A dry metallic paint spray makes the paint appear:

When a dry metallic paint spray is applied, it often gives a finish that appears lighter than the base color. This lighter appearance is due to the reflective properties of metallic pigments, which scatter light more effectively than non-metallic pigments. The metal flakes in the paint can create a shimmering effect, enhancing the perception of brightness as they catch and reflect surrounding light.

In contrast, when paint is wet, it can appear darker because the wet surface absorbs more light and the pigments are blended more uniformly. Additionally, the characteristics of metallic paints mean that the visual impact can also be influenced by the texture and application technique, but overall, the dry finish tends to convey a lighter, more luminous quality.