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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you’re unsure what to look for when buying light bulbs, check for their temperature rating in kelvin (k): 2,700 to 3,000k is warm, and 4,000 to 5,000k is cool.

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.

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.

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.