Are you using paint tester pots in the wrong way? Get it right with these 12 tips

Ever wondered why your new paint colour still doesn’t look right – even though you used paint tester pots to check it first? It could be you’re getting it all wrong. While the simple act of testing paint doesn’t seem that complicated, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

We’re sharing the Saga Magazine’s home team’s top paint tester pot tips to help you get paint sampling right the first time. That way, you’ll never make the wrong choice and have to start all over again.

Tech versus the real thing

Using tech can seem like a fuss-free way to avoid tester pots, but as our look into paint visualiser apps proves, it’s not the perfect substitute for physically applying paint tester pots. In brief, you won’t get as accurate an idea of the colour.

Neither will you be able to see how the light affects the colour throughout the day. That’s why we thoroughly approve of using tester pots. That said, there is an art to it. So, what else do you need to bear in mind in order to avoid costly colour mistakes?

1. Don’t test colours side by side

Don’t put different shades of a colour next to one another when testing colours – unless you are planning on using them like this on your walls. How you see each colour will be influenced by the one next to it. If you are only looking for one final colour option, trial it in isolation.

2. Always solo test with white paint

White doesn’t always mean white! The solo testing also applies to white paint. White comes in a multitude of shades and each one will make you view the other slightly differently, so don’t assume whites can be put next to each other.

3. Check whether lining paper is recommended

While some experts still recommend painting tester pots straight on to the wall, other companies such as Farrow & Ball advise using paper or card. The beauty of this is that you can apply the colour paint you’re testing to larger pieces of paper, which you can temporarily stick to the wall with a low-adhesive tape, and then move them around the room.

4. Lining paper may change the colour

If you’re using lining paper to test the colour, remember this is a natural shade whereas, your current walls may not be the same, especially if they’re dark.

It may also mean you need to paint more coats of your final choice, so don’t underestimate the quantity needed.

5. Two coats are essential

When you’re testing a new shade, you need to apply at least two coats, as most paints will require this to achieve their true colour – especially if you are painting over a dark or totally different colour. It’s rare that any paint covers perfectly in one coat, even the ones that say they do.

6. Think about the finish

Think about the paint finish you will ultimately be using and make sure you test using the same one. A matt finish, for example, will reflect far less light than a silk or gloss paint, meaning the result can vary wildly.

7. Try every wall

Make sure you trial the colour on every wall you want to paint and look at it at key points throughout the day and night. It’s important to see how both natural and artificial light change the colour.

8. Timing is key

Consider when you will most use the room and make sure you spend time looking at the colour in it during those times. For example, if you’re painting a bedroom, keep in mind that you will spend most time in there at night when there’s mainly artificial light.

It’s this view you will live with so make sure you like how the colour looks during this time and in these lighting conditions.

9. Lightbulbs can affect the look

If you’re changing the lights or bulbs when you redecorate, make sure you consider if the light emitted will change from warm to cool. This will again impact how your eyes and brain see the colour.

You’ll likely find that a kitchen has more cool and stimulating bright white lights, whereas a bathroom or bedroom – made for relaxing – tends to feature warmer, yellow-white lighting.

10. Take soft furnishings into account

If you’re keeping the same furniture and furnishings, make sure you place the paper samples next to each item in turn. Colours change when placed next to other colours.

11. Test feature wallpaper at the same time

If you decide you want to use new wallpaper with your paint, don’t forget to put samples of this on your wall next to your paint testing sheets, to test for suitability.

12. Make a note of names

If you’re trialling similar shades, make sure you write the name and brand on the tester pot so that when it comes to buying a full tin you don’t get it wrong. It’s easy to confuse them when the tonal difference is slight.

The printed label placed next to the sample is also not a reliable method of checking it’s the right one as the colour will have changed during the printing process.