1 B2 neutral
To apply paint to a surface using downward brush strokes, often to create an even finish.
"The decorator showed us how to paint down the wall in long, even strokes to avoid streaks."
separable
paint down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To apply paint in a downward direction, or to paint a surface from top to bottom.
In plain English
Apply paint by moving your brush downward.
What does "paint down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To paint in a downward direction — fully transparent.
Actually means
Apply paint by moving your brush downward.
Usage tip
Relatively uncommon as a fixed phrasal verb; more often used descriptively by painters and decorators. Not a widely established idiom.
Words that pair with "paint down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wall surface stroke brush coat panel
How to conjugate "paint down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
paint down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paints down
he/she/it
Past simple
painted down
yesterday
Past participle
painted down
have + pp
-ing form
painting down
continuous
Hear "paint down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "paint down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "paint down"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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