How to Paint a Room Dark Colors

Get a small swatch of color so you can compare the color against the rest of your decor. A small paint swatch allows you to try the color in different lighting. Examine the color under natural light and under light bulbs in that room.

Remove every piece of furniture from the room. If that isn't possible, pull the furniture toward the middle of the room and protect it with a canvas or plastic tarp. Toss a tarp on the floor to protect it from paint drips.

Remove any artwork and mirrors from the wall. Remove light switch covers and outlet covers.

Remove any debris such as dirt or stains from the wall with a mild household cleanser. Dirt won't allow paint to adhere correctly. Rinse well. Use sandpaper to remove loose or cracked paint. Dark paint makes any wall defect more noticeable.

Press spackle into holes or cracks with a putty knife. Use sandpaper to sand areas until they are smooth. Rinse and allow to dry.

Apply a tinted primer to the wall using the same technique to apply paint. Your paint store will be able to mix up a tinted primer for you. A tinted primer reduces the number of coats that is necessary to create the richness of a dark color. It can also reduce streaking from the roller and will even out the sheen. Allow primer to dry for at least 24 hours.

Prepare the paint in the can. Shake the paint can for a couple of minutes. Since the dark pigment tends to settle at the bottom, stir the paint working from the bottom up.

Use a roller to paint from one end and work your way down the wall. Move the roller in straight up and down motions. Apply two coats of paint. Depending on how dark the color is, it may take more coats of paint.