Select likely colors, the correct product, and the finish or sheen required for the surface.
Start with the actual color and finish
A sample is the first step in choosing paint—not a smaller version of the final order. Use it to compare colors, understand the finish, evaluate the project’s materials and lighting, and make changes before paint is produced in project quantities.
A simple decision process
Begin with enough options to make a useful comparison. Then narrow, test, refine, and approve before purchasing the paint required for the project.
Use Chips for initial comparison, Brushouts for color decisions, and Test Pots when application matters.
Compare the samples with the project’s light, flooring, wood, stone, textiles, and surrounding colors.
Change the color, request a custom match, order a larger sample, or schedule a consultation.
Confirm the exact color, product, sheen, quantity, and project information before purchasing paint.
Use the original color, order, client, or project information when additional paint is needed.
Different samples for different uses
A larger or liquid sample is not always necessary. Choose the smallest format that accurately represents the decision you need to make.
Chip
A compact hand-painted sample for comparing several standard colors, building an initial palette, or narrowing a larger group of possibilities.
Brushout
A larger hand-painted sample that shows color and finish across enough area to evaluate it more reliably in the project’s lighting and alongside other materials.
Test Pot
Liquid paint for testing the actual product on the intended substrate. A Test Pot lets you evaluate application, texture, coverage, and the effect of the surrounding surface.
Fandeck
A portable set of 512 hand-painted colors for people who specify paint repeatedly and need to compare the complete palette across multiple projects.
Start with the product you intend to use
Sample the actual paint or specialty finish whenever possible. Changing the product, sheen, or finish system can change the way the same color appears.
Sample available
Patina Finish Kits
Evaluate the complete reactive metal-and-patina system on a representative surface before the full project.
Sample available
Patina Metal Paint (Base Only)
Patina Paint is specially designed to oxidize and age gracefully, influenced by environmental conditions. This process creates rich, nuanced surfaces th...
Sample available
Jax Patina
Jax Patina Agents are made to produce genuine, aged finishes on various metals to creating stunning, oxidized effects that bring timeless character to a...
Sample available
Patina Sealer
Patina Sealer is specially formulated to encapsulate and halt the bloom of naturally aged metal finishes and preserve their unique beauty. This acrylic ...
Evaluate color where it will be used
A sample should be judged against the actual materials and lighting of the project—not by itself on a desk or under a single light source.
Review wall colors vertically, ceiling colors overhead, and casework samples beside the actual materials.
Revisit the sample during the day and under the artificial lighting that will be used in the finished space.
Place options together and compare them with flooring, wood, stone, tile, textiles, and existing paint.
For liquid samples, use the intended substrate, preparation, primer, tools, and application process.
Judge the final dried surface rather than the wet paint, especially with deeper colors and specialty finishes.
Refine the color or ask for help
The sample may confirm the selection, reveal that another standard color is better, or show that the project requires a custom color or more involved consultation.
Match an existing material
We can replicate colors based on existin paint, fabric, wallcovering, tile, wood, and other physical references. Approved custom colors are retained for re-ordering at any time and can be shipped anywhere.
Standard development fee: $25 per colorGet focused guidance from anywhere
Review color, sheen, product selection, finish systems, and material relationships with a Paint Laboratory colorist by video. Our colorists have decades of experience working with homeowners and trade.
$200 per hourOn-Site Color Consultation
Review daylight, artificial light, fixed materials, adjacent rooms, substrates, and practical project requirements on site. Please contact us for additional information and availability.
$240 per hour · Seattle and surrounding area
Carry the approved decision into the order
Before purchasing project quantities, verify every part of the selection, not only the color name. The paint product and sheen determine where and how the finish should be used.
Record the collection, color name, value, or custom project reference associated with the approved sample.
Interior, Exterior, Super, Metallic, Lime, Suede, and other finishes are separate product systems.
Consider surface area, number of coats, substrate, application method, waste, and material reserved for later touch-ups.
Label it with the room or surface so the project team has a physical reference during application.
Make the next order easier
Keep the original order number, color name, product, sheen, and project information. For custom colors, we retain the approved formula and a physical painted standard so later production can be checked against the original result.
Before you order
Call us at (206) 557-4737 when the project, substrate, or finish makes the correct sample format unclear.