Project profile: The power of paint – from black to white!

power of paint from black to white

Project profile: The power of paint – from black to white!

It might be our job, but we love transforming a space with paint color! Our recent Chantilly, VA project is an excellent example of how paint can change a home’s aesthetic.
The home had a lot of black trim – from baseboards to crown molding and wall trim. We repainted the black (there was a lot of it) to white. That simple change from dark to light lightened the rooms while retaining their elegance.
While it might be tempting to rip out all the dark molding, these savvy homeowners opted for repainting. The result isn’t just beautiful; it’s also stylish because wall moldings are very in style these days.
Chantilly, VA Project Profile:
Here’s an inside look at the extensive work we did in this large home:
      • Entry/Foyer/Stairway/Hallway, repaint: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Wainscoting, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Closet
      • Dining Room: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Wainscoting, Door Frame, Window Frames, Transoms, Columns
      • Living Room: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Door Frame, Window Frames, Transoms, Columns
      • Office: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Transoms
      • Powder Room: Crown Molding, Door/Door Frame
      • Family Room: Coffer Ceiling Molding, Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Transoms, Column
      • Kitchen (w/Breakfast Room): Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Transoms
      • Kitchen Cabinets: Including both sides of doors/drawer fronts and underside of upper cabinets
      • Butler’s Pantry: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Transoms
      • Morning Room: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Transoms
      • Bathroom: Walls, Ceiling, including strip wallpaper and wash down all residual adhesive. Prime walls to properly seal the surface.
      • Scrap Room: Ceiling, Baseboards, Crown Molding, Wainscoting, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames
      • Bedroom and  Bathroom: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Closet
      • Spare Bedroom and Bathroom: Baseboards, Crown Molding, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames, Closet
      • Office: Baseboards,, Doors/Door Frames, Window Frames
      • Guitar Room: Baseboards, Doors/Door Frames
Lastly, all black trim & doors were primed, then painted with two coats. The white trim & doors were painted with one coat of paint matched to the existing color.
Paint Details:
      • Paint – Benjamin Moore
      • Walls – Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Flat, Eggshell
      • Ceilings – Benjamin Moore Superhide or Waterborne Ceiling, Flat
      • Trim/Doors – Benjamin Moore Aura, Pearl Finish
      • Closets – Benjamin Moore Superhide or Waterborne Ceiling, Flat
      • Bathrooms – Use a satin or semi-gloss finish on the walls and ceiling
If you would like us to assess your home painting project, we would be happy to discuss your project! We work across Northern Virginia and have two decades of experience. Please use our online scheduler or call our office.

FAQ

1. What is the significance of black and white paint in art and design?

Black and white paints are fundamental for understanding and controlling value in art, which refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Mastering value through black and white studies helps artists create strong compositions and clarify concepts, as all colors can be simplified to a range between these two extremes.

2. How does ultra-white paint differ from regular white paint?

Ultra-white paint, such as the one developed by researchers at Purdue University, reflects up to 98.1% of sunlight, making it significantly more reflective than typical commercial white paints. This high reflectivity allows it to keep surfaces cooler than their surroundings, offering potential energy savings by reducing the need for air conditioning in buildings.

3. Can adding black paint to white paint make it appear whiter?

Contrary to intuition, introducing even a small amount of black paint to white paint usually reduces its brightness because black pigments absorb light rather than reflect it. The overall effect is a duller, less vibrant white.

4. What are the practical applications of using blackest black and whitest white paints?

The blackest black paints, like Vantablack, absorb nearly all visible light and are used in scientific instruments, art, and optical illusions. The whitest white paints are being explored for sustainable building design, as their ability to reflect solar radiation can help cool structures and combat global warming.

5. Why do artists practice painting in only black and white?

Working exclusively in black and white simplifies the painting process and allows artists to focus on value, composition, and structure without the distraction of color. This practice strengthens foundational skills and often leads to more powerful and visually striking artworks.

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Awards and Recognition

Alternate Best Pick Ribbon
Member of Painting Contractor Association

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Five Star Badge
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