How to test your paint samples correctly

How to test your paint samples correctly

By Elena Koycheva on

For her home office renovation project, our Colour Consultant - Emily, has done exactly what she advises her clients - she tested her paint samples first. Of course, we decided to be a bit cheeky and stole her secret tips and tricks on how to test paint samples... in the correct way. Sorry, Emily! 

The steps here are a tried and tested method to get the best out of your paint samples and make the right colour choices for your home, every time.

Okay, let's do this.

 

Step 1.

 

Use a large sheet of lining paper to prevent damage to your walls and unnecessary sanding when it comes to finally decorate your room. You can buy it from any DIY store for a few pounds and, because it’s on a roll, it will last you for ages.

 

A woman in striped shirt and jeans cutting a big roll of white lining paper placed on a white desk

Step 1: Cutting a large sheet of lining paper to paint onto.

 

Step 2. 

 

Apply the first coat of the paint colour you've chosen evenly and leave to dry.

 

Woman painting with olive green paint onto white lining paper placed on a white desk

Step 2: Applying the paint colour.

 

Step 3.

 

Once the paint has dried, it's time to apply a second coat. Emily's advice is to always apply a second coat as this will give you the full depth of the paint colour.

 

Woman painting with olive green paint onto white lining paper placed on a white desk

Step 3: Applying a second coat of paint.

 

Step 4.

 

After the second coat of paint has dried, apply the painted lining paper to your wall. We advise to use low tack tape as this will be much kinder to your walls.

 

A large sheet of lining paper painted in a neutral white colour is stuck on a wallpapered wall above a wooden chair

Step 4: Applying the paint sample onto the wall.

 

Step 5.

 

If you're testing more than one paint colour in your space, try the colours one at a time. This would stop you from comparing paint colours to each other and will rather show how they react in the space. And you thought the 'showing your true colours' expression is a cliché?

 

White lining paper painted in neutral white paint applied onto a wallpapered wall

Step 5: Trying the paint samples one at a time.

 

And, finally...

 

Step 6.

 

Move the lining paper painted with your colour of choice around to your heart's content. Using this method won't cause any damage to your walls, plus you can conveniently see the paint colours in different places and times of the day to really get a true understanding of how the colour works in YOUR space.

 

White lining paper painted in a neutral white paint colour and applied onto a wallpapered wall

Step 6: Moving your paint samples around your space to see how the colours react in it.

 

Congratulations! You've now completed our mini 6-step course on how to test your paint samples correctly. Need to reward yourself? Well, grab a paint brush and that sample pot that's been on your desk for a week and start painting.

 

We hope these home decor tips have inspired you to find the right paint colour for your space and test it correctly to see if it truly belongs in your interior palette. And hey, if you still need some help, feel free to book a colour consultation with us and we’ll sort your colour puzzle in no time. Free option is available too!

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