Finishing a remodeling project always feels refreshing. You are giving your house or office a new look and vibe. This can bring many benefits in the long run, but it’s important to be 100% sure of what you want to do.
Sometimes, people think they want to paint their rooms with a specific color without considering how the place will actually look when the project is finished. That’s frustrating and makes you lose a lot of money.
It’s a good idea to always test the paint colors before committing to one. Spending enough time on this part of the process will ensure you like the final result. Another good tip here is that you need to search for home painters near me to find the best contractor in your area.
Do you want to learn how to choose paint colors for your home? We are here to help you. On this page, you will find the right tips for testing all your options before committing to them.
Finest Tips for Testing Paint Colors
Whether it’s for the interior or exterior of your property, choosing the right paint colors can be overwhelming. You want to create a space where you feel comfortable enough to go on with your daily tasks.
When you go to the store, the people there may give you some recommendations, but that’s not enough. If you want to love the results of the project, read these tips before you choose any paint colors:
Use a Big Sample
The first thing to know about testing paint colors is that sample size matters. Tiny swatches won’t tell you how your room will actually look after you finish the project.
We recommend using a 1’ x 1’ sample to test your options. That will give you a clear idea of the results you are going to get.
You must commit to the test. The idea is to mimic the final look your wall will have. Hence, you should apply two coats of paint.
If possible, test the colors you want to use on different walls within the area you are working on. Sometimes, lighting or furniture can highly affect the paint’s appeal.
Test on Walls
Although some do it, we don’t recommend testing paint on a board. The reason is simple: colors don’t look the same on them as they will look on a wall.
This is the reason many people feel disappointed when they see the results of their painting projects. They picked a color, thinking the walls would be the same as what they saw on that test.
Why does this happen? Mainly because the texture is different. If you want to paint the cabinets in your kitchen, for example, testing the colors on a wall won’t help either.
It’s also important to test the color of the walls of the room you want to paint. The results won’t be the same in your kitchen and dining room.
Use the Right Lighting for the Test
Lighting is an essential factor to keep in mind when testing paint. Colors are just a reflection of light. If you change the illumination, they will change as well.
When you do the test, don’t stop with the results you first see. Study the samples in natural and artificial light. Do it at different times of the day.
The paint you want to use will look different at night or in the morning. To be extra sure of the results, analyze the samples from different angles.
Consider Furniture and House Layout
It’s unlikely that people will paint a full room and leave it empty. They will fill it with furniture and other decorations. Those things can affect the perceived color of paint.
One of the reasons for that is color contrast. Furniture with bold colors will make neutral paint look different. The balance of the palette you use for the room also changes its whole vibe and appeal.
Remember we said lighting is important? Well, when you put furniture in a room, light reflects off it to the walls. That’s what makes it so important to test the paint where you will use it.
Use a Primer Coat
The last tip on this page is to use a primer coat for the test. This is extra helpful when picking between saturated or bright colors. Use it for yellow, blue, burgundy, cyan, and similar options.
While this is not mandatory, it will make the test more accurate. Needless to say, this only works when you use a high-quality primer.
It’s essential to prime the sample before applying the two coats of paint for the test. Apart from that, follow the recommendations your painter gives you.
What Are the Finest Paint Colors for My Project?
There are no specific metrics that tell you which colors are objectively better. Everything falls down to how you want the room to look. Are you going for an undertone with darker looks or the best sage green you can find?
All options are valid as long as you undergo a thorough color selection process. That’s what testing is for. Finding professional home remodeling services in Sarasota and the surrounding area may not be an easy task, but you should spend enough time on finding the right contractor.
Even if you try an alternative method for choosing the color for your project, you will be all right if you follow the tips you read on this page.
Final Thoughts
People can do many things to make testing paint a more accurate process. The tips on this page are the most important ones for the matter.
Regardless of what you do, always use a big sample, undergo the test with the right lighting and furniture, and study the results at different times of the day. It may seem like a lot, but it’s worth the effort once you see the final result of the project.
These tips will work on any kind of surface. They will help whether you want to paint the whole kitchen and its cabinets or your living room.
If you want to go the extra mile, hire an interior designer to help you. They will tell you if the color you chose will match the palette of the rest of the property.
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