INSPIRED PROJECTS

How to Paint an Ombré Accent Wall

Let's face it. The colors of the walls in a room are very important. They can set the mood and dictate the theme for the entire space. Adding ombre wall paint of three or more colors creates the perfect design effect to feature on a striking accent wall. It's also a great way to introduce your own personal colors to any room. Get started with these easy-to-follow instructions on how to paint an ombre accent wall.

Cost: $
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 2 days

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STEP 1

Prep

To start, remove furniture in the room to give yourself room to work.

Using a cloth or cellulose sponge dampened with water and a little mild dishwashing liquid, wipe down the walls you'll be painting to remove dust and dirt. 

Rinse the wall with clean water to remove soap residue. 

Patch any holes with lightweight spackling, lightly sand, then remove any dust. 

Tape around the edges of your surface.

STEP 2

Paint Base

Begin by painting the entire wall the lightest shade of paint (we used Honest Blue SW 6520) and let it dry 3-4 hours.

Tip: Look for paint that has paint and primer in one, such as Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex Paint. This will ensure good coverage on the wall, which will make a fresh surface for your paint to blend.

Tip: Not sure how much paint you need? Try our Paint Calculator for a helpful estimate.

STEP 3

Plan

To achieve the ombre look, measure three equal sections on your wall and mark lightly in pencil.

Note: For a reverse ombre look, as seen here, the top section should be the lightest color and the darkest color goes at the bottom, leaving the third color for the center.

STEP 4

Paint Middle

Paint the middle section with the second-lightest color (we used Sporty Blue SW 6522).

Use a roller for a nice, even look. 

No need to be exact with your edges, you will be blending them together later.

STEP 5

Paint Bottom

Paint the darkest color at the bottom of the wall (we used Commodore SW 6524). 

Leave a little room between your two colors.

Tip: For painting an accent wall in a more subtle ombre that uses similar colors, consider choosing three colors that are in the same color family. Stay away from the darkest color if you can, for a more soothing palette. If drama is what you’re looking for, then consider a bold hue for your darkest color.

STEP 6

Create Wet Edge

Using a 4” paint brush, repaint the bottom edge of your middle color.

With a different 4” paint brush, repaint the bottom color adjacent to your new wet edge of your middle color.

Tip: Work in small sections so that the paint does not dry during the blending stage. You will need to be working with wet paint while blending.

STEP 7

Blend

Now for the fun part! Here's how to blend your colors.

Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to blend the colors evenly. 

Start by creating an “X” with the paint brush, blending the two colors together. This is when you want the colors to mix and blend together, forming a gradient. 

Continue working in small sections to ensure you are consistently blending with wet paint.

STEP 8

Repeat

Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the top colors, then let dry for 3-4 hours.

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Project Supplies

TAPE
 

 

PAINT

 

BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES

TRAYS

 

OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES

  • Water with dish soap
  • Lightweight spackle
  • Sponge
  • Straight edge
  • Paint stir stick
  • Pencil
  • Step ladder (if needed)
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Popular Ombre Wall Colors

Here are more shades we love for this project.