Our Top Tips for Testing Paint Sample Pots: Your Quick & Easy Guide

Choosing the perfect paint colour can feel like a big decision, but don't worry - we're here to help you every step of the way! One of the best ways to ensure you’ve made the right choice is to test your paint samples thoroughly. Here's how you can get the most out of those little pots of paint and make a confident decision for your space.

1. Test on Multiple Walls

The first rule of thumb when testing your sample pots is to never test on just one wall! The way paint looks can change dramatically depending on the wall it's on because light hits each wall differently. Natural light, windows, and even how the room is laid out all affect how the colour appears. We recommend trying your sample on at least two or three different walls to see how the colour adapts to the varying light conditions throughout the room.

2. Check the Colour at Different Times of Day

Light changes throughout the day, so it’s essential to see how your chosen colour looks from morning to night.

• Morning Light: Early morning light tends to be cooler and softer, making colours appear lighter or bluer.
• Midday: By noon, the light is usually at its brightest, often washing out colours or making them seem more vibrant than they are.
• Evening: As the sun sets, you might notice warmer, golden tones that can give your paint a completely different look.

So, take a peek at your sample in the morning, afternoon, and evening to make sure you love the colour at all times of the day!

3. Natural Light Changes Everything

Natural light has a significant impact on how a paint colour will look in your room. A colour that seems soft and cosy in a room with north-facing windows might feel brighter or cooler in a room with south-facing ones. If you have lots of windows, your colour might look different as the sunlight pours in, compared to a room that doesn’t get much direct light. I have a great guide for the best paint colours to use in different room orientations to help you decide on colours for your space.

Tip: If your room is bathed in natural light, go for a slightly softer tone to balance the brightness. If it’s a darker space, you may need a bolder colour to bring life to the room.

4. Don’t Forget About the Room's Existing Colours

It’s easy to focus on the walls, but don’t forget about the colours already living in your room. Furniture, flooring, and even decorative elements can all influence how your paint appears.

• Warm-toned floors like wood or tan rugs might bring out warm undertones in your paint, while cool-toned furniture or flooring (like greys or blues) could make the colour appear cooler or muted.
  Take these into consideration when testing your sample pots. You don’t want your new wall colour clashing with your beautiful furniture!

5. Paint Big Enough Samples

When testing, make sure you’re painting a sample that’s big enough to see properly. A tiny square might not give you the full effect. Try painting at least a 2 ft x 2 ft patch on each wall, so you can really get a sense of how the colour will look when it covers the whole space.

6. Use Two Coats

Just like with a full paint job, sample colours often need two coats to truly show their depth and vibrancy. Don’t rush to judge the colour after only one coat! Give it time to dry and apply a second coat to get a better idea of the final look.

7. Live With It for a Few Days

We always recommend living with your paint samples for a few days before making a final decision. This way, you can see how you feel about the colour as you move through your daily routine. If it makes you smile every time you walk into the room, you’ve likely found your winner!

Choosing a paint colour should be fun, not stressful, and with these tips, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect shade. Testing your paint samples across different walls, checking the colour at various times of the day, and considering how natural light and existing decor will affect the final result are all steps that will ensure your paint choice feels just right.

Remember, we’re here to help, so feel free to ask us anything as you test your sample pots. Once you're happy with your final colour selection don't forget to get ordering your full size tin from the comfort of your sofa and let us do the legwork in getting it to your door! For advice on which paint finish to select for your room, you may find my blog on choosing the best finish for each room useful. As always, we're available on the phone (01388 608144), email, WhatsApp, live chat or socials if you want to talk any of this over!

Happy Painting!