28
Dec
Sundeleaf’s Painting Tip: Using Black
Often the color of our trim (window casings, doors, door casings, crown moulding, baseboard, etc.) is something that we assume will be painted white, cream or a variant shade of the wall color. However, a new possibility for the trim in our homes is to paint in vibrant black.
Black can be a striking color choice, especially on large windows or in rooms with tall ceilings. Carefully coordinate the color choice for walls as dark wall colors with black trim could make the room seem dark or small. Consider tan or taupe wall paint or a paint color with a light tinge of olive. Tall windows with black moulding paint and black wooden slat blinds will be quite stunning. If there are columns and chair railing, they too can be highlighted with the black paint.
If trimming a whole room in black seems risky, try painting the handrails in your stairwell. After a proper professional sanding, cleaning and priming of the outdated white oak handrails, they could be finished with a beautiful satin black paint.
The kitchen too is a room where a small section of black paint can have an enormous affect. Black crown molding around white cabinets or an island painted black gives a sharp, clean feeling to the room. It is surprising how the eye is drawn to the black highlights in any room.
Talk to Sundeleaf Painting, Portland’s experts on interior painting, about framing your kitchen, handrails, family room or doors with black trim.
Here are several examples of using black trim paint:
First, photos from the House Beautiful blog, an interview with designer Windsor Smith
Next, black moulding and built-ins, from the Design Sponge blog:
And black interior doors from the Design Around Denver blog:
Apogee Tips on Painting Interior Painting Interior Painting in Portland paint color choices Portland house painters trim paint Posted under Interior Painting, Techniques by Chuck
6 Responses
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I absolutely love the idea of using black and will be definitely consider it as I prepare to paint my interior handrails. The dilemma is which black to use. Do you have one that you could recommend. I am in Connecticut and realized that you are located in Oregon.
by: Sergio Contreras, Jan 14th at 1:28 pm
Thanks Sergio. Please see my reply below.
Chuck
by: Chuck, Jan 15th at 1:56 pm
Sergio,
Thanks for writing. Choosing the right paint is critical, especially when you’re working in black. One of my favorite products is Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo – Alkyd C235. http://bit.ly/8ymZXn
This oil-based enamel brushes out beautifully and cures into a durable finish that resists chips & scratches. The sheen is a soft satin look.
This may not be your exact situation, but we’ve painted handrails in many homes where the owners wanted to switch from natural-clear or white-washed oak handrails to black. If you feel comfortable working with solvent-based primers & paints, then try the following:
- Mask the floors, steps and surrounding area.
- Using delicate-blue painters tape mask the top of each baluster.
- Sand the handrail with 180, then 220, sand paper.
- Clean with tack cloths.
- Brush one coat oil-based primer. Ask your paint store to tint the primer gray.
- Allow overnight cure.
- Lightly sand with 220 again (being careful not to “burn through” the primer) and wipe with tack cloths.
- Brush 2 coats Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo. Read the label for application tips and time between coats.
Good luck with your project,
Chuck
by: Chuck, Jan 15th at 1:55 pm
I just realized that you responded to my posting! I am so excited. There are so many shades of blacks to choose from, which one do you recommend that you’ve worked with in the past?
by: Sergio Contreras, Mar 2nd at 6:53 am
It looks like this paint comes in black and flat black. Do you have a preference? Also, would it also be appropriate to use the same paint on the interior & exterior of the front/entry door as on the handrails? These photos are stunning and I can hardly wait to start! Thank you for sharing these tips.
by: Kim, Jun 9th at 6:33 am