Does paint dry lighter or darker?

Paint dries darker than it appears on the swatch or paint chip. When paint is wet, it appears lighter than when it's dry. The type of paint also affects its lightness or darkness.

A glossy paint appears lighter than a flat paint, and an eggshell finish falls in between those two. Strong colors in the room, such as a bright carpet or a dark wood floor, also can affect the appearance of paint. Ceilings always appear darker than walls, even if the same paint is used. For that reason, decorators recommend choosing a ceiling color that is a few shades lighter than the wall color.