BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

I've heard they don't all look the same as the sample cards and some of the colors we're interested in don't have sample jars available to test. Yikes!

My head is spinning from all the choices!


TIA!

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

The cards are pretty on point to what the paint color actually looks like. We didn't sample any colors and are happy with all of our choices.

What helps is to do a search on google for the paint color you like, you can most of the time find pictures people have posted of their rooms.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

I thought the sample card was a little bit darker than they way it came out

BM Lenox Tan

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

All the samples I have tried have almost been exact.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

My colors have always been on point, but I always use a tinted primer.

I wouldn't use a computer screen as a basis though. Too many variables come into play and the color on your monitor will most likely differ from the actual paint and/or chip.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Ours were almost exact.

eta: but the sample cards and paint looked different than it did online. get the cards!

Message edited 9/6/2008 3:21:33 PM.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

The paint will look different in various lighting too. Try to view it in natural lighting and the lighting in the room. Ask about getting a large swatch. I recall one time when I shared workspace with someone they were able to have the store order large 5 x 7 paint swatches to put on the walls so we could pick the color. Our contractor that is doing our bathrooms and dormers swears by BM paints - that's the one he's recommending.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

We got fooled by a color, it turned out to look neon purple and was so not like that on the card. We redid it after we noticed how much we hated it

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Our painter will only use BM paints.

I have 6 colors now and when the basement is completed it will be 9. Every one has been almost exact.
I do choose neutral earth tones (Tans, Greens, Blues) I haven't used a red or yellow which tend to be hard colors to pick.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

We've used BM for the last three years in our apartments and they've always been on point.

I had a huge argument with DH about one color - BM Fresh Air. I said it was too light and he said it was going to be darker than it is on the chip. (Even the guy at the store said it wouldn't be any darker on the wall.) I caved to DH and we painted the room with the color. I was right, it was too light, just like on the chip. I have executive decision when it comes to paint colors now.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Ours were not too close. One of the PPs mentioned lighting and that's crucial. We had our painter bring in big poster-size swatches of colors we liked based on the sample cards. Lighting makes all the difference when choosing colors.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

they were pretty right on, but as others posted it all depends on the lighting.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

I think the biggest variable is the lighting in your room. If you like a BM color, see if they sell it in the color sample size & paint an area of your room. Then you'll see how the lighting affects it. My master bedroom is BM wilmington tan & it goes from looking tan to gold to almost green depending on the time of day.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

We have used beige, blue, greens & yellow so far by BM and the only color that didn't look like the swatch was the yellow. The yellow was way to bright, but we are leaving it for now, it's the office for now.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

Posted by CaMacho

Posted by freckles

And congrats on your place it looks beautiful!

Thanks!

Be sure to post lots of pics.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

And thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the advice!

I may ask them for larger swatches!

I'll keep you all posted on how it goes! (fingers crossed)

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

I went at lunch time to Roosevelt Field mall and I went by the BM kiosk. what great color selection. The larger sample sheets must be 18x18 or 20x20. And they are only $3.99 each for either the paint sample or the paint swatch. I'm going back there when I'm ready to my Den. I think they have a lot more sample paint colors then you usually find in the store.

Re: BM paint: How close are the samples cards to the actual paint?

There is so much that goes into it, but usually its right on.

the lighting is the biggest factor. but it also depends on the finish to(glossy, flat etc) its not going to match the sample perfectly if it doesn't have the same finish as the sample. usually they are a semi gloss.

I find lighter colors always look a tad lighter then the sample, but the darker colors always look a tad bit darker. but if you hold the sample to the wall, it always matches (if you have the same finish)

Also be aware of what you are painting over. if you are painting over a gloss, it sometimes takes a few coats of paint before the gloss is gone, even thought it looks like you only needed one coat.