How to Choose and Test Paint Colours
Take the guesswork out of colour selection by testing properly before you commit.
Colour is the decision people most often regret, usually because a shade that looked perfect on a tiny card behaved quite differently across a whole wall. Light, surrounding surfaces and the time of day all transform how a colour reads.
Testing properly costs a little time but saves the expense and disappointment of repainting. This guide shows how to narrow a shortlist and judge your samples in the conditions they will actually live in.
What you will need
- Sample pots in shortlisted shades
- A2 primed test boards
- Small brush
- Colour card
- Notebook
- Masking tape
Gather inspiration and narrow down
Collect colour cards and note the shades that draw you, considering the mood you want for the room. Pare your choices down to three or four, including the undertone you prefer. Too many samples at once make comparison difficult.
Understand undertones
Hold candidate shades against existing fixed elements such as flooring, worktops and large furniture. Notice whether a neutral leans warm or cool, as this clash or harmony matters more than the headline colour. Undertones are what make a scheme feel cohesive.
Paint test boards, not the wall
Apply two coats of each sample to a primed board rather than directly onto the wall, where old colour shows through and patches are hard to remove. Boards can be moved around the room. Let each dry fully, as emulsion darkens as it cures.
Observe in changing light
Move the boards to different walls and view them in morning, midday and evening light, as well as under your artificial lighting. A north-facing room renders colours cooler, a south-facing one warmer. Live with the samples for a few days before deciding.
Check against furnishings
Place the boards beside curtains, upholstery and rugs to see how the colour sits within the whole scheme. A shade rarely exists in isolation. Note your reactions each day rather than relying on a single first impression.
Commit with confidence
Once a shade looks right across the day and alongside your furnishings, you can order the full quantity. Buy enough from a single batch to complete the job, as batches can vary subtly. Keep a note of the name and finish for future touch-ups.