People who have painted a room are probably familiar with a common mishap when using color swatches – when paint looks drastically different once it’s on the wall compared to when it was picked from a handheld cardstock square. Despite this being inconvenient, there are ways to overcome the problem.
Color Swatches Are Useful
When faced with color swatches, choosing the perfect color can seem daunting. However, there is an easy process to select the ideal hue for all walls. Firstly, multiple variations of colors should be chosen from the swatches and taken to the area where the painting is going to take place. This is done to assess the colors in the natural lighting of each room. Secondly, they should be compared to the existing decor in the room, including the upholstery fabrics, wall art, and curtains. Finally, the selection of colors should be narrowed down to two or three colors that complement the existing interior.
Test Colors at Home
All colors on a paint strip are variations of the same formula, meaning that they share the same undertones but with different intensities. The bottom color gives the best idea of the undertone and color family. Two color swatches being compared next to one another can also be problematic because they might look similar on paper but have different hues when standing alone. So, if one has to compare similar colors, it must be done on larger sections on the wall.
To easily compare two colors, one should ask for sample amounts of their favorite colors. Most companies have small containers available for that purpose. When considering several paint colors, this can be pricey, but it is worth it.
Nothing is as helpful when choosing a color as being able to see it applied to a wall. To use these samples in a room, one has to brush them on broad sections of the wall, and it is also important to do so at eye level. The larger the section, the better it is for evaluating the color. These test plots can later be painted on, so that shouldn’t be something to worry about. The best way to evaluate the test areas is to let them dry, put some furniture or art next to them and stand in the back of the room to consider them. One should also consider how the colors look at night or in the glow of a lamp.
People who have difficulties with colors can always refer to a professional painter for recommendations. Once the preferred colors have been chosen, an expert can point to the one that has a better sheen and is best for surfaces like drywall, plaster, or panels.