How do I know what paint color to use?

Get paint samples and test them on the wall where you'll paint. Look at them in different lighting. Narrow to 2-3 favorites. Paint a 2-foot square and live with it for a few days. Then commit.

What do paint color names mean?

Paint brands use proprietary names like 'Alabaster SW 7008' or 'Benjamin Moore Super White.' The brand matters (Sherwin-Williams vs Benjamin Moore have different undertones even for similar names) and the number is the color code.

How do I save my paint color?

Write down the full paint name, brand, color number, finish (matte/satin/semi-gloss), and keep a sample. Take a photo of the can or the color chip. Store this info in one place so when you need to touch up or repaint, you have it forever.

What if I need to match a color later?

If you saved the paint name and brand, bring that to the store. If you didn't save it, take a paint chip or photo of the wall to the paint store and they can scan or match it digitally.

What Paint Color Is This? How to Find and Save Your Paint Colors

You painted the room. Months later you want to touch it up and you've lost the paint chip. How to find your paint color and save it so you always have it.

Why choosing paint color is harder than it should be

Paint chips look different in the store than they do on your wall. Lighting matters. Undertones matter. What looks like a calm beige in the store can look yellow in your bedroom and pink in your kitchen.

That's why the right process is: sample first, commit second.

How to choose a paint color that you'll actually like

Step 1: Get samples

Don't commit to a paint color based on a chip. Most paint stores will sell you a small sample or even give you one free. Get 2-4 samples of colors you're considering.

Step 2: Paint samples on your wall

Paint a 2-foot x 2-foot square of each color in the actual room where you'll be painting. Paint on white primer or over existing paint. Let it dry completely.

Step 3: Look at different times of day

Morning light is different from afternoon light is different from evening light. Some colors look warm in morning sun and cold under evening lights. Live with the samples for a few days. Walk by them at different times.

Step 4: Ask someone you trust

Show your spouse, a friend, or a family member. Get a second opinion. You'll notice things you missed on your own.

Step 5: Pick one and commit

Choose the color you keep coming back to. That's usually the right one. Paint the room.

Understanding paint color names

Paint brands use their own naming systems. "Alabaster" by Sherwin-Williams is not the same as "Alabaster" by Benjamin Moore. The brand matters.

Paint color format is usually: Brand Name Color Name + Color Number

Examples:

Benjamin Moore Super White 2128-70 — Famous white that doesn't look yellow
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 — Warm white with slight cream undertone
Farrow & Ball Railings No. 31 — Deep charcoal
Behr Premium Plus Ultra A-White N310-1 — Bright white

The number is critical. Without it, you can't replicate the color. With it, any paint store can match it exactly.

What paint finish should you choose?

Beyond color, you need to choose a finish (sheen):

Flat/Matte: No shine. Hides imperfections. Hard to clean. Best for low-traffic areas (bedrooms, living rooms)
Eggshell: Slight sheen. Easier to clean than matte. Balanced appearance. Most common for walls
Satin: More sheen. Very cleanable. Shows imperfections more. Good for kitchens, bathrooms
Semi-gloss: Shiny. Very washable. Can look plastic. Best for trim, doors, bathrooms

For most interior walls, eggshell is the safe choice.

save your paint color forever

Once you choose your color, save it in [ kept ]. Brand name, color number, finish, which room, and the painter's info if someone painted it. Next time you need to touch up or repaint, you have it in seconds.

save your paint colors

What to save about your paint color

Brand: Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Farrow & Ball, etc.
Color name: "Alabaster" or "Super White"
Color number/code: "SW 7008" or "2128-70" (this is crucial)
Finish/sheen: Matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss
Which room: Master bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
When painted: Date painted, or when you'll need to touch up next
Painter info: If someone else painted it, save their contact info
Photo or sample: A photo of the painted wall or a sample of the paint can for visual reference

What if you don't remember your paint color?

If you painted years ago and don't have the info:

Take a photo: Take a clear photo of the painted wall in natural light
Go to the paint store: Show them the photo. Most stores can scan or digitally match colors
Get a sample: They'll give you a sample to test. Make sure it matches before buying the full gallon
Save the info this time: Once you have the color matched, write down the brand, name, and number

Paint color mistakes to avoid

Choosing based on tiny paint chip: The chip is too small. You can't see how the color will feel on a whole wall. Always sample first.
Forgetting undertones: "White" paint can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. They look dramatically different on your walls. Test in your specific room.
Ignoring lighting: North-facing rooms are cooler. South-facing rooms are warmer. East-facing get morning sun. Choose paint samples with your room's light in mind.
Not saving the color info: You'll need it again. Save it now while you remember it. Not saving is the most common mistake.
Going too bold: If it's your first time with a strong color, test it first. Some people love jewel tones. Some people get sick of them.

keep your paint colors organized

All your paint colors in one place, searchable, shareable. [ kept ] stores them with photos, brand, color code, and room info. When you need to touch up or repaint, you have everything instantly.

organize your paint colors

FAQ

Can different paint brands have the same color?

No. Every brand mixes their paints differently. Benjamin Moore "Alabaster" is not the same as Sherwin-Williams "Alabaster." If you need to match a color exactly, you need the original brand and color number.

How long can I keep paint samples?

Indefinitely, if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Don't let them freeze or get exposed to extreme heat. A paint can lasts much longer than a chip.

Can the paint store mix colors for me?

Yes. Bring them the color number and they can mix it. But it's cheaper and faster if you buy a can of the color premixed.

What if my painted wall looks different than the sample?

Lighting changes the way colors look. Wait a few days before deciding you hate it. If you still hate it after a week, you have options: paint over it, or accept it and save the color so you don't repeat the mistake.