The Ultimate Guide to Paint Samples and Swatches

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to find the right shade and finish that will complement your space. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all you need to know about paint samples and swatches, including where to get them and how to use them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice homeowner, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions when it comes to painting your walls.

Why Paint Samples Matter

When it comes to selecting paint for your walls, it’s essential to get it right the first time. Quality paint can be a significant investment, and if the color or finish doesn’t meet your expectations, it can be costly to rectify. This is where paint samples and swatches come in handy. By testing out different colors and finishes before committing to a larger quantity, you can ensure that you’re happy with the end result.

Best Practices for Sampling Paint

Applying liquid paint samples or using paint swatches is the best way to evaluate how a color will look in your space. Here are some tips for sampling paint effectively:

• Use Paint Swatches: Swatches are strips of paper with the color of paint printed on them. They are available for free at most paint or home improvement stores and can help you narrow down your color choices.

• Try Liquid Paint Samples: Paint samples are small bottles of liquid paint that you can apply directly to your walls or on a piece of foam board. This gives you a more accurate representation of how the color will look.

• Online Paint Visualizers: Many paint companies offer online visualizers that allow you to see how different colors will look in your space. While this is a helpful tool, it’s always best to test the paint in your home before making a final decision.

Where to Get Paint Samples and Swatches

Whether you’re looking for free samples or willing to pay for larger swatches, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the best places to get paint samples and swatches:

Samplize

If you want large paint samples from major paint companies, check out Samplize. They offer curated paint collections and bundles of popular colors. The samples come in squares that you can stick to your walls for a true look before committing to a larger quantity.

Behr and Glidden

Home Depot offers Behr and Glidden paint samples in-store or online. While liquid paint samples are not free, you can get small color swatches for free. They also offer color fans with thousands of colors for purchase.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore offers pint-sized paint samples for purchase in-store or online. They also sell 8-inch paint swatches for a nominal fee. Keep an eye out for promotions that may offer free paint samples from time to time.

Country Chic Paint

Country Chic Paint often runs free paint sample programs, so be sure to check their website or social media for any ongoing promotions.

Dunn Edwards

Dunn Edwards provides up to 100 free color cards and 8-ounce paint samples for purchase on their online store. They offer a wide selection of colors to choose from.

Dutch Boy

Dutch Boy’s Twist & Try quart samples provide four times more paint than traditional 8-ounce samples. They also offer 8-ounce samples of their Platinum Plus and Forever Paint lines for purchase.

Ecos Paint

Ecos Paints sell 2-ounce jars of paint samples in three-packs. Samples are free with a rebate if you purchase one or more gallons of paint. They also offer free paint chips for color selection.

Kelly Moore

Kelly Moore Paints offer one free quart of sample paint when you order online. Simply redeem your coupon at a Kelly Moore Paints store in participating areas to claim your sample.

PPG Paints

PPG Paints provides large color cards for free by request online. They are also part of the Samplize color sample card program, so you can explore their colors before making a purchase.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams offers Color To Go, their largest-sized paint sample that covers around 75 square feet. They also provide free paint chips in-store for color matching. You can purchase large paint cards from Samplize for a closer look at their colors.

Valspar

Lowe’s Home Improvement stores carry Valspar paint and offer 8-ounce samples for purchase. Free paint chips are available in-store for color selection.

How to Use a Paint Sample the Right Way

To ensure that you get an accurate representation of your chosen paint color, follow these tips for using paint samples effectively:

• Avoid Bare Cardboard: Use solid paint swatches instead of cardboard, as it absorbs paint differently and may not show the true color accurately.

• Outline a Space: Create a coverage box on your wall using painter’s tape and stay within the boundaries when applying the paint sample.

• Test with a Smaller Amount: With an 8-ounce paint sample, you can cover up to 25 square feet, allowing you to test the color on different walls or areas in your home.

• Use an Online Visualizer: While online visualizers can give you an idea of how a color will look, it’s best to combine this with actual paint samples to see how the color will appear in your space.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint color for your home is an important decision that can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space. By utilizing paint samples and swatches, you can test out different colors and finishes before committing to a larger quantity. Whether you prefer free samples or are willing to pay for larger swatches, there are plenty of options available to help you find the perfect paint for your walls. Remember to follow best practices for sampling paint and use online tools to visualize how the color will look in your home. With the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to painting your walls.