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Lightening paint? 50%, 75%?

12 days ago

Not even sure I am asking correctly... I have a blue I have used in an office, and it is a darker color especially due to very little natural light - but it is great in there. I would like the actual color, just a very pale version of it, in the bedroom down the hall. I have read about lightening and wonder if this would be a good choice. Has anyone done this with good success? Is it better to just try to find another color, or even just go with the trim color (BM Alabaster) on both walls and trims? This bedroom will get some light so I know that is a factor as well.

Thank you.

Featured Answer

Marylee H

11 days ago

What is the original colour of blue?

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Comments (7)

Paula
Original Author
11 days ago
SW Dutch Tile Blue
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Someone on a thread in the paint forum, when I mentioned about this recently, said some colors can throw off odd tones when lightened. But I *LOVE* the effect of lightening for the off white I'm using on our walls... had it mixed at a quarter tint for the ceiling and will have it mixed at a half tint for the trim. The paint store guy doubled-checked the quarter tint or 1/4 tint terminology as "so minus 75%". Just be really clear about what you're asking for if you go this route. I would definitely try it and swatch test.
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wdccruise
11 days ago
1. Browse to the Sherwin-Williams All Blues webpage.
2. Click 'Muted'.
3. Dutch Tile blue is in the 4th row, 4th column.
4. Niebla Azul (2nd row, 2nd column), Tradewind (1st row, 5th column), and Lullaby (1st row, 2nd column) and appear similar but lighter.
Paula thanked wdccruise
Marylee H
11 days ago
These are near neighbours to SW Dutch Tile Blue.

They are higher in value + lower in chroma, so lighter and that bit more neutral than SW Dutch Tile Blue.
Paula thanked Marylee H
Marylee H
11 days ago
FB Borrowed Light + BM Mountain Mist are much lower in chroma again, so the most near neutral options of all.
Paula thanked Marylee H
Paula
Original Author
10 days ago
wow, you guys are awesome - thank you so much!
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
10 days ago
Is it better to just try to find another color

Always. The search can be done digitally like Marylee H did and you can pull the chips to evaluate.

If nothing shows up +/- in terms of lightness and/or intensity, then going the cutting formula route makes sense.

Cutting formulas means you have no idea what you're going to get until it's mixed, swatched and dry. At which point you own the custom mix whether you like it or not.
Paula thanked Lori A. Sawaya

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