Ring a bell? Oh yeah it does. This is quite a topic. Have been several threads about it.

What are looking for specifically?

Thanks for that info, Sammy. Double-checked F&B's site and don't see the mention I saw this week. (I think it was a gif of paint streaming from a can.) Good to know you're loving F&B though (and that their samples are real paint). I had bought their colour chips years ago and could never commit to any of their colours. I know they're highly regarded.

Has a paint manufacturer recently announce that their samples are now real paint, Lori? That's how it read on the website. If memory serves, it read "Real paint samples" above paint streaming from a can. I clicked away after just that glance. Annoying.

Btw, Sammy, I initially clicked on your name from my notifications and saw your ideabooks. An entrance picture immediately caught my eye. From Meredith Heron! A favourite designer. Didn't realize she had a presence on Houzz. I saved the pic to my ideabooks and I'm off to check out her portfolio here. So, thanks for that! :)

Here's an old thread. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/bm-color-samples-are-not-the-same-as-paint-lack-binding-agent-dsvw-vd~2660213

As I recall BM stopped selling premixed paint pots a few years back, now you have to buy it in pints (not sure if this is real paint but I expect it would be.

Has a paint manufacturer recently announce that their samples are now real paint, Lori?

I haven't seen anything.

SW - it stills says on the Color to Go Jug that it should be top coated because it's for previewing color only.

BenM - still unclear one way or the other. Altho BenM customer service will tell you their samples are their BEN grade of paint.

Thanks for that link, sloyder. Confusing info, for sure.

On the BenM colour sample I bought today (less than half a litre for $11 Cdn with taxes), it says "colour samples contain premium quality, interior paint and are intended for colour representation only".

The person at the counter asked me what it was for and when I said it was for touch ups, she told me that's not what it was for. I told her I didn't understand why not as their website said it was real paint. Checking the BenM website later, I realize my faulty memory. (If I come across that website mention again, I'll make a proper note of it and update this thread.) In any case, I'm not buying a $25 quart of paint for quarter-sized touch-ups that will be hidden by drapes.