How to Properly Test Paint Color Samples for Picture-Perfect Results

Choosing the right paint color can transform a room, but relying on inaccurate samples can lead to costly, time-consuming mistakes. At C2 Paint, we believe paint is personal. That’s why our color swatches are made with real paint, not ink. What you see is truly what you get, giving you the most accurate color preview possible before committing to a gallon.

Here’s how to test your samples the right way so you can feel confident in your final color decision.

Why Real-Paint Samples Matter

Before we get into testing tips, here are a few reasons why C2 samples outperform traditional ink-based chips:

True-to-life color: Ink cannot replicate the depth, texture, or undertones of real paint. Our samples are created using the same artisan-quality pigments found in our cans.
Better undertone visibility: Because the sample is real paint, you can more easily see whether a color skews warm, cool, earthy, or neutral.
Fewer surprises: The color on your wall will match the sample—no unexpected shifts once you paint the full room.
More sustainable decisions: Making the right choice the first time reduces waste, rework, and unused cans.

Step 1: Prep Your Space

Before you test your samples, set the stage for accuracy:

Clear visual distractions by removing bold décor or nearby colors that may influence how you perceive the sample.
Prime the area (optional): If your wall is a very strong or dark color, lightly priming a small section can help you see the new shade more clearly.
Make sure the room is tidy—clutter can skew your perception of color depth and temperature.

Step 2: Place Samples on Multiple Walls

Light varies throughout the day and across different walls. To get a true feel:

Apply or place your real-paint swatches on two to three walls, including lighter and darker corners.
Put samples at eye level, as that’s how you’ll experience the color most.
Avoid holding the sample in your hand—your skin tone can reflect onto the surface and change the appearance.

Pro Tip: If you’re using C2’s giant color sheets or brush-outs, move them around the room during the day to see how the color behaves.

Step 3: View Color in Natural and Artificial Light

Lighting is one of the biggest factors in how paint looks. When testing, note how the color shifts in:

Morning light (cooler, softer)
Midday light (bright and neutral)
Evening light (warmer and more golden)
Artificial light (warm bulbs vs. cool LEDs)

This helps you catch subtle undertones that might only appear in certain conditions.

Step 4: Compare Undertones Carefully

Because C2 samples are made with real paint, undertones appear more accurately. When evaluating:

Look for subtle hints of yellow, red, green, or violet, especially in neutrals and whites.
Hold the sample near flooring, tile, countertops, or wood trim to ensure undertones complement—not clash.

What to watch for:

Whites that turn too creamy in low light
Grays that look unexpectedly purple
Greiges that shift warmer than expected

Your real-paint sample will reveal this honestly.

Step 5: Give It a Full-Day Test

Colors can shift dramatically over 24 hours. Leave your samples up for at least one full day (ideally two) so you can:

See the color in morning, afternoon, and evening
Notice how it interacts with natural materials like wood or stone
Observe whether the color feels energizing, balanced, or too intense

Paint isn’t just a visual choice—it affects mood and the flow of your home.

Step 6: Test With Your Décor and Materials

To make the most confident decision:

Place fabric swatches, rugs, pillows, tiles, or wood samples next to your paint sample.
Step back and look at the entire palette together.
Evaluate how the color supports your overall design vision—contrast, harmony, or subtlety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best samples, these pitfalls can lead you astray:

1. Judging color too quickly

Give yourself time to see the shifts throughout the day.

2. Testing samples against bold existing wall colors

Dominant hues can distort color perception.

3. Only testing on one wall

A color that looks perfect on one wall might appear darker or cooler on another.

4. Not considering sheen

Remember: sheen affects appearance. Samples show the color; the sheen will adjust the final look slightly. Use our sheen guide to choose the finish once you’ve landed on a color.

Let the Sample Tell the Story

Great design begins with great color, and great color begins with testing it the right way. With C2 Paint’s real-paint samples, you’re seeing the truest possible representation of what will soon live on your walls.

By taking a little time to test, observe, and feel the color in your space, you’ll make a confident, inspired choice that elevates your entire home.