When choosing a black paint for your walls, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs. The finish, sheen, quality, and price can all vary significantly between brands and types of black wall paint. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different types of black paint so you can make an informed decision for your next painting project.
Oil-Based vs. Latex Paint
The first decision to make is whether you want an oil-based or latex-based black paint. Here are the key differences:
- Oil-based paints create a glossier, shinier finish and are more durable and scratch-resistant. However, they take longer to dry, have a strong odor, and require mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Latex paints dry faster, have a mild odor, clean up with water, and are generally easier to work with. However, they are less durable than oils and won’t create an ultra-glossy look.
For most interior walls, a latex paint will suffice. Oil-based paint may be preferred for high-traffic areas that need maximum durability. Keep in mind that oil paints require primer, while many latex paints include paint and primer in one.
Flat vs. Eggshell vs. Satin vs. Gloss
The sheen level of the black paint is also an important factor:
- Flat – Provides a matte look with no shine. It hides imperfections well but is harder to clean.
- Eggshell – Has a soft, velvety appearance with slight shine. It’s easy to clean and also hides imperfections.
- Satin – Has medium shine, making it easy to clean but not as good at hiding flaws.
- Gloss – Provides a shiny, reflective surface but will accentuate imperfections.
For black walls, a flat or eggshell finish often looks best and hides flaws well. Satin provides a nice compromise between durability and matte look. Glossy black paint is bold but hard to work with.
Paint Quality
Higher quality paints contain more pigments for richer, deeper colors and better coverage. With black paint, quality matters since cheaper paint may look grayish rather than jet black. Investing in a premium quality paint can make a difference.
Here are signs of good quality black wall paint:
- Contains more pigments than fillers and additives
- Only requires one coat for full, even coverage
- Dries to a true, rich black rather than dark gray
- Has good ratings from other consumers
- Comes from a reputable, well-known brand
Professional painters recommend using high quality paints like Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin Williams Emerald for best results with black walls.
Best Brands for Black Wall Paint
When researching the best black wall paint, three premium brands stand out:
Benjamin Moore
Many professional painters prefer Benjamin Moore for rich blacks. Two top options include:
- Aura Matte – A high quality flat latex paint that dries to a uniform matte black.
- Regal Select – A premium eggshell latex paint that provides mild shine and durability.
Sherwin Williams
Like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams makes professional-grade paints that produce deep blacks. Consider these options:
- Emerald – A urethane-fortified latex paint that dries to a velvety look.
- ProMar 200 – A less expensive zero VOC option good for flat or eggshell finishes.
Behr
For a more affordable DIY-friendly option, Behr’s top black paints include:
- Marquee – Behr’s high end interior paint with primer included.
- Premium Plus Ultra – A mid-range paint and primer combo.
How Much Black Paint Do You Need?
To estimate how much black paint you’ll need for your walls, you’ll need to calculate the wall area. Here is a simple formula:
Wall Area = Wall Perimeter x Wall Height
Once you have your total wall area, multiply by how much paint is needed per square foot based on surface material and paint quality. Generally:
- Drywall or plaster: 400 sq ft per gallon
- Concrete or brick: 300 sq ft per gallon
- Wood: 400 sq ft per gallon
Higher quality paint may cover more area. Buying an extra gallon is recommended to ensure full coverage.
Application Tips
Here are some useful tips for flawless application of black wall paint:
- Properly prepare surfaces – Clean walls, fill holes, remove gloss with sandpaper.
- Use primer for best results, especially on new drywall.
- Apply painter’s tape for clean edges and minimal touch ups.
- Use a high density foam roller and nylon/polyester brush.
- Go for two thin coats rather than one thick coat.
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks as you paint.
- Work in sections and finish in corners or edges first.
Taking your time with prep and using high quality application tools will help the black paint job come out flawlessly.
Cost Comparison
Here is a price comparison of popular black wall paints per gallon:
| Brand | Paint Finish | Price Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Behr Marquee | Flat | $46 |
| Benjamin Moore Aura | Matte | $70 |
| Sherwin Williams Emerald | Eggshell | $80 |
Prices may vary slightly by retailer. While more affordable options are available, the adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true for black wall paint. Investing in a premium product from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams is worth it for a striking, flawless black wall color.
Conclusion
When selecting a black paint for your walls, focus on factors like paint type, finish, quality, and proper application. A matte or eggshell latex paint from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams will provide stunning results. With the right prep and application tools, you can create a striking black accent wall or statement black paint job throughout your space. Just take your time, use quality paint, and pay attention to the details for best results.
