There’s no doubt you’ve heard the sage advice of interior designers advising “color testing”. It’s a very prudent thing to do, especially if you’re a first time user, (living with color becomes very addictive!). Testing paint color eliminates would-be mistakes, allows for a “preview” in your space, and assists in making a final decision between a few colors you seem to like equally.

At J Steinberg Design we’ve developed this guideline to testing colors, interior designer style:

1. Narrow it down to three to five colors you like the best. You can go with more, but it will make the final decision harder. Really try to narrow it down.
2. Purchase a quart (usually the smallest amount you can buy) of each color.  (a pint-sized sample can is available in any color from www.myperfectcolor.com)
3. Be sure that the wall to be painted is primed and ready to go. Priming after color testing could yield different final results.
4. Paint two 2’ x 2’ squares of each color on the wall. One in a place receiving the most direct sunlight, and one in a place where there is little to no sunlight. If you have three colors you are testing, there should be a total of six squares.
5. Be sure to note the location of each different color on the wall. Leave a good 6”-12” between colors. They should not be right next to each other.
6. Wait for the paint to dry before making any meaningful observations.
7. The next day, do three daytime checks- morning, noon and afternoon. Into the evening, make two observations: one when you start to need artificial light at sunset, and another when it is completely dark outside and the only light is artificial. Turn on the lights you normally use, such as floor lamps, table lamps and reading lights. Turn on the lighting you put on for occasions, too (any wall washers, spotlights, picture lights, chandeliers, sconces, etc.). Fully dim the lights a few times in order to slowly see how the color reacts. Create every situation you can with your artificial lighting.
8. During these observations, look for the color’s reaction to light- if it stays true or turns any surprising (or pleasing!) shades. Notice how it looks with your furniture, carpeting and other finishes. Stand in other areas of your house and look into the room- notice how the color relates to adjacent rooms.
9. Give yourself a couple days for observation (you really don’t need any longer than two). Don’t stress out or wait too long to make a decision- time can paralyze, especially if you are nervous about painting.
10. During these observations, one color will naturally look and feel the best…that’s the one! Now you can paint with confidence. You’re new color will look great. No surprises, just great new color!

This article was written by Janelle Steinberg, an interior designer and guest blogger of MyPerfectColor.com. Since there are often many different styles and methods of doing things, the views expressed in this article may or may not correspond to the official recommendations of the MyPerfectColor.com staff. MyPerfectColor feels it is important to present its readers with differing viewpoints so readers can get the best advice for their particular needs.