What's the best paint color for disguising flaws on walls?

Question

I'm painting an apartment for the next tenant and the walls aren't in the best shape, but I only want to spend the time to paint it, not drywall over it. I've used plain white in the past, but found that it really enhanced the flaws. Any ideas?

Answer 1

A flat white hides imperfections.

Answer 2

The darker the color is, the more the flaws will show. So you need to stay in pale colors. Your best bet is a tan beige, sort of like a grey-beige.

Keep in mind that the color isn't the only thing to consider when you're trying to camouflage flaws... The shinier the paint is, the more the flaws will show. So make sure you use the least shiny paint possible. Of course, if the paint is going on walls that don't need to be washed often (master bedroom, living room), you can even use ceiling paint on the walls. This will be a really mat finish, no gloss whatsoever. Using ceiling paint on the walls mimics suede paint and looks great... unless you have to wash it.... then it's a no-go.

So try using an eggshell finish. Stay away from semi and high gloss paint....

I understand that you don't want to redo drywall and all that, but I would consider filling in cracks, holes, etc with polyfiller. Lightly sand this down. If you use a primer before painting, this will also make the walls look much better.

Since the walls are for a tenant and not for yourself, you might not want to faux finish the walls like some other people here are suggesting... it takes time and lots of effort... Stick with the grey-beige color..... sorta like the little bar on the side with the arrows in the window we use here to write our answers.

Have fun....and remember... stay away from glossy finishes....

Answer 3

I am actually in the middle of doing this kind of thing myself. However, I am not going to use paint. I found some bamboo mats that are six feet high by ten feet long. I am going to attach them to the wall around my backyard. I haven't figured out exactly how I am going to attach them, but I think that it will make a more natural backdrop.

Answer 4

I had a bad wall in master bedroom that had many layers of wallpaper removed thus tearing up the walls pretty good. You can buy a sand additive (light or heavy) that will go in any color and looks pretty nifty. Covered all imperfections and is easy to work with just roll it on.

Answer 5

Any color will work, the main thing to remember is the more sheen it has the more it will show flaws. For best flaw coverage I suggest a flat eggshell paint any color, you can get it at Lowe's.

Answer 6

I used sponge paint in three different colors on my kitchen walls. Hides the flaws pretty good.

Answer 7

Do something like ragging or sponging on or off. It makes the walls have a pattern of their own, without actually using patterns. It's unique and something you can say you did yourself. Home Depot, Ace, Lowe's are all good hardware stores that will be able to tell you in detail how to do that.

Answer 8

Def a faux finish, rag or sponge.
Choose light neutral colors that will coordinate with many types of decor.
Different cream and tan shades could make it look like suede.
Good luck and remember someone will need to decorate with the palate you lay down for them, don't limit their possibilities.

Answer 9

Do what Jinxy B said but, use the same color to sponge with, just a different shade ( just a hint lighter or darker)

Answer 10

peach is quite flattering