How you paint any room can really determine how it looks and feels. So when you want to brighten up a basement, which is typically a dark and drab space, think paint. By using light and bright paint colors and adding sufficient light to the room, you can take a dull, drab basement room and turn it into a beautiful and bright room to that is a pleasure to spend time in.

Color and Vitality

When thinking about brightening up your basement, you might want to consider using some lively and energetic colors. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange are great color selections to bring some vibrancy and warmth to a cold, dull basement. However, these colors splashed across the expanse of a wall could certainly prove to be a little too bright and bold, and they could quickly overpower even a large basement space. However, if you tone the color down, you can create just the right balance of energy and brightness in your basement. For example, while yellow walls might be a little too stimulating, if you soften the yellow to a pale butter cream tone, you can use the color throughout your room and keep it looking light and fresh.

When you are considering painting the entire surface of a space in a single color, it is very important to paint a test patch on the wall before committing to the color for the entire room. The light and shadows in the room will have a very real effect on how the color looks throughout the day. Natural light during the day and artificial light during the evening will also play a big part in how the color looks. So it is a really good idea to live with the color on your walls for a few days before you decide on the perfect color for your basement walls.

Engaging Patterns

Another color that you should not overlook when you are painting your basement walls is white. There are many soft and creamy shades of white that work perfectly for brightening up a basement space. Now, if you are worried that white walls are just plain too boring for you, think about adding a stenciled design to your walls. Select a vibrant raspberry or mint hue and cover a focal wall with a stencil design, and you will keep your walls bright while bringing in the warmth of a wallpaper design.

If you are artistic, you might instead choose to add a hand painted mural. If you opt to create a stenciled pattern on your wall, make sure that none of the other patterns in your room compete with it. For example, do not bring in bold print in your furniture upholstery, though if you have throw pillows with a smaller print pattern, that should work fine.

Another way to add interest and design on plain neutral walls is with decorative wall art, like paintings and prints, tree of life wall art, wall crosses, or any wall decor that appeals to you.

A Little Shimmer

When you are painting basement walls try to use reflective finishes throughout your room, because they reflect more light throughout the room. For example, try to use a high gloss or semi gloss finish in the paint that you apply to your basement walls. However, since a shiny finish highlights surface flaws, it is more important than ever that you properly prepare your surfaces before painting.

You might also want to think about adding a focal wall in your basement using a metallic or pearlescent paint, both of which add a great deal of sparkle to virtually any space. These shimmering paints are probably a little overpowering for the entire room, but to paint a focal wall in metallic paint and the supporting walls in a high or semi gloss paint will brighten up the room significantly without overwhelming the room.

For painting novices and veterans alike, knowing when to use oil base paint and when to use latex paint can be confusing; it’s not like choosing outdoor wall clocks or fish metal art based strictly on what appeals to you.  Oil base paint is compromised of petroleum distillates and other solvents, whereas acrylic paint has a water base.  Their differences in chemical make-up effect where they are most effective.  Although both types of paint can provide great coverage on most surfaces, there are definite places where one works better than the other.

Galvanized Metal

Galvanized metal is the one surface where a clear choice is predetermined.  Acrylic base paints are the only option for applying paint directly to the metal surface.  Oil base paints should never be applied to galvanized metal surfaces, as the paint will not adhere and the painting effort will be wasted.

Concrete

Latex paint works well on concrete surfaces, because of its elasticity and ability to adhere to the rough surface.  Oil base paint will work on treated concrete surfaces, but should not be applied to fresh concrete.  A protective coating or sealant is necessary to make the paint adhere to the new concrete.

Wood

Both latex and oil paints work well on wooden surfaces.  As with concrete, it is usually a good idea to seal the raw wood with a protective coating before applying the oil base paint.  Some homeowners choose to use oil base paints on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, thinking that the oil paint lasts longer and provides a more durable coating in these high-moisture areas.

Aluminum Siding

If painting the aluminum siding, forget about oil base paints and choose latex paints instead.  Oil base paints will not adhere to the aluminum surface and will simply run off the siding.  Latex paints provide a solid coverage with flexibility in the paint to account for contractions and expansions in the surface.

Chalky Surfaces

If the surface leaves a chalky residue on the hand when touched, the only paint that will provide excellent coverage is oil base paint.  Often, the chalky surface will be layered with oil paints and it will be the old paint coating that is creating the chalk.  Latex paints will have difficulty adhering to such surfaces and the coverage will not be as smooth as a coating of oil base paint.

Walls

Usually, it is best to paint walls with latex paint.  It is much easier to work with latex paints than it is to work with oil base paints.  Latex is easier to apply, has better stroke coverage and results in less odor and easier clean-up.  There is also a greater variety of options in finishes, colors and paint can sizes with latex paints.

Furniture

Wooden furniture can be painted with either latex or oil base paint.  Oil base paints are especially good for furniture that already has a coating of oil paint on it.  Typically, older outdoor furniture is painted with oil base paint.  Latex paints are good for decorative pieces and personalized rocking chairs, stools or trunks.

Knowing when to use latex paint and when to use oil base paint will help when deciding how to finish a surface.  Choose the option that provides the best coverage with the smallest amount of mess.  As always, if there is a question about which type of paint to use, consult a professional at the local paint store for advice.