Adding new colours is a great way to transform your home, but choosing the right one can be challenging. Even with a clear idea in mind, the numerous shades available can make the decision difficult. And sometimes, even after settling on a colour, the final result on your wall may not be as satisfying, as you had hoped.

Now we know what you’re thinking: “Why is the colour on the colour card so different to the colour on your wall?”

Well firstly, we know that most paint companies now offer digitally printed colour cards, which are merely digital representations of the actual paint colour. And so the swatch may not be an exact match to the final painted colour. However, at The Paint Store, we test a sample of the tinted paint on the colour card, and should there be even the slightest variation, our skilled tinters adjust the colour to match the colour card.

So the reason the colour on the colour card LOOKS different to the colour painted on your wall, is most likely due to one or a combination of the following:

Lighting: The lighting in a room plays a crucial role in how colours appear. This can vary throughout the day with changes in natural light. Different light fixtures and their intensities also impact the appearance of the colour.

What You Cover: If you’re not starting with a blank slate (like a white wall) or haven’t completely removed the old paint, the existing colours can influence the new paint’s appearance. This is especially noticeable when the previous colour is darker than the new one.

Eyes Can Deceive Us: Everyone perceives colours differently because our eyes see light uniquely. Consequently, we often see colours in varying ways.

So, it is important to request paint samples and test it at home.

Where is the best place to do a paint sample?

When painting a colour sample in a room, test it in several spots:

• Paint a 30cm square section near the skirting board to see how it interacts with both the floor and the skirting board. (If the skirting board is wooden, it can affect the hue of the colour)
• Paint in the corner where two walls meet, allowing the colour to reflect off itself and provide a better sense of the true shade.
• Lastly, paint a section in the middle of a wall for comparison.

This approach will give you a comprehensive understanding of how the final colour will look in your room.

5 things to avoid to ensure you choose the right colour:

1. Choosing a Colour Solely from a Chip In-Store. It’s important to plan on visiting the paint counter at least twice for each project. Why? Because you’ll need to have a few options mixed before making a final decision.
   
   
2. Only Trying One Shade Per Colour. Even among similar chips, different undertones can create significant variations and sometimes we need to be brave and try a slightly darker shade.
   
   
   
   
3. Testing Tiny Swatches. If you’ve brought home a few colour samples to test, use them wisely. Don’t paint just a brush stroke and expect to get the full effect. Cover a larger area where possible to get as close to the final result. Apply a second coat as well. Larger swatches help you understand how the colour will look under different lighting conditions.
   
   
4. Deciding When the Paint’s Wet. Be patient and let the paint samples dry completely before making your final decision. A few hours of drying time is well worth the wait.
   
   
   
   
5. Rushing Your Paint Colour Selection. When selecting the right colour for your home, take your time to explore the different shades and get actual paint samples to try at home. Avoid rushing into the decision to ensure you choose the perfect colour for you.

Turn to your local paint store, turn to The Paint Store

The Paint Store in Klerksdorp is your go-to destination for paint, hardware, wallpaper, decor, and more. Here you’ll find interior inspiration to help you transform your space into something extraordinary. We also guarantee the best quality products, tailored colour advice and family-friendly shopping.

Our experienced professionals eagerly await to help, sharing tips and tricks to elevate your space. We don’t just sell paint; we share a passion for colour and building lasting relationships with you, our clients.

Why not stop by when you’re in the area next, and grab a cup of coffee too?

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