate spaces. 

Black Ceiling Paint Design Ideas 

Some of you may be skeptical about the idea of painting your ceiling black. Well, rest assured, black ceiling paint is being used in all kinds of decorative manner. Here are some of the current trends utilizing black, and other dark colors for ceilings. 

  • Black Ceiling White Walls 

Black and white will always be a classic combo. No matter what style or trend you’re going for, black and white have the versatility to capture it. Whether you love modern farmhouse, contemporary, or are drawn to an elegant look, you can’t go wrong with black and white. Soft white paint, furniture, and accents are the obvious pairing match for black ceiling paint. The white creates a beautiful balance against the bold black. 

  • Kids Rooms and Playrooms 

You may not typically think of painting the ceiling of your child’s room black, but black can be a surprisingly creative choice. While black can add a modern flair or give sophistication and elegance, it can also be super fun. Black can be the perfect backdrop for a sky full of stars. You can create a glow-in-the-dark solar system for the child that is obsessed with outer space or Star Wars.

When your little one grows older and is ready to transition into something less childlike, the black ceiling presents several other options. Pick a light fixture or chandelier that fits your teen’s personality and it will really pop against the black ceiling. Incorporate the black into a car or sports motif or add Italian twinkle lights and bold bright wall color for your trendy teen.

  • Open Floor Plans 

Homes with open floor plans are popping up everywhere. This design makes a home that would normally feel small, appear large and spacious. Everyone wants a home that has room to roam freely in. Without walls and hallways cutting the home into pieces, light is free to flow. Even though people love open floor plans, it can be difficult for homeowners to add their own style. This is where black ceilings can shine. Try painting a division of space on your ceiling to partition your ceiling without actually losing any openness or flow. 

Are You a Risk-Taker? 

Using black paint in any variation in your home is risky and bold. Black isn’t usually the most obvious or first choice for most homeowners. That certainly seems to be changing. If you’re open to the idea of being bold with paint, then feel safe moving forward with black. People that maintain a classy, elegant style of sophistication are also primed for black.

Accentuating Architectural Elements 

If you happen to be lucky enough to have defining architectural elements in your ceiling, black is the perfect way to showcase them. Whether you have wooden beams, crown molding, or skylights, applying black paint will create depth and emphasize the details. Utilize the bold look of white pieces or beams against the black background to really make a statement. A certified paint professional may need to be called in to handle ornate details and ensure quality. You don’t want a shotty paint job to taint or play down these beautiful design pieces.

Conclusion on How to Use Black Ceiling Paint

If you’re looking into a paint project involving black paint or have questions concerning another painting project, give PaintRite Pros a call. Our team of experienced painting professionals, along with our creative design consultants, go above and beyond other paint companies. Our residential interior painters even do repairs on things like loose floorboards, nail cracks, and patchwork. Whether you’re looking to renovate your home or give it a color update, new paint can change a lot. We are ready to tackle any paint job in Sacramento, so you don’t have to! We serve the entire area including Roseville, Elk Grove, Stockton, and more! If you need your kitchen cabinets as well, we can do that for you too! Hablamos Espanol tambien!

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What Is The Best Temperature to Paint Outside? 

Posted on: August 16th, 2021

Best Temperature For Exterior Painting

When it comes to exterior painting projects it’s important to know what the best temperature to paint outside is. If you attempt to paint or stain when it’s too cold, you run the risk of ruining the project and wasting your precious time and money invested. Temperature and humidity are both important factors to consider when starting any outdoor painting project.

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What Temperature Can You Paint Outside? 

Most people understand that painting outdoors in the winter isn’t the best idea. When the weather turns colder it’s best to put off any outdoor painting projects until the warmer months arrive. On the other hand, you may wonder if painting outside during the hottest months of July and August could be a detriment to drying paint. Truth is that the best time to take on a painting project is when the temperature is moderate and with very little wind. We have found the ideal temperature to be between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A little wind might not seem like a big deal but it can cause your paint to dry too quickly. 

Different temperature guidelines apply for different types of paint. For example, the exterior paint temperature should be between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit when using latex paint. For oil-based paint, the ideal temperature should stay between 45-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Painting in the Heat 

If the outside temperature is too high or too low, your paint might not bind together properly. This can lead to peeling or cracking of the paint once it dries. Certain paints, such as Latex, are harder to work within the heat because they have a tendency to dry out easily which compromises adhesion. Latex paints are usually the best for all exterior projects. Painting when it’s too hot can cause bubbles and blisters to form in the paint. Consequently, we recommend not painting in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Painting in Cold Weather 

If you are going to brave painting in the cold, be sure to not let the surface or air temperature drop below 35 degrees for at least 36 hours after application. Your paint won’t cure or process correctly and you may end up with unsightly bubbles and bumps in your paint when spring arrives. For the best results, we recommend not painting if the temp drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Cold weather can also compromise the overall life expectancy of your paint. Oil-based paints thicken in cold weather, causing your paintbrush to stiffen. This leads to thicker paint application and less coverage per gallon. Also because paint takes longer to dry in cooler temperatures, the surface you’re painting stays wet, attracting unwanted debris, dirt, and bugs to dry stuck in the paint. 

Because paint dries much slower when it’s cold, be sure to allow plenty of time for your paint to dry in between coats, at least 24 hours. This is especially important to be aware of if you’re painting with a dark shade that contains more colorant. 

How Humidity Affects Paint 

Moisture is always a frustration to exterior painters. Too much humidity in the air will lead to water vapor forming on your freshly painted surface. The ideal humidity level for painting outside is between 40-70%. Here is a list of some potential consequences to painting when humidity is too high: 

  • Excess humidity makes it more difficult for the paint to adhere to any surface and causes the paint to bubble and eventually peel. This is especially important to remember when painting wood as it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and swells. When the air is too dry, wood shrinks, eventually cracking or splitting. 
  • If you live in a high humidity area, your paint could show signs of leaching. Leaching is brown or white discoloration in your paint. 
  • Moisture in the air hinders the protective film layer of your paint from developing, compromising the paint’s protective qualities. 

What About Rain? 

Obviously, no matter what the temperature is outside, it’s never a good idea to paint when it’s raining. However, take into consideration that you need to allow plenty of time for your exterior surface to dry before applying any paint. This is particularly true if there has been recent precipitation. If rain is in the forecast, hold off. You will need at least 4-8 hours of dry time after it rains for things to completely dry out. It’s most important the area you are

working on is dry before you paint. The surface needs to remain dry for a good period of time after being painted to ensure a better bond. This makes for fewer problems down the road. The last thing you want is to repaint your home because the outside conditions worked against you.

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Other Considerations When Painting Outside 

When painting a house, most professionals start the process by following the sun’s shadow around the house. This method helps avoid painting in direct sunlight which can dry the paint too quickly. It’s a good rule of thumb to allow paint to be dry to the touch before the sun goes down for the day. Once the sun sets, cooler temperatures and humidity in the form of dew come along and can cause potential problems. 

The Best Time to Paint Outside 

With the winter months being too cold and humid and the summer months often too hot, consider spring and fall as optimal times to paint your home. You won’t be miserable, working in the extreme heat, and you’ll avoid issues associated with the paint drying too fast. 

How Long Does Paint Take to Dry? 

The answer to this question depends largely on what type of paint you’re working with. The back of each paint can indicate on the label the approximate drying time for that specific paint. Latex paints dry more quickly than their oil-based counterparts. After only an hour the first coat is no longer wet and in roughly 4 hours it’s dry enough for another coat to be applied. Oil-based paints require at least 6-8 hours to become dry to the touch and a full 24 hours before you should apply the next coat. Remember that both temperature and humidity play a part in the actual amount of drying time. 

Best Time to Paint Outside Conclusion

If you have further questions about exterior painting or any other painting questions, don’t hesitate to contact PaintRite Pros. We offer a full range of painting services in Elk Grove and the Sacramento area. Our trained professionals have years of experience and it shows. If you want the best exterior painting service near Sacramento, you can be sure that no one fits that description better than our team! We serve all of the Sacramento area including Roseville, Elk Grove, El Dorado County, and more! If you need a Lincoln painting contractor, we recommend Diamond Star Painting. But if you’re in Tucson, Arizona, we recommend Spahr’s Painting

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