Can you get paint samples for free?

Getting free paint samples is often possible from most major paint brands. Paint samples allow you to test colors on your walls before committing to a full gallon. With just a few simple steps, you can usually get free paint samples delivered right to your door.

Can you get free paint samples from Home Depot?

Yes, Home Depot offers free paint samples. You can order up to 10 free samples from their website. The samples come in 2 fluid ounce containers, which is enough to paint a small section of wall. To get the free paint samples:

  1. Go to www.homedepot.com
  2. Search for the type of paint you want samples of (interior, exterior, etc)
  3. Select the specific paint colors you want to sample
  4. Add the samples to your cart
  5. At checkout, the samples should show as free
  6. Enter your shipping address and check out

The samples will ship for free to your door in around 1 week. One tip is to group similar color families together in each sample order. Home Depot limits you to 10 free samples per order. So if you need more than 10, space out your orders by a week or two.

What size are Home Depot’s free paint samples?

Home Depot’s free paint samples come in 2 fluid ounce containers. This amounts to about 1/4 cup of paint. It’s enough to paint a small 3 inch by 5 inch section of wall. The small size allows you to test multiple colors without wasting too much paint.

Does Lowe’s provide free paint samples?

Yes, Lowe’s also offers free paint samples like Home Depot. You can order up to 10 free samples at a time on their website. Samples come in 2 fluid ounce containers for easy testing. To get samples from Lowe’s:

  1. Go to www.lowes.com
  2. Search and select the paint colors you want
  3. Add the samples to your cart
  4. At checkout, the samples should show as free
  5. Enter shipping info and check out

The paint samples will ship to your address within about 1 week. Make multiple orders if you need more than 10 samples total.

What brand of paint does Lowe’s offer samples for?

Lowe’s provides free samples for most major paint brands they carry. This includes:

  • Behr
  • Glidden
  • Valspar
  • Olympic
  • Dutch Boy
  • Kilz

So you can get free paint samples from Lowe’s for any room – whether interior, exterior, or specialty paint. Just search for the specific paint line and colors when ordering.

Does Sherwin-Williams provide free paint samples?

Yes, Sherwin-Williams is another major paint retailer that offers free paint samples. You can request up to 10 free samples on their website. The samples come in 2 fluid ounce containers. To get samples from Sherwin-Williams:

  1. Go to www.sherwin-williams.com
  2. Browse interior or exterior paint colors
  3. Select up to 10 colors you want to sample
  4. Add to cart and checkout
  5. Samples ship free within 1 week

Sherwin-Williams manufactures their own quality paint. So the samples will be their brand of paints. You can also get samples of specialty finishes like wood stains, enamels, etc.

Does Benjamin Moore offer free paint samples?

Benjamin Moore is another major paint retailer that provides free samples. You can request up to 8 free samples through Benjamin Moore’s website or in-store. The samples are small 2 fluid ounce containers. To get the free samples:

  1. Visit www.benjaminmoore.com
  2. Browse paint colors and select up to 8
  3. Add to cart – they should show as free
  4. Check out with shipping info
  5. Or visit a store and make free sample selections

The Benjamin Moore samples ship for free, usually within 3-5 business days. Benjamin Moore manufactures their own brand of premium paints. So the samples will be their own high quality paint.

What paint brands offer free samples?

Nearly every major paint brand and retailer offers free paint sample options. Some popular brands where you can get free samples include:

Paint Brand Free Sample Options
Behr Up to 10 free samples from Home Depot
Benjamin Moore Up to 8 free samples direct or in stores
Valspar Free samples at Lowe’s
Sherwin-Williams Up to 10 free samples
Dutch Boy Free samples at Menards
Pratt & Lambert Free samples from their website
PPG Paints Up to 8 free samples

Nearly any major paint brand or home improvement store will have an option for free paint samples. Just check their websites or visit a local store.

Should you get paint samples to test colors?

Getting free paint samples is highly recommended whenever choosing new paint colors. Paint can look very different once on the walls versus just on a color chip. Paint samples allow you to confirm you like the color before committing to a full gallon. It can save you from getting stuck with paint you don’t like.

Test panels are also recommended. This involves painting a larger section of the wall, like a full wall or large piece of cardboard. Test panels give you an even better idea of what the finished look will be.

Samples and test panels take a bit more time up front. But they can prevent you from having to repaint if you don’t like the color after doing the whole room.

How many paint samples should you get?

Most experts recommend getting at least 2-3 samples for each room you are painting. Samples from different brands can vary quite a bit. So get multiple options within the same color family. Some tips for getting paint samples:

  • Order 3-5 similar shades (different brands)
  • Do neutral colors for whole rooms
  • Accent walls can be bolder colors
  • Get samples for trim/ceiling paint also
  • Mix and match samples on test boards

Aim to paint large test patches, not just small swatches. This gives you a better idea of what a whole wall will look like.

How to use paint samples to choose colors?

Here are some tips for using free paint samples to select your colors:

  1. Prime the test area – Paint true colors over primed walls or test boards.
  2. Paint large patches – Small swatches are hard to visualize. Paint bigger 2ft x 2ft sections.
  3. View in all light – Look at different times of day as light changes.
  4. Compare to decor – Hold samples by furnishings, floors to see pairing.
  5. Use adhesive – Stick samples on walls with poster tack before painting.
  6. Test combinations – See how trim/accent colors look together.
  7. Check coverage – Make sure the color covers well as intended.

Using these tips will give you a much better idea of how the paint will ultimately look in the full space.

What are the best places to get free paint samples?

Here are some of the top, most reliable places to get free paint samples:

  • Home Depot – Up to 10 free samples online
  • Lowe’s – Up to 10 free samples online
  • Sherwin-Williams – Up to 10 samples online or in store
  • Benjamin Moore – Up to 8 free samples online/in store
  • PPG – Up to 8 free samples direct from their website
  • Behr – Samples from Home Depot
  • Valspar – Samples from Lowe’s

Nearly any major national paint retailer will offer free samples. Check company websites to order online or visit a local store.

Should you get paint samples by mail or in store?

Paint samples can be acquired either by mail or by visiting a store in person. There are pros and cons to each approach:

  • By mail – convenient, delivered to your door, easy to order many colors
  • In store – get samples immediately, can see/test colors in person

If you know the specific color names or numbers you want, ordering samples online is quick and easy. However, if you want guidance selecting colors, visiting the store may be better.

You can also do a mix – order some basics online, then get more in store later if needed.

Mail order paint sample pros

  • Delivered right to your door
  • Can order many colors easily
  • Available from any location
  • Don’t have to travel to store

In store paint sample pros

  • Get samples immediately
  • Can see/test colors in person
  • Guidance from paint experts
  • Easily compare many colors

Conclusion

Getting free paint samples is an important step in selecting the perfect paint colors. Nearly every major paint brand and retailer offers free samples right on their websites or in store. Samples allow you to visualize colors on your walls before committing to a full gallon. Be sure to test samples in different lighting at different times of day. Getting multiple samples of similar colors from different brands helps ensure you find just the right shade. Use large test patches, not just small swatches, to really see how colors look.