Choosing the wrong paint color is a major regret for homeowners starting interior painting projects. Standing in the paint aisle, overwhelmed by swatches, it’s easy to pick a color that looks great in the store but wrong in your home—leading to wasted time, money, and frustration.
In this blog, you will learn how to test paint samples like a pro!
Key Takeaways
- Test paint samples in multiple lighting conditions over several days.
- Apply samples directly to your walls, not just on poster board.
- Test at least three to five color options to make confident comparisons.
- Observe how natural and artificial light changes the color throughout the day.
- Consider the room’s existing elements, such as flooring, furniture, and fixtures.
Why Testing Paint Samples Matters
When planning interior house painting, most homeowners skip the nerve-wracking testing phase and rush into buying gallons of paint. This common leap can end in heartbreak. A color that looks perfect on a glossy swatch under harsh store lights can turn your dream into disappointment the moment it lands on your living room wall.
Professional painters know how to properly test paint samples, which saves their clients from expensive do-overs. The lighting in your Forest Acres home is unique—morning sun hits differently than afternoon light, and your lamps create entirely different moods than natural daylight.
The Right Way to Test Paint Samples
Follow these steps when learning how to test paint samples:
Purchase samples of your top three to five color choices.
Apply samples directly to your walls, not on poster boards. This gives you the most accurate color representation.
Paint large squares. Ideally at least two feet by two feet—with each color sample. This size allows you to see how the color behaves on your actual wall and in your specific lighting conditions.
Label each sample with the color name and number for easy reference later.
Using poster board or paper doesn’t give you accurate results because the existing wall color, texture, and lighting interact with the new paint differently.
Location and Lighting Are Everything
Here’s where learning how to test paint samples becomes critical: paint the same sample on different walls in the room. A north-facing wall receives cooler, indirect light while a south-facing wall gets warm, direct sunlight. The same color can look completely different depending on its placement on the wall.
Test your samples under various lighting conditions:
Morning light – when natural sunlight first enters the room
Midday brightness – when the sun is at its strongest
Afternoon shadows – as the light changes direction and intensity
Evening artificial light – under your lamps and overhead fixtures
Night conditions – how the color looks in dim lighting
Write notes directly on the wall next to each sample about how it looks at different times.
Give It Time
Don’t rush the process of testing paint samples. Live with your samples for at least three to four days. Colors reveal their true personality over time, and what you love on day one might irritate you by day three. Your eyes need time to adjust and really see how each shade works with your furniture, décor, and daily routine.
Listen closely to your feelings as you observe the colors. Does the shade spark joy and fill you with energy, or offer a tranquil escape after a long day? Does it invite you to linger or shut you out? Your emotional reaction matters deeply; color is more than visual—it’s the mood of your home.
Compare Adjacent Rooms
If you’re painting multiple rooms during your interior house painting project, test your samples in each space. Colors need to flow well from room to room without creating jarring transitions. Stand in doorways and hallways to see how colors interact.
Consider your home’s existing elements. Your flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and furniture all influence how paint colors appear. A warm beige might clash with cool gray floors, while a soft blue could perfectly complement your existing décor.
Common Testing Mistakes to Avoid
When figuring out how to test paint samples, avoid these common errors:
Testing too few colors. Compare at least three to five options for a better perspective.
Testing in only one spot. Paint multiple walls with different light exposure.
Using small sample areas. Tiny dabs don’t show true color; use large squares instead.
Rushing the decision. Live with samples for several days before committing.
Ignoring artificial lighting. Check colors under your home’s actual light bulbs.
The same color can appear as two completely different shades depending on the natural light, which is why testing multiple locations matters.
Professional Testing Tips
Professional painters recommend testing your samples against white trim or molding. This contrast helps you see the true undertones in your paint color—whether it leans warm or cool, bright or muted.
Take photos of your samples throughout the day. Your camera captures colors differently than your eye does, and reviewing photos later helps you make more objective decisions about your interior house painting choices.
Keep your paint chips or write down the exact color names and codes. Once you’ve tested and chosen your favorite, you’ll need this information to purchase the full-size paint containers.
Making Your Final Decision
After days of living among your color samples, pause and ask yourself: Which shade makes you smile each time you enter the room? Which one feels like coming home after a hard day, wrapping you in calm or filling you with excitement? Step back, sit down, soak in the space—and choose the paint that sings to your soul and fits your life.
When you’ve learned how to test paint samples properly and follow these steps, you’ll make a confident color choice that you’ll love for years to come. The small investment in sample paints prevents the much larger expense of repainting because you picked the wrong color.
Ready to Transform Your Forest Acres Home?
Now that you know how to test paint samples like a professional, you’re ready to choose the perfect colors for your interior house painting project. But testing is just the beginning—applying those colors with precision and skill requires professional expertise.
At Despres Painting, we help Forest Acres homeowners bring their color visions to life with flawless execution. Our experienced team handles every detail of your interior house painting —from surface preparation to final touch-ups —ensuring results that exceed your expectations. Don’t let your carefully chosen colors fall flat due to poor application.
Call Despres Painting at 803-991-4774 today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss your project and show you how professional painters can transform your home with the perfect colors you’ve selected.