Neon lime green is a bright, vibrant shade of green that really pops. It’s the perfect paint color for adding an energetic and fun vibe to any space. But mixing this exact shade can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully mix neon lime green paint yourself.
What colors make neon lime green?
Neon lime green is created by mixing standard lime green paint with a pure yellow and adding white to brighten it up. The specific ratio of paint colors needed is:
- 2 parts lime green paint
- 1 part pure yellow paint
- 1 part white paint
Finding the right lime green and yellow hues will be key for getting the perfect neon vibrancy. Let’s look at some specific color options.
Lime green options
For the lime green, you’ll want a shade that leans towards the brighter side, rather than a forest or olive green. Here are some specific lime green paint colors that will work well:
- Benjamin Moore Lime Green
- Sherwin-Williams Brave Green
- Behr Electric Lime
Test out samples of these paints to pick the lime green hue you like best.
Yellow options
For the yellow, you want a pure primary yellow without orange or green undertones. Two good options are:
- Benjamin Moore Lemon Yellow
- Sherwin-Williams Bright Yellow
Again, test these out to choose your preferred bright yellow.
White paint
For the white paint, any basic bright white will work. Go with whatever white paint you have on hand or prefer for other projects.
Mixing the neon lime green paint
Once you’ve selected your lime green, yellow, and white paint options, you’re ready to mix. Be sure to mix in a well-ventilated area and take proper precautions if the paints contain strong fumes.
Here are the steps for mixing one gallon of neon lime green paint:
- Add approximately 1 and 1/3 cups of your lime green paint to the empty gallon paint can.
- Add 2/3 cup of the bright yellow paint.
- Add 2/3 cups of white paint.
- Mix all the paint colors thoroughly with a long paint mixing stick until fully blended into a uniform color.
- Check the color after mixing. If it’s not quite vibrant or light enough, you can adjust by adding a bit more yellow or white paint in small increments.
Mixing a test batch first on a paint palette is a great way to tweak the neon lime green color before committing to a whole gallon.
Tips for working with neon lime green paint
Now that you know how to mix up this sassy shade, here are some handy tips to make working with neon lime green paint easy and successful:
Prep your walls
Neon lime green will really pop against a clean white wall or primed surface. Make sure to properly prepare walls before painting for best results. Fill any holes, clean away dirt and grease, sand glossy areas, and apply primer and/or white paint if needed.
Use high-quality primer
A primer designed for vivid colors is a smart choice for underneath neon lime paint. The primer will help the neon shade go on evenly and look its best.
Roll on at least two coats
Don’t shy away from applying multiple coats of this lively color. Two to three coats will help you achieve a rich, evenly saturated finish.
Cut in edges neatly
Take your time cutting in edges and trim with a paintbrush. Clean lines really make bright colors look professional. Use painter’s tape if you need help getting perfect edges.
Watch lighting as you paint
Lighting makes a big difference in how paint colors look. Paint your space at the same time of day you usually occupy it so you can view the true color.
Embrace imperfection
A perfectly smooth neon lime green wall takes skillful technique. Embrace and have fun with the lively energy of this casual shade rather than seeking total perfection.
Where to use neon lime green paint
Looking for inspiration on where to showcase your mixed neon lime green paint? Here are some fun ideas:
Kid’s bedroom
Let kids pick their own vibrant color for their bedroom. Neon lime green is playful on an accent wall or all over.
Home office
Wake up your creative side while you work with an energizing neon lime green home office. Use it on the wall, desktop, or office accessories.
Bathroom
Make your mornings more fun by greeting neon lime green walls in your bathroom. It looks great with modern white Tile and fixtures.
Front door
Welcome guests with a pop of color on your front door. A neon lime green door makes a cheerful statement.
Kitchen backsplash
Add a dash of brightness to your kitchen with a neon lime green glass or ceramic tile backsplash.
Furniture
Liven up wooden furniture like tables, chairs or dressers with a coat of neon lime green spray paint.
Neon lime green paint color pairings
Not sure what to pair with neon lime green? Here are some ideas for complementary color schemes:
White
A classic combo, white trim and furnishings helps ground brighter neon walls. The contrast makes both colors pop.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Neon Lime Green | White |
Charcoal grey
Mute neon lime green energy by pairing it with sophisticated charcoal grey. The mix feels modern and edgy.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Neon Lime Green | Charcoal Grey |
Navy blue
Contrasting with rich navy blue gives neon lime green a funky, eclectic vibe.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Neon Lime Green | Navy Blue |
Black
Pair neon lime green with classic black for an edgy, punk-inspired look.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Neon Lime Green | Black |
Teal
For a retro, Miami Vice color scheme, combine neon lime green and deep teal.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Neon Lime Green | Teal |
Safety tips for working with neon paint
Vibrant neon paint contains pigments and chemicals that require some safety precautions. Follow these tips when mixing and applying neon lime green paint:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator if needed.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when mixing paint.
- Keep neon paints out of reach of children and pets.
- Store paint cans securely closed and dispose of properly.
- Clean spills right away with soap and water.
- Work carefully to avoid spills and splatters.
- Wash skin, clothes, and brushes after contact with neon paint.
Consult a paint’s safety datasheet for complete health and safety guidance. With some care taken, neon paint can be used safely and enjoyably.
FAQs about neon lime green paint
Still have some questions about successfully mixing and using neon lime green paint? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does it matter what paint brand I use?
You can use any good quality acrylic latex paint brand. Go with major brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Behr for best results.
How much will a gallon of mixed neon paint cover?
One gallon will cover 400-500 square feet with 1-2 coats. Get 1 gallon for a small accent wall, 2-3 for a whole room.
Will neon lime green paint damage walls?
It won’t damage properly primed and painted walls. Deep colors may soak in more and be harder to cover later though.
Is expensive paint worth it for neon shades?
Higher quality paints have more vibrant pigments, especially for dark or neon colors. So yes, splurging on paint is worth it!
Should I use a brush, roller or sprayer?
Rollers work best for large areas of color. Use angled brushes for cutting in edges and trim. Sprayers can be used but require masking off other surfaces.
Conclusion
With the right combination of lime green, yellow and white paint, you can easily mix up a gallon of vibrant neon lime green paint. Prepare your walls properly, follow safety precautions, and pair this fun color with complementary hues in any room you’re looking to brighten up. Neon lime green is a cheerful, youthful color that adds energy and personality wherever its used.
