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SureSwatch Paint Swatches

Paint Swatches for Testing Paint Colors on Your Wall | SureSwatch®

Paint swatches let you compare paint colors using your actual paint before committing to a room.

How to Test Paint Colors Before Painting a Room

Paint swatches are used to test paint colors before painting a room, helping you see how colors look in your home’s natural and artificial lighting. Paint colors can look different throughout the day depending on lighting conditions. SureSwatch paint swatches let you test your actual paint color on your wall before making a final decision.

SureSwatch paint swatches are designed to be painted with the same paint samples (also called color samples) sold by major paint retailers, allowing you to test actual paint colors without painting directly on your walls.

Unlike painting directly on the wall, SureSwatch paint samples let you compare multiple paint colors side by side without extra priming, sanding, or repainting. Paint the sheet, place it on the wall, compare colors, and remove it when you’re finished.

Compare paint colors with paint swatches

How to Compare Paint Colors Using Paint Swatches

Choosing the right paint color is easier when you can compare colors in your own space. SureSwatch paint swatches let you test multiple paint colors with your actual paint before making a final decision.

Step 1: Paint Your SureSwatch Sheets

Apply your paint colors to separate SureSwatch paint swatches and allow them to dry completely. Because you are using your actual paint, you’ll see the true color, sheen, and finish.

Step 2: Place Them Around the Room

Position your painted SureSwatch sheets on different walls and surfaces throughout the room. View them in natural daylight, evening light, and artificial lighting to see how the colors change throughout the day.

Step 3: Compare Multiple Colors Side-by-Side

Move your paint swatches around the room and compare several colors at the same time. This makes it easier to eliminate colors and identify the best choice for your space.

Step 4: Choose with Confidence

Once you’ve selected your favorite color, remove the SureSwatch sheets and begin painting, knowing you’ve already tested the color in your home’s actual lighting conditions.

Why Homeowners Use SureSwatch

  • Uses your actual paint color
  • Compare multiple colors at once
  • View colors in different lighting
  • No painting sample squares directly on the wall
  • Used by homeowners, painters, and designers across North America

Suggested Supplies

  • SureSwatch® Paint Swatches
  • Paint Samples
  • Small Rollers
  • Small Trays
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Peel and Stick Paint Samples | SureSwatch

Step 1: Apply Paint Generously on Your SureSwatch Sample Sheet

With the Sure Swatch’s UNPRINTED side up, apply the paint generously in a corner-to-corner “X” pattern. Paint in a side-to-side motion and then in an up and down motion to completely cover the sheet.

As a final step, roll in one direction from top to bottom in a series of strokes covering the entire sheet. Let the first coat dry until it feels dry to the touch. Apply a second coat using the same method. Again, be sure to let it dry to the touch.

Drying time is approximately 20-60 minutes depending on the surrounding temperature and humidity.

Peel and Stick Paint Samples | SureSwatch

Step 2: Try the Color on Your Wall Using a Paint Swatch

While you might be tempted to make your color choice by looking down at what you have just painted, it’s important that you position your SureSwatch on your wall for viewing. Place the SureSwatch® on the wall.

After the painted SureSwatch® is dry, crack on the dotted line to remove your painted SureSwatch®.

Walk a few feet back from the wall and view.

You will quickly and easily know which is the right color for you. Do you need more time to decide? We like to live with our color for a few days to see it under different lighting conditions.

When painting with SureSwatch®, DO NOT use on wallpaper, unpainted drywall, recently painted or primed surfaces, or other easily peeled surfaces.

For additional information, we have put together a list of our most popular questions.

Step 3: Remove for a Clean Wall

Once you’ve made your choice, remove the SureSwatch and discard it. SureSwatch® paint swatches remove easily and cleanly, just be sure to remove them within 14 days of viewing.

More of a visual person? Click the button below for a step-by-step video on painting with SureSwatch®.

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Explore the Benefits of SureSwatch® Paint Swatches

Paint swatches have a lot of benefits over expensive trial-and-error painting. Not only are these swatches affordable, but they also allow you to try out a range of colors before you commit to the final paint.

  • Convenient – These paint sample sheets are easy to paint and easy to stick to the wall. Best of all, they’re easy to remove, unlike traditional paint samples. When you’re ready to try a different sample, simply peel it off – or try multiple colors side-by-side for color comparisons. There’s no limit to the kinds of fun you can have with SureSwatch paint sample sheets.
  • Affordable – These paint samples are a cost-effective way to test different colors with an accurate representation of what they will look like on your wall. When using a SureSwatch you will not need to buy primers or sandpaper to cover up those unsightly paint spots before starting your paint project.
  • Accurate – Traditional paint chips and many paint samples are printed and a representation of the paint color. When you use SureSwatch paint samples, you don’t have to worry about the paint being different from the sample because it’s the same paint, the same sheen, and the same brand that you picked. Competitors such as Samplize only offer specific colors, manufacturers, and sheens. With SureSwatch you can test your exact paint.
  • Easy – SureSwatch makes paint matching and sampling colors easy. They remove easily, and let you try colors on different walls and different rooms. And it is easy to compare and contrast the colors you like and don’t like. Just remove and you are ready to paint since no priming and sanding are required. These swatches can be used with any paint type, manufacturer, and color.
  • Clean – Stop worrying about drips, spills, or clean-up while you’re just testing a new color on the wall. These temporary paint swatches are designed to be painted on a dropcloth or a flat surface. The flat surface and short drying time allow you to keep your walls and floors clean and free from paint until you’re ready to make the change.

Give these paint samples a try and you may just say yes to a color you’ll fall in love with instantly. SureSwatch can help you try out any color paint from any brand, allowing you to compare brands, colors, and the quality of different paints all in one swatch. There has never been a more versatile paint sampler.

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Common Paint Color Testing Mistakes

Choosing a paint color can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners narrow their choices down to a few colors, only to discover the color looks completely different once it is on the wall. Here are some of the most common paint color testing mistakes and how to avoid them.

Testing Colors in Only One Spot

Paint colors can look dramatically different depending on where they are viewed. A color that looks perfect on one wall may appear darker, brighter, or cooler on another wall in the same room.

Viewing Colors in Only One Lighting Condition

Natural daylight, evening light, and artificial lighting all affect how paint colors appear. Always view your paint swatches throughout the day before making a final decision.

Comparing Colors One at a Time

When colors are viewed separately, it can be difficult to see subtle differences. Comparing multiple paint swatches side by side makes it easier to eliminate options and identify the best color for your space.

Painting Sample Squares Directly on the Wall

Painting directly on the wall often creates extra work, requiring additional coats, touch-ups, sanding, or repainting. Paint swatches allow you to test colors without creating permanent sample squares throughout the room.

Choosing a Color Too Quickly

A paint color you love immediately may feel very different after living with it for a few days. Taking time to view paint swatches in different locations and lighting conditions helps ensure you choose a color you’ll enjoy long after the painting project is complete.

SureSwatch paint swatches help homeowners avoid these common mistakes by allowing them to test their actual paint colors, compare multiple options side by side, and view colors throughout the room before committing to a final paint purchase.

Comparing Colors Side by Side

SureSwatch makes it easy to compare multiple paint colors at the same time, helping homeowners eliminate options faster and choose the best paint color with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions Around Paint Swatches

Can I Compare Multiple Paint Colors at Once?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of SureSwatch paint swatches is the ability to compare multiple paint colors side by side. Paint several SureSwatch sheets in your favorite colors and place them side by side on different walls throughout the room. This makes it easier to see subtle differences and choose the color that works best in your space.

Will SureSwatch Damage My Walls?

When used as directed, SureSwatch paint swatches remove cleanly from most properly painted surfaces. For best results, remove the swatches within 14 days and avoid using them on wallpaper, unpainted drywall, freshly painted surfaces, or other delicate wall coverings.

Can I Use Any Brand of Paint?

Yes. SureSwatch works with any paint brand, color, sheen, or finish. Because you are applying your actual paint to the swatch, you see the true color and finish exactly as it will appear when painted on your walls.

How Long Can SureSwatch Stay on the Wall?

SureSwatch paint swatches are designed to stay in place while you evaluate paint colors throughout different lighting conditions. For best results, we recommend removing the swatches within 14 days of application.

How Many Paint Colors Should I Test?

Most homeowners compare three to five paint colors before making a final decision. SureSwatch lets you paint and compare multiple colors side by side, so you can eliminate options and confidently select the best color for your room.

How Much Does Paint to Sample Cost?

SureSwatch swatches are affordable, ranging from $2.94 – $5.99 for a 3-pack. These swatches make it easy to try out different colors on a budget.

You will need to purchase a sample paint can from any hardware or paint store to paint the swatch. We also recommend purchasing small rollers and small trays for pouring and applying your paint to the swatch.

Overall, sample swatches will save you time and money and are more cost-effective than testing out new colors by applying them directly to the wall.

Where Can I Buy SureSwatch Paint Swatches?

SureSwatch is available at 1000’s of retail locations nationwide. Some of our retailers will offer SureSwatch through e-commerce on their websites.

Take a look at our store locator page and enter your zip code. We’ll help you find a store near you that sells SureSwatch paint samples!

Do SureSwatch Paint Swatches Show the True Paint Color?

Yes, with SureSwatch, paint samples are just as good as the paint because you are using the same quality and brand paint with your testing sample as you would be when you’re ready to commit to a color. There’s no guessing or surprises involved when your paint is the same brand, sheen, and color that you sampled.

With these paint samples, you can try out as many colors as you’d like, from any manufacturer. When you’re ready to commit to a color, simply peel the sample off the wall and start painting!

Give it a try today. Find a store near you that supplies SureSwatch samples and revitalize your home with a brand-new color.

Want to learn more about using SureSwatch Paint Swatches on your next project?

Reading along in SureSwatch founder Jamie’s diary as she tackles her own painting projects with SureSwatch. She walks through her projects from the initial idea all the way to tie the room together with accessories and accent colors.

Follow Jaime’s Diary