Tip: For painting an accent wall in a more subtle ombre that uses similar colors, consider choosing three colors that are in the same color family. Stay away from the darkest color if you can, for a more soothing palette. If drama is what you’re looking for, then consider a bold hue for your darkest color.
How to Paint an Ombré Accent Wall
Let’s face it. The colors of the walls in a room are very important. They can set the mood and dictate the theme for the entire space. Adding ombre wall paint of three or more colors creates the perfect design effect to feature on a striking accent wall. It’s also a great way to introduce your own personal colors to any room. Get started with these easy-to-follow instructions on how to paint an ombre accent wall.
Cost: $
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 2 days
STEP 1
Prep
To start, remove furniture in the room to give yourself room to work.
Using a cloth or cellulose sponge dampened with water and a little mild dishwashing liquid, wipe down the walls you’ll be painting to remove dust and dirt.
Rinse the wall with clean water to remove soap residue.
Patch any holes with lightweight spackling, lightly sand, then remove any dust.
Tape around the edges of your surface.
STEP 2
Paint Base
Begin by painting the entire wall the lightest shade of paint (we used Honest Blue SW 6520) and let it dry 3-4 hours.
Tip: Look for paint that has paint and primer in one, such as Emerald ® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. This will ensure good coverage on the wall, which will make a fresh surface for your paint to blend.
Tip: Not sure how much paint you need? Try our Paint Calculator for a helpful estimate.
STEP 3
Chalk Paint project: how to create an ombre sunset cabinet
We just loved this Sunset Chalk Paint Ombre Cabinet by Annie Sloan and we had to ask her for the step-by-step guide to creating it so you can have some upcycling fun too!
- 1 x 1L Chalk Paint in Capri Pink
- 1 x 1L Chalk Paint in Barcelona orange
- 1 x 1L Chalk Paint in Florence
- 2 x Large Chalk Paint Brushes
- 2 x Large Flat Detail Brushes
- 1 x 500ml Clear Chalk Paint Wax
- 1 x Small Chalk Paint Wax Brush
- 1 x lint free cloth
How to
To recreate this ombre at home, begin by painting the bottom of your furniture with a thin first coat in Capri Pink Chalk Paint. Brush in all directions. Then do the same with Barcelona Orange Chalk Paint to cover the top half of your piece. Repeat the process to give full coverage of each colour. There will be a distinct line between the Capri Pink and Barcelona Orange halves.
It’s blending time!
You’ll need two brushes for best results. Annie prefers Chalk Paint Brushes because they hold a lot of paint in their densely packed bristles and allow a lot of control. Starting with your Capri Pink brush, paint over where the two colours meet. Whilst the paint is still wet, take the other brush and work Barcelona Orange into the Capri Pink.
The trick here is not to overload your brushes; allow the bristles to pick up excess paint and mix small amounts of each colour together with each brush stroke rather than trying to deposit more paint with every movement. You should always work so one colour is painted on in one direction (i.e., upwards or left to right) and the other colour is painted in the opposite direction (downwards or right to left), so they blend together to make a new colour. A light touch is most effective.
Once your ombre is dried, channel Annie’s colour-clashing expertise by adding some Chalk Paint in Florence (as seen on the inside of this cabinet). The turquoise waters of this blue-green colour will contrast magnificently with the tropicana warm tones outside and add to the holiday feel. Finish by protecting the whole thing with Clear Chalk Paint Wax. Ta da!
Chalk paint by Annie Sloan, from $54.95 RRP for 1L.
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