I use sample boards until I get very close to the color I want, and then do a wall swatch. Each layer of test paint 'fills' the texture in the wall a little, so even if you have dealt with the primer and color correctly, you can sometimes still see changed texture on the wall where you put your test colors. This will be more noticeable on walls that you see from the side. A facing wall is more forgiving. Many have mentioned that the test colors are not the same as the paint, but I go ahead and get my final tests in the actual paint, not the sample stuff or tinted primer. It is more expensive that the test stuff, but way cheaper than repainting the whole place! Another point is that the color will read differently depending on the size of the paint job. A small painted area, like trim, may not be large enough to see the color properly, as I found out when I painted my exterior narrow trim the exact same color as the front door, only to have the trim look black instead of blue. If you have a large painted area (walls and ceilings), it takes less 'color' to look colorful, if you get my meaning. And finally, when you find a color that interests you, ask to see the formula. A color may look grey, but have a lot of red or green in it that does not show in certain lights. I bought a house once with a lovely grey interior and a large amount of expensive tile on the floors, only to discover on our first night in the house that it all turned pink. Pink, pink, pink!!! I hate pink! Who goes house shopping at night? Right? Lesson learned. :)
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