Knowing How To Use Paint Color Samples And Avoid A Catastrophe! Have you ever gone to the paint store and collected a number of paint color samples to take home so that you can mull over the different shades before deciding? Sure you have. When you've chosen the shade you like best, you go back to the paint store and order the amount you need for your room, right? Not so fast! If this is your regular procedure, you've surely been disappointed more than once with the results. Perhaps the shade you thought was perfect, absolutely overwhelmed the room in question or looked to be an entirely different color once you'd finished. You may suspect the paint store mixed your color incorrectly. Read on to find out the little secrets of the proper use of paint color samples. You'll not be disappointed again. First, paint color samples are just an inch or two square. Although the color you see is accurate, the tiny size creates an illusion when you view the color sample. Any paint store clerk will tell you that when the shade is applied to an entire wall, will seem to be a full shade darker. When you spot a color that looks just right, take and another paint color sample that's one shade lighter. Lighting is another important factor. Never make your decision in the paint store. Odds are that the store has fluorescent lighting, which can change the color your eye perceives. Always take your paint color samples home. Tape each chip to an area of the wall in the room you intend to paint. Leave them for a full 24 hours. Take a look at them in the natural light of day, in the morning, afternoon and evening. At night, view the paint chips under the lighting you have in that room. The effect of the color will change. Now you're almost ready to make your final choice. When you decide on what you think is your best effect, go back to the paint store and buy a small can of that color. Get a piece of white posterboard, preferably a minimum of 16" by 24". Paint the posterboard and allow to dry. Tape this up on the wall of the room you're painting. Now, short of painting the entire room, this technique gives you an excellent presentation of your finished project. Although this may seem like a lot of work, you don't paint a room so often. You want to be just what you envisioned. Then you'll be happy with your choice for years. Used properly, paint color samples prevent catastrophes! Summary Although the color you see is accurate, the tiny size creates an illusion when you view the color sample. Any paint store clerk will tell you that when the shade is applied to an entire wall, will seem to be a full shade darker. When you spot a color that looks just right, take and another paint color sample that's one shade lighter. Related Articles Interior Painting Ideas Paint Color Samples Wall Paint Paint Ideas Related Sites