Color Changing Paint for Walls

Here’s our guide to color changing paint for walls including what types of paint changes color with light & temperature, thermal paint cost, and ideas on how long thermochromic paint lasts.New paint technology has made it possible for wall paint color to change without actually repainting the wall. The change may happen when the paint is exposed to heat or ultraviolet light. Mixing with other chemicals may also cause the color to change.

What Wall Paint Changes Color?

If you want to paint your wall with something that changes color, you can do it with the use of a certain paint specifically made for the purpose.

While in the past, once you have painted your wall you are stuck with the same wall color unless you repaint your wall regularly. Changing the paint frequently can be expensive. 

Today, you can find paint that changes color by itself, depending on some factors. For example, you can use paint that appears white in the dark but takes on different hues when there is light. See how to paint over a dark color wall here.

Colors may also change when the area is exposed to heat. Other modern paints may change color when treated with some chemicals. 

Some paints react to electricity by changing their color. When exposed to an electromagnetic force, the spaces between the particles changes, making the shade of the paint change. These are called electrochromic paints and they are used by automobile makers such as Nissan.

Electrochromic paint can be used for plastic substrates or synthetic materials. Special dyes are treated with electric current, leading to their change in color. You can see this type of paint color change on airplane windows at a touch of a button.

One of the popular makers of paint that change colors is Chroma Flair. This paint system is used in painting cars but can also be used for walls.

The shade changes to the eyes when the viewer looks at it from different vantage points. It looks different when you look at it from above or from below.  There might be other versions such as ChromaLusion, MuktiTones, and a lot more.

Colors cannot change on their own. It is light that makes people see colors. The colors on the color wheel are reflected by objects, making them have different hues. Without light, objects may all look black. 

What Paint Changes Color With Light?

You might have noticed that light can affect the color of an object, as well as your position when you look at the object. Some lights can make the color look pale. At night, the object will look black.

When the sun is shining bright, the color becomes intense. A red flower may look redder and white whiter. Color cannot do anything on its own such as changing into different hues. This can only be possible with light.

A paint that changes color with light is called a chameleon. As the name implies,  it changes color when it is hit by light.

The paint contains very thin flakes of different colors that interfere with UV rays to produce several colors. It is also known as the property of iridescence. As the viewer moves and changes position, the colors would look different. 

Chameleon paint uses new pigment technology and it has a metal base. It can reflect light through the magnesium and titanium that covers it. Even if it is night time as long as it is minimal; light, it can change color. 

Chameleon paint is used with automobiles as well as with a wall. The effect of chameleon colors is always amazing. Read more about the types of paint for metal here.

Photochromic inks and paints change color when exposed to light or ultraviolet rays of the sun. They also react to black light. When used indoors, they show no color. Yet, when they are brought outside, they have different vibrant colors.

To make the color more vivid, expose the ink for 15 seconds under direct sunlight. Once you take it in a place without sunlight, the ink becomes clear.

Wall Paint That Changes Color With Temperature

Wall paint color can also change with temperature. This type of wall paint is called thermochromic paint. One example is coffee mugs coated with thermochromic paint. 

When you pour hot coffee into the mug, you will be amazed to see the color of the mug change or it might become transparent. 

Several categories of paint are sensitive to heat. They can come in the form of coatings or a thin layer of material that covers the paint. Coatings are used to improve the appearance of several properties of paint. 

The pigment is used in making paint or ink. They are made into powder and placed into the water to concert into ink, paint, and other materials that have color.

Ink may come in liquid or powder form. They are used to make markings. Graphic designers also use them in their works.Some inks can change color under different temperatures. They are also called smart inks.

Labels have adhesive backs that can be used to place them on a surface. When there is a change from cold to hot temperature, it changes its color. As heat affects the molecular component of the paint, it changes colors. The paint exposed to heat is now absorbing heat differently.

How Much Does Thermal Paint Cost?

Thermal paint provides stunning color to a wall as well as insulation. Buildings painted black tend to absorb more heat, making the occupants feel warm. 

With thermal paint, the light reflected is less, reducing the temperature inside the building. Because it serves as a good insulator, it costs more than regular paints. Its price is $320 or more per liter.

How Long Does Thermochromic Paint Last

Thermochromic paint can only last for four to six months. This is because of its high exposure to AUV. To prolong its life, you can use a clear coat that contains an AUV protection formula.

Thermochromic paint changes color with temperature. If you have a patchy orange car, you can pour cold water on it to change it into a stunning bright orange car.

Using color-changing paint an help you have an attractive and stunning vehicle or wall. However, you must be prepared to pay the price. It is more expensive and has a short life span. This means having repainting work done in four to six months.

Others may find paints that change color amazing. It serves as an interesting sight for those who love to outshine and outdo others. You can buy this type of paint worldwide. Why not give it a try?

Visit our guide to the best paint colors for textured walls for more design ideas.