Want to know how to sample paint effectively? We recommend painting on movable boards and using peel-and-stick samples when possible. In this article, we’ll present the most common methods for sampling a new color.
Key Takeaways
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Sampling paint colors on boards allows you to move them from room to room and see how the color will look in different lighting from multiple angles.
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Proper wall preparation, including cleaning and priming, is essential before applying paint samples to ensure accurate color representation.
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Utilizing virtual tools and peel-and-stick samples can enhance the color selection process, allowing for flexible and mess-free testing of paint options.
Importance of Sampling Paint Colors
Visualizing how paint colors will integrate with your existing decor is more than just a guessing game; it’s key to ensuring harmony throughout your space. Paint samples offer a firsthand view of how a sample color interacts with your furnishings, flooring, lighting, and other elements, leading to a cohesive and well-designed look. Imagine choosing a vibrant red only to find it clashing with your cool-toned carpet – a scenario easily avoided with proper sampling.
The psychological effects of colors can significantly alter the mood of a room. For instance, blues can evoke calmness while yellows can energize a space. Seeing color samples in your home helps you understand these effects in your specific environment. Natural light, the time of day, and the room’s existing color palette, including elements like flooring and furniture, can dramatically influence paint color perception.
The room’s purpose and lighting are key considerations when selecting a paint color. A bedroom may benefit from serene hues, while a kitchen might thrive with bright, invigorating tones. Sampling paint with movable boards shows how different colors perform under various lighting conditions and how they align with the room’s function.
Lastly, opting for a complete room color rather than just a feature wall can make your space feel more elegant and well-designed. Sampling paint colors helps you visualize the full impact, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a result you’ll love for years to come.
Selecting Your Paint Samples
Choosing the right paint samples is a critical step in your color search journey. Display chips and fan decks are essential tools, allowing you to compare multiple shades and visualize how they might look in your space. Laying them out against your existing decor helps you quickly eliminate colors that don’t fit your vision.
Consider the reputation of the brand when choosing your paint samples. Opt for well-known brands like Benjamin Moore, which offer a wide range of colors and high-quality paints. Select samples representing a range of colors, from light to dark and warm to cool, to get a comprehensive view of your options.
Display chips and fan decks not only help you narrow down your choices but also provide a tangible reference point as you proceed in your color selection process. This step ensures that the final paint color you choose will complement your space perfectly and meet your expectations.
Sampling Paint with Boards
We recommend using Mighty Boards to sample your Benjamin Moore color. Mighty Boards offer an innovative and practical solution for testing paint samples without altering your walls. These lightweight, durable boards are designed with a special matte finish that mimics the texture of a painted wall, allowing for an accurate representation of the paint color.
When sampling paint with boards, it's essential to follow key steps for an accurate color assessment. Begin by leaving a white border around your paint sample on the board. This white space ensures you can evaluate the sample color on its own, free from the influence of your current wall color.
Apply two coats of paint on the board, allowing the first coat to dry completely before adding the second. This process helps achieve a true representation of the sample color, as paint tends to darken as it dries. Be patient and wait until the paint is fully dry before making any decisions about your color choice.
It's crucial to view your sample boards vertically, as paint appears differently when viewed horizontally. Since walls are vertical, assessing your sample in this orientation gives you the most accurate perspective.
To get a comprehensive view of how the color will look in your space, move the sample boards to different rooms and observe the colors under various lighting conditions throughout the day. Additionally, place the boards near the floor to see the sample compared to your trim and floor color.
Sampling on the Wall
The next best method is sampling directly on the wall. Before sampling paint on your walls, prepare the surfaces properly. Begin by cleaning the walls with soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Let them dry completely before moving on to the next step. This ensures the paint adheres well and provides an accurate color representation.
Inspect your walls for any damage, such as cracks or holes. Repair these areas with filler to create a smooth surface. This step is crucial because imperfections can affect how the paint looks and feels once applied. A smooth surface allows for even application, giving you a true sense of the paint color.
A primer should be used on the wall beforehand, leaving a white border around where the sample will go to separate it. This helps your eye to see the color on its own without influence from the existing shade of your wall.
Applying Paint Samples to Walls
With your walls prepped, apply the paint samples. Apply larger test patches on your walls. This helps you assess the true color in various lighting conditions. Small swatches can be misleading; larger areas give a comprehensive view of the paint across the entire wall.
For the best results, apply paint samples in large areas and use two coats to achieve a true color representation. Brands like Benjamin Moore offer half-pint sample pots in any of their 3500 colors, providing an excellent opportunity to test actual paint on your walls. This ensures you get a precise idea of the final color and finish.
Testing on different walls and using poster boards are two effective methods for applying paint samples. Each method has its advantages and can help you make a well-informed decision.
Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
Peel-and-stick paint samples offer a convenient alternative to actually painting on boards or the wall. These adhesive decals allow you to test colors without making a permanent mark on your walls. They are designed to be mess-free and can be easily repositioned, providing flexibility in color testing.
Peel-and-stick samples can be cut to fit specific areas, enhancing their versatility during the selection process. You can move them around different spaces to see how the color looks under various lighting conditions. This method is especially useful if you want to test colors in multiple rooms or on different surfaces.
Many peel-and-stick paint samples are made with actual paint, ensuring color accuracy. Using these samples can save you time and effort, allowing you to make a confident decision without the commitment of painting directly on your walls.
Virtual Tools for Color Search
In the digital age, virtual tools have revolutionized paint color selection. Apps like the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio™ allow users to visualize different colors in their homes using augmented reality. This technology shows how a color will look in your space before you even purchase a sample.
Paint my Room on iOS and Google Play is another excellent tool that lets you take pictures of your existing room and swap the color. This feature provides a realistic preview of how different paint colors will look in your home, helping you narrow down your choices.
The Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer app for desktop and tablets allows users to experiment with paint colors by uploading personal photos or selecting from their image library. These virtual tools make it easier than ever to find the perfect paint color, saving you time and effort in the color search process.
Get Benjamin Moore Color Samples, Peel & Stick Samples, and Mighty Boards from JC Licht
JC Licht provides a variety of paint sampling options to help you find the perfect color for your space. Choose from 3500 Benjamin Moore colors to test, allowing you to see how they interact with lighting and decor. For a non-permanent solution, peel-and-stick samples offer flexibility, enabling you to test colors on different walls without any mess.
Alternatively, Mighty Boards provide a portable option. Made from lightweight plastic with a special matte/matte finish that will not break or crack, they can easily be moved around in your home to see the paint colors in different lighting. Available at JC Licht locations in-store.
Stop by a local JC Licht or order online to get your samples!
Find the Right Colors For You
Facing challenges to find a paint color that works for your space? Let the experts help you find your perfect color palette! Our expert color consultants will help you navigate undertones, lighting, and working with your existing furniture or finishes to put together a color story you’ll love. Our consultants utilize full sheets of color swatches for better visuals, and you get to keep what you select!
Book an in-home color consultation with JC Licht. Schedule a time and date online or call us at (844) 525-7603 to get started.
