How To: Test Paint Colors

Painting of Artist's Palette: Peter Gee

Did you know when you enter a space your eye notices COLOR first, and paint is the #1 most effective tool that creates the most bang for your buck?

However, finding that perfect chic color can be more elusive then buying a winning lottery ticket, and can quickly becomes a lesson in frustration! Have you ever picked a paint color, with high hopes, which then turned into "what the heck was I thinking" once it was brushed on the wall? Hands down, I'm asked the most questions on the topics of color and paint. So, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the things that have worked for me.

Paint is such an important mainstay in my line of work that several years ago I developed the following method for testing paint. I did this after realizing those ridiculously teeny tiny paint manufacturer samples that were offered were not nearly big enough to be effective. What I did to solve this problem was make inexpensive, quick and easy sample boards that are an effective visual aid. I've made many for myself and clients, and they are such a good tool I wanted to share this idea.

Making a sample board can save time, money and the frustrations of color selection. I would rather buy a small sample of paint and test it out before making a final commitment. Even if I have used a paint color before, it can change due to lighting and flooring.

Sample Board Advantages:

• Eliminates marking up existing walls, especially good if you're not going to paint right away.
• 
  Boards are large enough to be realistic to visualise what the paint will actually look like in the space.
• Boards can be moved around to see how they work in different lighting, and how they look next to existing furniture and textiles.
• 
  They are inexpensive, quick, easy to make and reusable.

Instructions

Start by purchasing a piece of foam core board from a craft or office supply store. Foam core is thick and sturdy so the paint doesn't leak to the backside. Because of this both sides can be painted different colors. It's sturdy enough that when propped up it will stay in place.

Cut the foam core board with a straight edge into manageable sizes. I cut mine into three pieces. I use a rotary cutter, but a serrated knife or scissors can be substituted.

Tip: If you're doing a lot of home improvement projects, design work or crafts, I recommend investing in a rotary cutter, mat and straight edge. They come in affordable kits, and they are extremely useful for a wide variety of tasks. I prefer a large diameter rotary cutter, because I've noticed the blade doesn't get dull as quickly as the smaller ones.

Use inexpensive foam brushes to apply two coats of paint. Let the first coat set up before applying the second coat. Use long strokes, going in the same direction.

Finished Sample Boards

The boards are large enough to accurately judge how the paint will look in the space. They can be moved around easily to see how the room lighting affects the color.

Boards are labeled with masking tape.

Sherwin Williams: Svelte Sage, Restrained Gold, Latte

For easy reference the information includes:

• Brand of paint


• Color name


• Paint number


• Type of finish: flat, matt, satin, semi gloss, gloss.

Posted to: Works For Me Wednesday and Domestically Speaking