The Complete Guide to Sampling Paint
Paint looks different depending on where it's placed, what time of day it is, and what lighting you use. Here's how to sample properly and avoid costly mistakes.
A colour that looks perfect in a shop or on a screen can look completely different on your walls. Natural light, artificial light, room size, and even nearby furniture can dramatically change how a colour appears. Taking the time to sample correctly will save you from repainting—and the cost that comes with it.
In Short
- The job: Test each shortlisted colour on 2-3 walls in the room it's destined for, so you judge the paint in its real light rather than on a screen or a shop card.
- What you need: 60ml sample pots in each shortlisted colour, a small brush, and your room's actual lighting.
- The process: 5 steps — paint your samples on multiple walls and heights, then judge the dried colour across morning, afternoon and evening light.
Quick Sampling Checklist
Sample on at least 2-3 different walls
Paint samples at both eye level and lower down
View samples in morning, afternoon, and evening light
Test under your actual room lighting
Wait 24 hours for samples to fully dry
Compare against your furniture and fixtures
Consider how adjacent room colours interact
Step-by-Step Guide
Don't just test on one wall. Each wall in a room receives different amounts of light throughout the day. The wall facing your window will look completely different from the wall opposite it. We recommend sampling on at least 2-3 walls, including walls that face different directions.
Light hits surfaces differently depending on height. A sample at eye level will look different from one near the floor or ceiling. Paint samples at both eye level and lower down on the wall to see the full range.
The direction your room faces dramatically affects how colours appear. Light quality changes throughout the day, and each compass direction brings a different character to your space.
Cool, consistent light all day. Colours can appear muted or slightly blue-grey. Warm tones help counterbalance.
Bright, warm light throughout the day. Colours appear vibrant and true. Can handle cooler paint tones.
Warm morning light, cooler afternoons. Colours shift from golden to neutral as the day progresses.
Cool mornings, intense warm light in the evening. Sunset glow can dramatically warm colours.
The type of bulbs you use makes a huge difference. Warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) will make colours appear warmer and cosier. Cool bulbs (4000K-5000K) bring out blues and greens. Test your samples with the lights you'll actually be using in the space.
Warm Bulbs (2700K-3000K)
Enhances reds, oranges, and yellows. Makes spaces feel cosy.
Cool Bulbs (4000K-5000K)
Enhances blues and greens. Makes spaces feel crisp and modern.
Wet paint looks different from dry paint. Allow at least 24 hours for your samples to fully dry before making a decision. The true colour only shows once the paint has completely cured.