Do You Want Walls Painted Red? Here’s What to Know Before Painting  

Red is defining, bold, and a statement piece for many people. However, when it comes to painting your walls red, there are certain measures that need to be taken before you decide to undertake in the project. 

One of the biggest issues with painting walls red is the evanescence of the color. Many times, homeowners go home with a paint of red that they enjoy, but wind up thoroughly disappointed since the color fades. The remnants of the color left are unflattering and in-cohesive with the furniture. 

Before You Paint Your Walls Red 

Red – you either love it or hate it. And if you’ve never had red walls before, it may be a shock to your system. 

Sample Different Reds 

Because there are so many reds on the market, take the time to find which appeals to you. Do you favor the dark hues? Or are you a vibrant person? Would you do better with one red wall in your room, or the entire room painted floor to ceiling? Consider the overall feel you want to create in the room.   

Test on the Wall 

When trying out reds – especially for the first time – paint a small section of the colors you are deciding between and live with them for a few days. Consider which hues are the easiest or most difficult paint colors. Look at it at night and during the day. See it in natural light and artificial light. Also, focus in on the time of day you are most likely to be in the room. If you spend all evening there, make sure you focus in on what color most appeals to you during that timeframe. 

Preparing Your Walls for Red Paint 

While red paint might seem like it should go on easily due to its bold color, it can sometimes require more than one coat for proper coverage. Here’s what you need to know about prepping your walls for red: 

Base Coat Considerations 

Contrary to popular belief, red isn’t necessarily an opaque color. Vibrant reds may require a base coat to achieve the desired color and tone. When transitioning from a light color like white to a red, using a primer or base coat can significantly improve the final outcome. Consulting with a professional painter about the best primer or base coat for your specific red paint color is highly recommended.  

The mistake many homeowners make when painting as a do-it-yourself project is assuming it’s easy to apply one coat of paint and move on. With big changes like switching from white to red, comes more work.  It takes time and quality products to achieve the desired results.  Having the right paint, the right color, the right primer or base coat in some cases, and understanding the right way of applying the paint to the walls is crucial. 

Other Options for Red-Painted Walls 

ombre red wall paint

  • Consider a red accent wall. 
  • Red patterned walls with a stencil. 
  • Paint an adjoining living room red.  
  • Color washing for a subtle red hue.  
  • Pair red with neutrals like white, grey, or beige.  
  • Paint the wainscoting panels in a bold red while keeping the upper walls a neutral color. 
  • Consider using red wallpaper. 
  • Try doing a red ombre effect for a unique project.  
  • Highlight architectural details like crown molding, baseboards, or doorways by painting them red. 
  • If you have exposed brick walls, consider painting them red. 
  • Consider a red backsplash for a bold and stylish statement. Tile or laminate options are available in various shades of red. 
  • Paint your kitchen or bathroom cabinets red for a dramatic transformation.  

Painting Over Red Walls 

Maybe you’re looking to refresh a room that already has red walls. Here are some additional considerations: 

  • Painting Over Dark Red: If you’re covering a deep red with a lighter shade, you’ll likely need to use a primer to provide a solid base for the new color. Zinsser’s Cover Stain is a popular option for blocking out darker colors. 
  • Oil-Based vs. Latex Paint: If the existing red paint is oil-based, you’ll need to use oil-based primer and paint to ensure proper adhesion. Oil-based paints dry slower than latex paints but offer superior durability, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. 

Consider a Professional Denver Painter  

Painting your walls red can be a rewarding project, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consulting with a professional painter can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. A professional painter can help you choose the right paint and primer, ensure proper application techniques, and achieve a flawless finish. 

If you’re ready to add a bold pop of color to your Denver home, contact Paint Denver today!  We’re happy to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have about painting your walls red.