Color Swatch LabGear · CSL–G06
Paint sample supplies kit
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Painting samples straight on a wall changes how the color looks, because the old color shows through and reflects onto the new one. Mounting samples on white boards avoids that and lets you check the color on every wall and at different times of day. The method itself is covered in how to test paint samples and peel-and-stick vs painted samples; this page is the shopping list.
A kit costs little and the boards can be reused by flipping them over. Keep the kit in a bag so you can test a new color the next time.
Sample boards
Who it is for: everyone testing a paint color.
White foam core is light, stiff and easy to cut. Poster board is cheaper but flexes more.
- White foam board, 20 x 30 in., 3/16 in. thick (12-pack)large boards for mounting painted samples. (View on Amazon)
- White foam board, 14 x 11 in., 3/16 in. thick (20 pcs)small boards for mounting individual samples. (View on Amazon)
- Staples white poster board, 22 x 28 in. (10 per carton)a cheaper, lighter sample base. (View on Amazon)
Applying the sample
Who it is for: anyone painting their own sample boards.
Two coats on a clean white board give a fair picture of the color. A mini roller gives a more wall-like finish than a brush.
- Mister Rui mini paint roller kit (13 pieces)paints sample boards evenly. (View on Amazon)
- WHIZZ premium foam concave mini rollers, 4 in. (10-pack)smooth finish on doors, cabinets and furniture. (View on Amazon)
- Sponge (foam) brushes, 2 in., wood handle (10-pack)disposable brushes for sample boards and small touch-ups. (View on Amazon)
- Disposable plastic paint cupsportion out sample paint. (Search on Amazon)
- Wooden paint stir sticks, 12 in. (25-pack)mix paint before and during use. (View on Amazon)
Hanging and labeling
Who it is for: people moving samples around a room.
Label each board with the color name and date, then hang it without damaging walls.
- ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape, 2 in. x 60 yd (2090-48NC)hangs samples and masks trim without lifting paint. (View on Amazon)
- Command 20 lb X-Large picture hanging strips (16 pairs)hang sample boards without nails. (View on Amazon)
- Loctite Fun-Tak mounting putty, 2 oza reusable way to stick samples to walls. (View on Amazon)
- Permanent markers, fine point, for labeling canslabel cans with color name, date and room. (Search on Amazon)
Judging the color
Who it is for: anyone comparing two or three close colors.
Check samples in morning, afternoon and evening, under the bulbs you will actually use.
- 18% neutral gray cards for white balancea neutral reference to hold next to a sample. (View on Amazon)
- A19 LED bulb, 2700K soft white, 90+ CRI, 810 lumensshow colors more faithfully than low-CRI bulbs. (View on Amazon)
- A19 LED bulbs, 2700K soft white, 60W equivalent (6-pack)test a color under warm evening light. (View on Amazon)
FAQ
- How big should a sample board be?
- Around 11 by 14 inches or larger is a common choice because you can see the color without the board edge dominating. Bigger boards make it easier to judge.
- Why not paint the wall directly?
- The existing wall color influences how you see the sample and the patchy squares can show through later. Boards avoid both problems.
- How many coats should I put on the sample?
- Two coats, with the paint fully dry between coats, give a more reliable color than one thin coat.
- Can I reuse sample boards?
- Yes. Flip them over or prime them white and reuse them for another color.
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