How to Lighten Dark Eggshell Enamel Paint
- 1). Preserve the finish. "Glossiness" in paint is chemically added by the paint technician or the manufacturer according to a recipe. If the paint you purchased has an eggshell composition, just a bare hint of "gloss" one step above a pure matte finish, you cannot mix any other type of "finish" with this paint. If you mix matte, satin, semi-gloss or glossy paint with the eggshell paint, you will no longer have an eggshell finish at all. If this finish type is important, preserve it by only using identical finish paints in corrective measures.
- 2). Mix in only enamel type paints. "Enameling" is a chemical property as well, and you must match it if you want to maintain an "enamel" surface. Enamel paint is often oil-based but can be latex or water-based as well. Do not mix water-based paints with oil-based paints or vice versa. Nor should you mix a non-enamel paint with any paint labeled as "enamel."
- 3). Correct the color by mixing in white paint while the "bad" paint color is still in the can. Stir the original paint color thoroughly, making sure to scrape the bottom of the can and bring all the colorants to the surface for proper mixing. Measure out one cup of the paint from the bucket. Add one tsp. of white to this test batch. Mix the paint, and test it on a wall or a piece of scrap board. Let dry. Evaluate the new color.
If the change isn't satisfying, add another tsp. of white to the test batch, stirring and testing as before. Continue until you achieve the color you desire. You now have a "formula" to follow: "7 tsp. of white per 1 cup of color," and can mix the entire quantity of the errant paint to match this ideal tint. - 4). Change the color after it has already been applied on the surface and has dried. You can over-paint the object with a second, lighter coat of thinned white paint. If the paint is oil-based enamel, add oil-based paint thinner to create a "glaze." Add water or latex paint thinner to latex-based enamels. Test the glaze over a discreet area, and let it dry. If the effect isn't enough to "take down" the original paint color enough, add more white paint to make the glaze less transparent. If the glaze is too dark, add more thinner. Find the perfect formula, and apply the glaze over the entire object evenly. The original color will still show through but it will be perceived to be tinted lighter.