Colour selection is a critical step in any home improvement or decorating project. For UK consumers, many paint manufacturers and retailers offer free or low-cost sample programmes to help customers choose the right hue before committing to a full purchase. These programmes typically include free colour chips, peel-and-stick swatches, and small paint tins for testing. This article details the available options, eligibility requirements, and processes for obtaining these samples, based on information provided by official brand sources and verified promotional pages.
Understanding Paint Sample Options
Paint samples are generally offered in three primary forms: loose colour chips, peel-and-stick swatches, and small tins of liquid paint. Each serves a different purpose in the decision-making process. Colour chips are the most basic and are typically free of charge. They are small, thick paper cards displaying a single colour. Peel-and-stick samples are a more advanced option, allowing consumers to apply a vinyl swatch directly to their wall for a better visualisation. Liquid paint samples, often in 8-ounce or pint sizes, provide the most accurate representation of colour, texture, and finish, as they can be applied to the actual surface with multiple coats.
The availability of these samples varies significantly by brand. Some companies offer all three types, while others may only provide one. Furthermore, while many programmes are free, some require a purchase or a rebate process. Shipping costs and geographic limitations are also important factors to consider, as many programmes are tailored to specific regions, such as the UK or North America.
Free Colour Chips and Swatches
Free colour chips are the most accessible sample type, requiring no financial commitment. These are typically available directly from paint manufacturers' websites or in-store.
Sherwin-Williams offers free 2"x3" colour chips that can be ordered online. According to their official home page, customers can order up to 10 free chips, and shipping is free. They also offer "peel & stick" samples for a fee. The "Color to Go®" samples, which are larger paint samples, are available for purchase. The source material notes that "loose paint chips are available for free at Sherwin-Williams stores," but it does not specify if this is the case in UK locations. The brand's PaintPerks programme is mentioned as an exclusive scheme for project assistance, though specific details are not provided in the chunks.
Dunn-Edwards provides a robust free sample programme. According to their official site, customers can order up to 100 free colour cards from its "Perfect Palette" collection. The process involves selecting colours and completing an order form, after which the chips are mailed to the provided address. The site also states, "We reserve the right to limit orders." Dunn-Edwards also sells 8-ounce paint samples for purchase. For specific colour collections like "New Neutral" and "Front Door Color Collection," the source instructs customers to contact customer service directly.
PPG Paints offers large 8-inch by 8-inch colour cards for free by request online. This is a substantial free sample, providing a larger visual area than standard chips. The source also notes that PPG is part of the Samplize colour sample card programme, though the specifics of that programme are not detailed in the provided data.
Benjamin Moore does not offer free liquid paint samples. Instead, they provide 8-inch-long paint swatches for purchase at approximately £2 per swatch (the source uses dollars, but the principle applies). These can be found online or in-store. Benjamin Moore colours are also available through the Samplize platform.
Behr and Glidden, sold at Home Depot, do not offer free liquid paint samples. However, small colour swatches as loose cards are available for free. The source clarifies that "Free Behr and Glidden liquid paint samples are not available."
Valspar, found at Lowe's Home Improvement stores, offers free loose paint chips at their stores. Liquid paint samples in 8-ounce sizes are available for purchase. Like Sherwin-Williams, Valspar does not offer free paint fans (large booklets of colours).
Country Chic Paint, a boutique company, frequently runs free paint sample programmes. Consumers are advised to monitor the company's website or Facebook page to catch these promotions when they occur.
Ecos Paints sells small jars of paint samples (2 ounces) in three-packs. These samples are technically free if the customer purchases one or more gallons of paint, as the cost is rebated. Ecos Paints also provides free paint chips.
Purchased and Rebated Liquid Paint Samples
For a more accurate colour test, liquid paint samples are essential. While many brands sell these for a small fee, some have unique programmes.
Dunn-Edwards sells 8-ounce paint samples for purchase through its online store.
Benjamin Moore sells pint-sized liquid paint samples for purchase from its collection of over 3,000 colours.
Valspar sells 8-ounce samples for purchase in-store or online at Lowe's.
Dutch Boy offers a unique "Twist & Try" quart sample, which provides four times more paint than a traditional 8-ounce sample. These are available for purchase. The brand also sells 8-ounce samples of Platinum Plus and Forever Paint.
Ecos Paints provides a rebate-based system for its 2-ounce three-packs of paint samples, making them free upon the purchase of a full gallon of paint.
Kelly Moore Paints has a distinct programme: customers can order one free quart of sample paint online. However, the order is not fulfilled directly; instead, the customer receives a coupon to take to a participating Kelly Moore Paints store. This programme is noted to be available in "participating areas."
Dunn-Edwards and PPG also offer paint samples for purchase, as previously mentioned. Sherwin-Williams' "Color to Go" is described as the largest-sized paint sample available, producing around 75 square feet of coverage, and is available for purchase.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
When using paint samples, the method of application is crucial for an accurate assessment. A key piece of advice from the source material is to avoid applying paint samples to bare cardboard, as it is too absorbent and will not show the true colour. Instead, consumers should use solid paint swatches made on thick paper or apply the liquid paint to a proper surface.
The source also notes that for some brands, such as Dunn-Edwards, the availability of specific colour collections (like "New Neutral") may require contacting customer service directly rather than using the standard online ordering system.
It is important to note that the provided source material does not contain specific information regarding eligibility rules, geographic restrictions for UK consumers, or detailed shipping policies for the UK market. The information is primarily based on brand websites that may be tailored to North American customers. Therefore, UK consumers should verify directly with the brands or their UK distributors for local programme availability.
Conclusion
A variety of free and low-cost paint sample options are available from major manufacturers, enabling informed colour selection for home projects. Free colour chips are widely offered by brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards, and PPG, often with free shipping. For a more accurate test, liquid paint samples are available for purchase from brands like Benjamin Moore, Valspar, and Dutch Boy, with some programmes offering free samples through rebates or in-store coupons. The most accurate visualisation is achieved by applying samples to the intended surface using proper techniques, as advised by industry guidelines. Consumers are encouraged to review each brand's official programme details for the most current and region-specific information.