Trial Before Paint

Posted by Kristin Abraham Nov 7, 2007

I'm going to paint a sample "board" for a client this week to help her decide on the painting technique and colors. This is a pretty standard technique for faux finishers and a great little trick that homeowners can use themselves before painting.

First of all, many painting companies are now offering samples of paint for only a couple of dollars, which is great if you're a bit undecided or you're afraid the actual color won't look the same as it does on the chip.

Many people simply paint a big patch on their walls to help them decide what color they prefer. Besides the fact that many of these patches then stay on the wall for months, if not years, before a final decision is made, this really isn't the most effective way to make your decision. Instead, try creating a board. Simply buy a large sheet of posterboard at your local craft store and coat it with primer and then paint the board. If your wall has a texture you should try to replicate that texture; sand and orange peel can both easily be reproduced.

This board technique is especially useful if you're doing a faux finish as the base color of the wall is often part of the technique and painting directly on the wall can create a noticeable splotch. But it's also helpful for solid paint decisions because it's portable. Sure your painted splotch on one wall tells you more than a paint chip, but with a board you can try the color out in different lighting situations, move it around the room and even cut off a chunk to take fabric shopping.

Use this inexpensive tip from the painting pros to create just the right look on your walls the first time you paint.