A small color card cannot fully show how a shade will look across an entire wall. Test real paint in both brighter and more shaded parts of the room.
Allow it to dry completely and view it in morning, afternoon and evening light.
Compare the sample with the flooring, furniture and textiles that will remain in the room.
Prepare the sample
Use a prepared sample board appropriate for the finish, or prepare a selected wall area. Follow the coat and drying instructions for the intended product. Remember that sample paint may be designed to show color only and may not represent the durability of the final coating.
Record the decision
Move the board near the window, beside furniture and into a shaded area. Record the code, sheen and product to avoid ordering a different system later. Thick edges around a wall test patch may need smoothing before the final finish. Several colors placed very close together can influence how each is perceived.
Before deciding
- Assess the shade in the actual room under its intended lighting.
- Compare flooring, furniture and textiles beside the sample.
- Record product, color code and sheen together.
Can sample paint remain as the finish?
Not every sample product is a finishing coating. Check its instructions and prepare the trial patch for the final system. Do not assume an unsuitable sample layer can simply stay under the paint.