Paint samples are an essential tool for homeowners and renters seeking to choose the right colour for their walls without committing to a full purchase. While many retailers charge for tester pots or sample cards, numerous paint brands and stores offer free paint chips, swatches, and sometimes even larger sample boards to help consumers make informed decisions. This article outlines the brands, retailers, and methods through which free paint samples can be obtained, based on information from official brand and retailer programmes and verified consumer advice.
Types of Free Paint Samples Available
Free paint samples generally come in two primary forms: physical paint chips or swatches and, in some cases, larger colour cards or sample boards. It is important to note that while paint chips are often free, liquid paint tester pots are typically available for purchase, though some programmes offer them free under specific conditions.
- Paint Chips and Swatches: These are small, rigid cards that display a single paint colour. They are widely available for free from paint brands and retailers. They provide a basic visual reference but may not perfectly represent the final colour on a wall due to factors like lighting and texture.
- Colour Cards and Sample Boards: Some manufacturers provide larger, more substantial samples, such as 8-inch by 8-inch colour cards or sample boards, which offer a better visualisation of the colour in a larger context. These are sometimes available for free by request.
Brands and Retailers Offering Free Samples
Several major paint brands and home improvement retailers in the UK and internationally provide free paint samples. The availability and specific programme details can vary by location and retailer policy.
Major Paint Brand Programmes
- Benjamin Moore: This brand offers free paint swatches and colour cards. Their "Colors-To-Go" programme provides free colour samples through local stores. They also offer eight-inch-long paint swatches for purchase, but free swatches are available at store locations. For larger visualisation, Benjamin Moore provides free sample boards.
- Sherwin-Williams: Sherwin-Williams provides free paint swatches and colour cards at their standalone stores. Loose paint chips are available for free upon request. They do not offer paint fans (large colour books) for free. Their "Color To Go" programme offers a larger-sized paint sample for purchase, which covers a significant area (around 75 square feet).
- Behr: Behr paint is sold at retailers like Home Depot. Free Behr swatch samples (small colour swatches as loose cards) are available. However, free liquid paint samples (tester pots) are not available; these must be purchased in 8-ounce sizes.
- Valspar: Valspar paint is found at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Free loose paint chips are available at Lowe’s. Valspar does not offer paint fans for free. 8-ounce paint samples are available for purchase.
- PPG Paints: PPG Paints provides large 8-inch by 8-inch colour cards for free by request online. They are also part of the Samplize colour sample card programme.
- Pratt & Lambert: Samples of paints and stains can be free with a coupon obtained from their website.
- Kelly Moore Paints: This brand provides one free quart of sample paint if an order is placed online. The order is not fulfilled directly; instead, the customer receives a coupon to take to a participating Kelly Moore Paints store.
- Dunn Edwards: Dunn Edwards will provide up to 100 free colour cards from its selection of thousands of Perfect Palette colours.
- Ecos Paints: Ecos Paints sells small jars of paint samples (2 ounces) in three-packs. These samples are free (rebated) if a customer purchases one or more gallons of paint. Paint chips are available for free.
- Dutch Boy: Dutch Boy's paint sample programme offers Twist & Try quart samples, which provide four times more paint than traditional 8-ounce samples. All samples are available for purchase.
- Country Chic Paint: This boutique paint company frequently runs free paint sample programmes. Customers are advised to monitor the company's website or Facebook page for promotions.
Retailer and Store Policies
- Home Improvement Chains: Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often provide free paint chips. For example, Home Depot offers free Behr and Glidden paint swatches as loose cards, though liquid paint samples are sold in 8-ounce sizes. Lowe’s provides free Valspar paint chips and samples.
- Independent Paint Stores: Local independent retailers, including Ace Hardware, True Value, Standard Paints, and Diamond Vogel, may provide free samples as a courtesy to help customers test colours before a purchase. Policies can vary by location, so it is recommended to call ahead and inquire.
- Hardware Stores with Paint Departments: Many local hardware stores with paint departments may offer free swatch samples. It is advisable to ask a store associate.
Methods for Obtaining Free Paint Samples
There are several ways to request or acquire free paint samples, both in-person and online.
In-Person Collection
The most straightforward method is to visit paint brand stores or home improvement retailers. Simply walk into a store and politely request a few free samples of colours you are considering. It is often helpful to speak directly with a customer service associate or a paint department employee. For independent stores, calling ahead to confirm if free swatches are offered can save time.
Online Requests and Promotions
Some manufacturers offer free samples directly through their websites, typically requiring the completion of a simple request form. - Brand Websites: Companies like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore may offer free samples or sample boards through online requests. It is recommended to visit their websites regularly, as they may run promotions or introduce new colours with free sampling options. - Social Media: Paint companies often host giveaways or promotional events on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Following brands like Behr and Valspar and engaging with their posts can provide opportunities to win samples or gift cards. Local community groups on social media may also share information about paint sampling events.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
When seeking free paint samples, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you get the most useful samples and use them effectively.
- Geographic and Store Variability: Policies for free samples can vary significantly between different store locations, even for the same brand or chain. It is always prudent to call a specific store to confirm their current policy.
- Sample Types: Understand that free samples are often limited to paint chips or swatches. Liquid paint tester pots are frequently a paid item, though some brands offer them free with a purchase or through specific programmes.
- Using Samples Effectively: To make the best use of paint samples, apply them correctly. Do not apply paint samples to bare cardboard, as it is too absorbent and will not accurately show the colour. Instead, apply samples directly to the wall or a primed surface. Use large swatches—at least a 2x2 foot patch—to better understand how the colour looks in context with your décor and lighting.
- Testing in Context: Paint colours can change dramatically based on natural and artificial light. It is recommended to test samples at various times of the day to see how the colour interacts with your room’s lighting. Pay attention to the undertones of the paint, as these can affect the overall appearance in different environments.
Conclusion
Free paint sample cards and swatches are readily available from a variety of paint brands and retailers, offering a cost-effective way to test colours before committing to a purchase. Major brands such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Valspar, along with home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, provide free paint chips at their locations. Some brands also offer larger sample boards or cards through online requests or promotions. For the best results, consumers should verify policies with specific local stores, understand the difference between free swatches and purchased tester pots, and use samples effectively by applying them to walls and testing them under various lighting conditions.