Use ‘Mood-Ring Paint’ for a Color-Changing Effect on These Surfaces

Paint can add all kinds of dimension to a room. It can help make your space bigger or smaller, and it can even affect your mood. If you want your decor to match your mood all the time, there’s a new, psychedelic option to take advantage of: Mood-ring paint, also known as thermochromic paint, will react to temperature just like the rings do. You can use it on any paintable surface to get a nostalgic, heat-activated, color-changing result.

To prep for this project, you’ll need:

The different types of thermochromic paint (and where to use them)

You likely won’t find this paint off the shelf at your local hardware store, but you can find it to order. There are a few different colors and types, so you should look into the specs on the paint to match your particular project. For instance, if you’re painting a smaller object like a lamp base or a drawer-pull, spray-type paint will likely work the best. (Note that using spray paint outdoors and wearing a mask and proper safety gear is recommended.) For larger projects, or for places like bathrooms, a brush-on version might be a better option. Be sure to check out the specs on the various options to get the best result.

Here’s what Family Handyman says about where to apply the paint for best results:

The best way to use mood ring paint is to place it on surfaces that will experience temperature changes. For instance, a wall probably wouldn’t be the best fit for mood ring paint, because you’re likely not constantly touching your wall. Instead, a side table would be a better fit, as the color will switch when you place your hand on it.

Or you could turn an entire bathroom into one giant mood ring, like TikTokker @alispagnola did:

How to prepare the surface for mood-ring paint

The first step to applying mood-ring paint is to prep your surface. Make sure to clean the surface well with soapy water and then rinse it clean to avoid any defects. Lay out some newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any drips, and make sure to have a damp rag at the ready just in case. If you’re working on a large surface like a wall or countertop, now is the time to tape off any areas you don’t want to paint.

Once you have your work area set up, you can apply the base coat to your surface. Make sure to cover the whole area in a consistent thickness of paint. If necessary to get an even coat, you can apply a second coat once the first coat is dry.

How to apply mood-ring paint

Once the base coat is thoroughly dry, the thermochromic layer can be added. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package whether you use the spray or brushable version of the paint. Getting an even coat is key to achieving mood-ring-like results, so you might need to apply more than one coat. If you’re unsure of how the paint will look once it’s dry, you can make a sample swatch on a piece of cardboard and apply the base and color-changing coat. Once it’s dry, you’ll see how your results will look using your method of application. On the swatch, you can also experiment with more than one coat or by using a foam roller to get the look you want.

Once the base coat is thoroughly dry–allow 24 hours for best results–you can apply your finish coat. Using a hard acrylic sealer is a good idea because the surface will likely be touched frequently, and a durable top coat will protect it from damage. A glossy surface will also be easier to clean once your project is complete.

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