What paint colour for small living room?

Question

I have a small living room with very light blue walls and white ceiling. The floor is darker grey/blue and throws blue onto the walls and ceiling making the room darker, bluer and even smaller.  It’s new paint having been done shortly before I bought the property recently so surface is good.

I’d like to paint the walls white. so my questions are:

1. Can I paint white straight over light blue or should I use a primer first. 
2.  Should I use a warm or cool white to make the room look bigger and brighter. 
3. is there a white paint you would recommend?thanks.

EricL · Accepted Answer

Hello @terryTee

I suggest doing a quick test to find out if you have water-based or oil-based paint. Get a clean rag and dip the tip of it in methylated spirits. Rub the rag on a small hidden corner of your wall, if the paint comes off, it is water-based, but if the surface only becomes shiny it is oil-based. Another way of course is to ask the painter who did the painting what paint they used for your wall.

Once you've identified the type of paint, I suggest lightly sanding the wall with 240grit sandpaper. This is to just give it a rough surface for the primer. Yes, I do suggest priming the surface just to be on the safe side just to make sure none of that blue tone passes through the white paint. I propose going with a warm white so that the walls will not be too vivid that it blinds you when sunlight bounces off it.

My best advice is to purchase a large bright neutral coloured rug to reduce the dark grey reflection of the floor. I recommend looking at Hogs Bristle at 1/4 strength in Dulux Wash and Wear. Dulux Wash and Wear also comes in Vivid White.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric