When looking to paint a mural or accent wall with a sky theme, choosing the right shade of blue paint can make all the difference. With so many shades of blue paint on the market, how do you determine which hue is the closest match to a natural blue sky? Here are some tips for selecting the best blue paint color for a sky mural or accent wall in your home.
Consider the Time of Day
The sky takes on different shades of blue depending on the time of day. In the early morning, the sky has a much lighter, almost white-blue hue. In the middle of the day, the sky takes on a richer, deeper shade of azure blue. And in the late evening at sunset, the blue shifts to more purple and indigo tones. When selecting a blue paint color, think about the time of day you want to depict in your sky mural. If you imagine a sunrise or midday sky, go for light airy blues. For a sunset or evening sky scene, consider deeper, more saturated blues and blue-purples.
Match the Lighting
The way light hits the painted sky will affect how the blue color is perceived. If the wall will be in a particularly bright spot, consider lighter more vivid blues to stand up to the light. If the wall is in a more shaded space, go for darker navy blues. And for spaces with natural light, pay attention to how the light shifts throughout the day. A vibrant sky blue that pops at noon could end up looking too bold and bright in the evening. Take lighting into account when selecting the blue paint.
Sample Different Blue Shades
The easiest way to determine which shade of blue is right for your sky is to sample a variety of blues directly on the wall. Start by purchasing several blue paint color sample pots or chips in different hues and shades. Some top blue shades for sky murals include:
| Sherwin-Williams Naval | Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue |
| Behr Blue Nights | Valspar Seaglass |
| Benjamin Moore Cool Vista | Sherwin-Williams Rainfall |
Paint a large square of each blue shade directly on the wall where your sky mural will go. Evaluate the blues at different times of day and lighting conditions. The right blue will look rich and vivid when you find it. Just be sure to label each square so you know which blue is which when you’re ready to paint the entire wall.
Consider the Room
The color of the sky blue paint you choose should complement the overall design of the room. Factors like the size of the space, how much natural light comes in, and what colors are used in the furnishings should all influence your blue paint pick. For a small dark room, an intense navy blue might feel overwhelming, while a lighter sky blue would brighten the space. In a room with warm wood tones, a deeper blue works nicely. And for a room with lots of plants and greenery, pick a shade of blue that highlights the greens. Make sure to pick a sky blue that fits in with the overall feel and color scheme of the room.
Add White for Clouds
The sky isn’t just different shades of blue – it also includes white wispy clouds. To mimic clouds in your painted sky, consider selecting a white or off-white paint color to mix in for cloud accents. Some popular white paint choices include:
| Benjamin Moore White Dove | Sherwin-Williams Pure White |
| Behr Ultra Pure White | Valspar Swiss Coffee |
Use a brush, sponge, or rag to dab on white accents over the blue background. Feather and blend the white into the blue to create subtle cloud shapes. Adding white brings lightness and dimension for a more realistic looking sky.
Incorporate Other Colors
While blue is the dominant color, skies often have hints of other colors too. At sunset, pink, purple, orange and red tones emerge. Stormy skies take on steely gray hues. Add a pop of color to make your sky mural more vivid. Some colors that pair well with sky blue include:
| Sunset Orange | Stormy Gray |
| Sunrise Pink | Nighttime Indigo |
Use these colors sparingly to accent the different shades of blue. For example, add purple-grays near the horizon line for dimension. Or blend pale pink along one edge for a sunrise effect. Let the blue be the star, and choose accent colors to add extra interest.
Consider Sheen
The sheen of the paint also affects how the blue color looks. Flat, matte, and low-sheen paints have more of a chalky muted effect. While higher sheens like satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss have more vibrancy and depth. Higher-sheen blues work well for brighter midday skies. Lower-sheen blues are ideal for hazy or overcast skies. Sheen also impacts the crispness of the clouds ??? flat finishes result in softer cloud edges, while satin or semi-gloss will make clouds look sharper. So factor in the amount of sheen you want when sampling blue paint colors.
Use Layers for Dimension
Skies have many overlapping layers of color that create dimension and depth. Mimic this in your painted sky by applying multiple layers of color. Start by painting the entire wall a base middle blue. Then use a slightly darker blue layered on top focused near the horizon line, using less as you blend up. Add lighter blues in layers towards the top. Use slightly different brushes and techniques for each layer. The overlapping colors add realism and 3-D perspective. Just like gazing at an actual expansive sky, layered blues draw the eye in.
Consider Acrylic or Mural Paints
For large sky murals, opt for high-quality acrylic or mural paints instead of standard wall paints. Acrylic and mural paints have more intense pigments and often provide better coverage for large spaces. Some top brands for murals include:
| Liquitex Acrylics | Montana Spray Paint |
| Golden Acrylics | Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish |
These specialty paints allow for blending and layering to achieve stunning photorealistic effects. The colors pop more compared to standard interior wall paints. Invest in quality mural paints and brushes to help your dramatic sky mural come to life.
Consider a Paint-By-Number Mural
If you want to achieve a photorealistic sky mural but don’t trust your own artistic abilities, consider ordering a custom paint-by-number mural. Companies like Paint With Me Now allow you to upload a sky photo, then they turn it into a paint-by-number grid that’s mapped out directly on your wall. All you need to do is paint in each numbered space on the grid with the corresponding colored paint. This takes the guesswork out of choosing the paint colors and designing the mural. A custom paint-by-number sky guarantees stunningly lifelike results.
Add Texture with Paint Additives
For extra dimension, consider adding texture to your painted sky by mixing additives into the paint. Some options include:
| Sand for Grit | Salt for Granularity |
| Baking Soda for Clumps | Plaster for Crackles |
Stir in small amounts of additives just in the cloud areas, not across the whole sky. The texture adds shadows and visual interest, mimicking the natural uneven nature of clouds. Experiment on samples first to ensure you achieve the desired effect before adding texture additives to your blue wall paint.
Highlight with Metallic Paints
Metallic paints are perfect for adding bright pops of color and light accents. Look for water-based metallic acrylic paints in shades like gold, silver, bronze and copper. Use them sparingly on small sections of the sky mural to depict:
| – Sunbeams | – Light reflections |
| – Stars | – Moon accents |
The metallic shades contrast with the flat blue hues and represent points of light in the sky. Let the metallic accents shine to elevate your mural.
Consider Ceiling and Trim
For a fully immersive effect, extend your sky mural across the entire accent wall and up onto the ceiling and corner trim. Painting just a flat rectangular section can look disjointed and fake. Filling the entire wall space makes the sky mural more convincing. Choose blue paint colors for the ceiling and trim that coordinate well with the wall blues. Angle the paint strokes on the ceiling to add dimension. Your eye will flow seamlessly from wall to ceiling to trim and transport you into the peaceful painted sky.
Seal with Protective Topcoat
Once your masterpiece sky mural is complete, be sure to seal it with a protective clear acrylic topcoat. This prevents the paint from getting scuffed or damaged over time. Use an interior acrylic sealant like Polycrilic or Mod Podge. Apply 2-3 layers, allowing drying time between coats. The topcoat gives the mural a uniform glossy sheen. It also locks in the paint to keep your beautiful blues looking vibrant for years.
Conclusion
With so many shades of blue paint available, choosing the perfect hue for a sky mural may seem daunting. But keeping in mind the time of day, lighting conditions, color combinations, special effects, and painting techniques will help you select blue paint colors with confidence. Sample different blue tones directly on your wall before committing to find the ideal balance of pigment and depth. Look for quality acrylic paints and finishing sealants to ensure your sky mural withstands the test of time. And don’t be afraid to get creative with layers of color, textures, and embellishments. With the right blue paint and approach, you can create a breathtaking sky-scape to transport your walls to new heights.