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Decorating Ideas

How to Pick the Perfect Paint Using Samples

How to Pick the Perfect Paint Using Samples
Homebase
Writer and expert8 months ago
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Your paint colour is the foundation of any room, so when it comes to picking the perfect paint, it’s important to get it right. Whether you’re rejuvenating some dull walls, injecting some colour into your room or taking on a whole bedroom overhaul, using paint testers to find the right paint colour is crucial to setting the mood of your space.

Using paint testers is a great way to sample different shades and make sure you find the right paint colour for you before you commit paintbrush to walls. We’ve put together some top tips on what to do with paint tester pots to get the most out of them and how to pick the perfect paint. Read on to find out how you put the fun into paint sampling and achieve paint perfection stress-free.

Order Some Tester Paint Pots

Finding the perfect paint colour can take a bit of shopping around, so it’s a good idea to order a few colours, shades or finishes that you think might fit your vision. Be open-minded when choosing your sample paint pots; it’s always best to explore a range of options, and you may find you’re surprised by the colours that look the best. Check out Homebase’s vast array of colours, brands and finishes in our paint tester range.

Don’t Paint the Walls

Once you’ve shortlisted your paint colour samples, it’s time to get painting. Contrary to popular belief, slapping paint straight onto the wall isn’t the most effective way to sample paint colours. Instead, paint your testers onto large pieces of card or paper so they act as paint sample cards. This allows you to be more mobile with your samples and avoids creating an uneven paint surface on your wall.

Avoid Lining Up Your Paint Samples

When it comes to comparing your different paint colours, it may seem sensible to line samples up against each other for easy comparison.

However, lining up your paints against each other can warp the way you see them. For example, a blue-grey shade might stand out as ‘too blue’ when sat next to a white-grey shade. Staring at five different paint colours at once can be overwhelming, so instead take turns to hold against or stick your paint samples to a plain wall and see which one you instinctively prefer.

Move Around

A key advantage of using paint sample cards is that you can move around with them. Make the most of your mobile paint samples and try them out in different spots.

If you’re undecided on which wall, or walls, you want to paint, it’s always a good idea to try out the paint sample on all your options. Paint can have a different impact depending on the size, shape, angle or lighting of the wall, and you may find that your colour works with some walls better than others.

Top tip:Always prepare to have your expectations flipped. With painting and decorating, we always have some pre-conceived ideas about what will look best, but trying things out can surprise you. This is what paint testers are for, so be open-minded and embrace all your options.

Test Your Paint Samples at Different Times

Lighting has a huge impact on what colours look like. Therefore, it's important to ensure you test your paint colours during day and night, or in different areas of the wall that sit in different lights.

For example, if you have a wall that sits in the sun half of the day and shade in the other, make sure you’re loving the way the paint looks in both lights before you commit to it. Once you have decided on your colour, you can use our handy paint calculator to work out how much paint you need to cover the wall.

Map Out Your Colour Scheme

Although directly comparing paint samples isn’t a good idea, it is sensible to consider the other colours or textures that will be in the room you’re painting. This can also help build creative vision and stir some painting inspiration.

If you’re simply giving a room a new lick of paint, you should keep the rest of your décor, including your flooring, curtains and lighting, in mind when deciding on your paint colour. If you’re taking on a complete redecoration project, we recommend that you map out the colour scheme and textures you’re planning for your room. You want your wall colour to complement everything in the room rather than dictate it.

FAQs:Q. How much are paint tester pots?

A. At Homebase, our paint tester pots range from £2 to £5.50, depending on the brand and size.

Q. Can I order paint samples online?

A. Yes, it’s super easy to order paint samples online with Homebase. Just browse our exciting range of paint testers, featuring an array of colours, finishes, brands and sizes. Once you’ve chosen your paints, check out and collect from your local Homebase store.

Q. How do I use paint testers?

A. Using paint testers is a great way to sample different paint colours. You can order from a huge range of sample paint pots and collect at your local Homebase store. Read our blog to find out our top tips for using paint testers.

Homebase
Writer and expert
View Homebase's profile
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