Have you ever looked at a room and thought, “It needs a splash of something special?” Often, that special something is a bold color, and few colors pack a punch quite like purple. From deep royal shades to soft lavender hues, purple paint can transform any space. But choosing the perfect purple? That’s where things get tricky.
Picking the right shade of purple is more complex than it seems. Do you want a vibrant violet that screams creativity, or a calming plum that whispers elegance? Many people struggle to match the undertones of purple paint with their existing furniture or lighting. The wrong purple can look muddy or clash unexpectedly, leading to costly repainting later. It’s a common headache for DIY decorators everywhere!
Don’t let purple overwhelm you! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best purples for every mood and room size. You will learn how to identify the perfect undertone, match shades like a pro, and avoid common color mistakes. Get ready to confidently choose the purple paint that makes your vision a reality. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of purple!
Top Purple Paint Recommendations
- CONVENIENT SIZE - This Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint comes in a versatile 8 oz size that is great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more
- FUN FINISH - This brilliant acrylic paint dries to a matte finish - perfect for a variety of arts and crafts!
- BRIGHT COLOR - Grab your acrylic paint brushes and add this fun, bright acrylic paint to all your DIY projects
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- CONVENIENT SIZE & BRIGHT COLORS - This versatile acrylic paint comes in 2 oz bottles - great for projects big and small!
- FUN FINISH - Each color of this multi-surface acrylic paint has a creamy, smooth texture that dries to a beautiful satin finish - perfect for all your arts and crafts!
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use Apple Barrel Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, metal, tin, terra cotta, foam, paper mache, and so much more. This formula is top-shelf dishwasher safe when cured and is great for indoor and outdoor projects!
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this multi-surface acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- MANUFACTURING - We proudly manufacture Apple Barrel Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Paint Sets in the USA
- CONVENIENT SIZE - This Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint comes in a versatile 16 oz size that is great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more
- FUN FINISH - This brilliant acrylic paint dries to a matte finish - perfect for a variety of arts and crafts!
- BRIGHT COLOR - Grab your acrylic paint brushes and add this fun, bright acrylic paint to all your DIY projects
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- PERFECT SIZE & BRILLIANT COLORS - This line of vibrant, multi-surface acrylic paint is the perfect addition to any collection of art supplies! This craft paint comes in a 2 oz bottle
- SATIN FINISH - When dry, FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint has a beautiful satin finish. This formula is also great for indoor and outdoor projects as well as top-shelf dishwasher safe when cured
- EASY & SMOOTH APPLICATION - Use this acrylic paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, canvas, glass, fabric, ceramics and more
- CLEAN UP IS A BREEZE - Clean up is easy with FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint. Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- QUALITY FORMULA - FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint has a water-based, non-toxic formula. FolkArt offers artist-quality paint that has a creamy consistency for exceptional blending and shading
- Ideal for designating private property in states regulated by “No Hunting” paint statues
- Alkyd formula resists wear and weathering to last the entire season
- Dries to the touch in 20 minutes and covers between 6-12 sq. ft. per can
- Works on trees, fences and other common exterior surfaces
- Provides highly visible marking - use at least every 100 ft. along property lines
- Ideal for a variety of surfaces
- Excellent coverage
- High pigmentation and consistent color
- Bright durable finish
- Waterbased-non-toxic
- CRAYOLA KIDS PAINT: Features 32 ounces of Crayola Washable Violet Tempera Paint in a squeeze top bottle.
- WASHABLE PAINT: Crayola Washable Paints wash from skin and most washable clothing.
- ARTS & CRAFTS: Crayola Tempera Paint provides ultimate opacity and coverage. The creamy consistency dries to a matte finish that won’t crack or flake. Tempera works on many absorbent surfaces like construction paper, cardboard and papier-mâché.
- GIFT FOR KIDS: Pair with a set of Crayola Paint Brushes or a Paper Pad (sold separately) for a creative gift for girls and boys!
- SAFE & NONTOXIC: Ideal paints for kids ages 3 and up.
Choosing Your Perfect Shade: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Purple Paint
Purple paint adds a magical touch to any space. It can feel calming, royal, or super fun! But picking the right can be tricky. This guide helps you choose the best purple paint for your project.
Key Features to Look For in Purple Paint
Good paint has features that make painting easier and the result last longer. Look closely at the paint can for these things:
- Color Consistency: Does the color look the same on the label as it will look on your wall? Check online swatches, but remember lighting changes everything!
- Coverage Power: This tells you how much area one gallon will cover. Good paint covers well, meaning you might only need one or two coats.
- Durability/Washability: For kitchens or kids’ rooms, you need paint that resists stains and can be wiped clean without the color coming off.
- Drying Time: Faster drying times mean you finish your project sooner.
Important Paint Materials and Types
The stuff inside the can matters a lot. Paint is generally split into two main types: latex (water-based) and oil-based.
Latex (Water-Based) Paint
Most interior and exterior house paints today are latex. It cleans up easily with soap and water. It dries quickly and doesn’t smell as strong as oil paint. Latex is great for walls and ceilings.
Oil-Based (Alkyd) Paint
Oil paints dry very hard and smooth. They resist scuffs well. However, they take longer to dry, need special cleaners (mineral spirits), and have a strong smell. They are sometimes used for trim or furniture.
Sheen Matters Too!
Sheen describes how shiny the dried paint looks. Flat or matte has no shine and hides wall imperfections well. Semi-gloss or high-gloss shines brightly and is very easy to clean, perfect for trim or bathrooms.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Paint Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about what the paint contains.
What Makes Quality High?
- High Pigment Load: Pigments are what give the paint its color. More good pigments mean richer, truer purple colors that resist fading.
- Binder Strength: The binder holds the paint together and helps it stick to the surface. Strong binders create a tough, long-lasting finish.
What Lowers Quality?
- Too Much Filler: Cheap paints often use fillers (like chalk) instead of expensive pigments and binders. This usually means you need many more coats to cover the surface.
- Low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): While low VOCs are good for air quality, sometimes very low-quality paints sacrifice performance for low VOCs. Check reviews to make sure performance isn’t lost.
User Experience and Use Cases for Purple Paint
How you use the paint changes what you should buy.
For Bedrooms: You want a calming lavender or a deep plum. A matte or eggshell finish is popular here because it looks soft and hides minor wall bumps. Comfort and low odor are important.
For Kitchens/Bathrooms: These areas need moisture resistance. Look for a semi-gloss or satin finish. This finish allows you to wipe away splatters easily.
For Furniture/Crafts: If you are painting a small wooden chest or a craft project, you might prefer a specialized chalk paint or a spray paint version of purple. These dry fast and stick well to tricky surfaces.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Purple Paint
Q: What is the difference between lavender and violet paint?
A: Lavender is a very light, pale purple, often mixed with a lot of white. Violet is a deeper, richer purple, closer to blue.
Q: Should I use a primer before painting purple?
A: Yes, using a primer is recommended, especially if you are painting over a very dark color or a glossy surface. Primer helps the purple stick better.
Q: Does the room’s light affect how purple looks?
A: Absolutely! Natural daylight shows the truest color. Warm indoor lights (yellowish) can make purples look redder. Cool lights (bluish) make them look bluer.
Q: Is purple paint harder to cover than white paint?
A: Darker purples are generally easy to cover with. Very light purples (like lilac) might require more coats if you are covering a dark color underneath.
Q: What is the best purple shade for a small room?
A: Light purples, like pale lilac, reflect more light. This makes small rooms appear slightly larger and airier.
Q: How do I test a purple sample before buying a whole gallon?
A: Buy small sample pots. Paint a large square (at least 2 feet by 2 feet) on your wall. Look at it morning, noon, and night before deciding.
Q: Can I mix two purple paints together?
A: Yes, you can mix two colors, but only if they are the same type (e.g., two latex paints) and from the same brand. Mixing brands can cause the paint to separate.
Q: What sheen is best for a nursery painted purple?
A: An eggshell or satin sheen is usually recommended for nurseries. It offers a nice balance of low reflection and easy cleaning.
Q: How long does a gallon of good quality purple paint last on the shelf?
A: If the can is sealed tightly and stored in a climate-controlled area (not freezing or extremely hot), it can last for several years.
Q: Are there specific purple paints safe for toys?
A: Yes, when painting toys, you must use non-toxic, zero-VOC paint. Look for labels that specifically state they are safe for children’s items.