By the Maple Coat Painting team · Updated
Painting a dark wall a light colour
The navy nursery, the red dining room, the charcoal feature wall: they were great until they weren't. Going back to light is often underestimated. Dark pigment shows through light paint, so it takes more than a quick coat of white.
Why dark to light is harder
Light colours hide less. Over a deep colour, the first coat of a pale shade often looks streaky or tinted, and the base can still ghost through. Getting an even finish takes more work than a like-for-like repaint.
What it costs
| Room size | Big colour change charge |
|---|---|
| Small | $95 |
| Medium | $125 |
| Large | $155 |
That's added to the room price, and it's available once the ceiling is included in the room. It's a flat line, shown before you send anything.
The cheaper route: premium paint
The $85-per-room premium paint upgrade removes the colour-change charge entirely. In a small room that's $85 instead of $95; in a large room, $85 instead of $155. And you get premium paint plus any colour, including a custom match. If your quote shows a colour-change charge, it's the obvious pick.
What about light to dark?
Walls-only prices include four stock whites. Adding the ceiling opens our full curated palette, and the $85-per-room premium paint upgrade opens any colour, including a custom match. A dark accent wall in a light room is a flat $80 add-on; see accent wall costs.
Get your price
Describe the current colour and the new one ("navy bedroom to soft white").
Related: cost to paint a room, painting before you sell.
Questions from Ottawa homeowners
Is there a charge for a dark-to-light change?
A big colour change adds a colour-change charge ($95 small, $125 medium, $155 large), shown as its own line on your quote if it applies. The $85 premium paint upgrade removes it.
So premium paint is cheaper?
In every room size, the $85 upgrade costs less than the colour-change charge it replaces, and you get premium paint and any colour.
Can I do dark to light with walls only?
A big colour change is available once the ceiling is included.
What counts as a big colour change?
A big colour change adds a colour-change charge, shown as its own line on your quote if it applies. Show the current colour in your photos and the quote applies it if needed.
Does it take longer?
Covering a strong colour can take more work. Your confirmed price includes it.
Ready for a price on your Ottawa rooms?