diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_base_frame.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_base_frame.cpp
index d38fbe3234..e62fb8beac 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_base_frame.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_base_frame.cpp
@@ -273,16 +273,21 @@ void PCB_BASE_FRAME::FocusOnItems( std::vector<BOARD_ITEM*> aItems, PCB_LAYER_ID
 {
     static std::vector<KIID> lastBrightenedItemIDs;
 
+    bool itemsUnbrightened = false;
+
     for( KIID lastBrightenedItemID : lastBrightenedItemIDs )
     {
         if( BOARD_ITEM* lastItem = GetBoard()->ResolveItem( lastBrightenedItemID, true ) )
         {
             lastItem->ClearBrightened();
             GetCanvas()->GetView()->Update( lastItem );
-            GetCanvas()->Refresh();
+            itemsUnbrightened = true;
         }
     }
 
+    if( itemsUnbrightened )
+        GetCanvas()->Refresh();
+
     lastBrightenedItemIDs.clear();
 
     if( aItems.empty() )