If you‘re embarking on a paint project, one of your first steps should be getting color samples to test. And with a convenient Home Depot location nearby, you may be wondering—can I get free paint samples there?
The answer is yes—Home Depot does offer free paint sampling options. But the selection is limited compared to affordable samples you can purchase.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting paint samples from Home Depot. As a DIY decor blogger with over 10 years of experience, I‘ve picked up plenty of paint sampling tips to share!
An Overview of Home Depot‘s Paint Sample Options
Here‘s a quick look at what‘s available:
Free:
- In-store paint swatches
- Project Color app
Paid:
- 8 oz sample pots – $3 to $5
- Peel & stick swatches – Around $2 each
The in-store swatches and Project Color app allow you to visualize colors at no cost. But for true testing, the affordable sample pots and peel & stick swatches are highly recommended.
But don‘t let the fees deter you—the small investment saves you from accidentally buying gallons of the wrong color. Keep reading to learn why sampling can pay off in the long run.
The Case for Sampling First
Painting experts overwhelmingly recommend testing colors before fully committing. As Martha Stewart Living advises:
"Sampling paint colors directly on your walls before fully committing to a color is the best way to ensure you ultimately choose the right hue.”
But why is sampling so crucial for picking that perfect paint?
You Avoid Surprises
Testing paint reveals how the color truly interacts with your lighting and furnishings. A swatch may look great under store lighting, but look completely different on your wall. Sampling gives you a real preview.
You Save Money
Buying sample sizes rather than full gallons prevents you from wasting money on unused paint. Only 27% of Home Depot survey respondents returned to buy more after sampling in-store [1]. So for most, testing prevents mishaps.
You See How It Fits
You can paint large sample patches to see how the color fits your space. A 3×3 area or full wall will give you a feel for the tone in a room. A small swatch can’t provide the same spatial visualization.
You Get Your Perfect Match
With ample testing, you can fine-tune the color to your exact taste. Mixing samples with other hues or sheens dial in your dream color. Experiment away without worry!
So while free swatches have a place, hands-on sampling gives you confidence in your color choice. Let‘s look at Home Depot‘s paid sample options…
Sample Pots: Test Colors Hands-On
To truly test colors, you need to paint a sample patch. And at Home Depot, the best way to do this is with an 8 oz sample pot.
Rather than limiting yourself to free swatches, spring for a $3 to $5 sample pot so you can liberally paint on your walls.
The Benefits of Sample Pots
Sample pots allow you to mimic the real painting process on your actual walls.
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Test exact paint formula and sheen
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See color in your lighting
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Paint large sample patches
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View color next to decor
This gives you the most accurate color visualization possible before full commitment.
And according to the experts, the small investment is well worth it:
“Get a quart-sized sample of the colors you’re considering for about $5 and paint poster boards or pieces of foam core” – Architectural Digest [2]
“Invest in a sample pot of each, paint tester patches and watch the colour change throughout the day.” – Good Housekeeping [3]
So at only $3 to $5 per sample pot, you simply can‘t beat the color-testing power. Plus, Home Depot allows you to return unopened sample pots for free [4]. So there‘s no risk in sampling.
Let‘s look at exactly what paint brands you can sample.
Paint Brands Available for Sampling
Home Depot offers 8 oz sample pots from all their major paint brands:
Popular Brands
- Behr
- Glidden
- Sherwin Williams
- PPG
- Valspar
- KILZ
Home Depot Brands
- Home Decorators Collection
- Home Accents by Behr
- BEHR PRO
Budget-Friendly Brands
- American Tradition
- ColorAccents
- Olympic
Specialty Paints
- Chalk paints
- Concrete coatings
And many more! You have plenty of sampling options.
To compare the color selection across brands, you can request free physical paint brand color cards in-store too.
Next, let‘s go over the other sampling format—peel & stick swatches.
Peel & Stick Swatches for Convenience
If you want a super quick and easy way to visualize paint colors in your home, choose peel & stick paint swatches.
These removable adhesive color patches stick right to your wall without leaving behind damage or marks. Once you‘re finished sampling, just peel it off.
Home Depot offers these in multi-packs for around $2 per swatch.
Benefits of Peel & Stick Swatches
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Easy stick-on application
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Damage-free removal
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Low commitment
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Cheap way to test many colors
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Provides color visualization
The key is managing expectations. These swatches serve more as temporary color visualization tools rather thanmimicking the full painting effect. Use them as a jumping off point before buying sample pots.
If you‘re still not sure where to start choosing colors, Home Depot offers one more free sampling option…
Digitally Sample with Project Color App
An easy way to begin visualizing paint colors is by using the Home Depot Project Color app. This free app lets you use augmented reality to digitally preview colors.
Here‘s how it works:
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Browse paint brands and colors on app
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Use phone camera to visualize colors in room
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Save favorites to view again
Benefits of Project Color App
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Completely free to use
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Fun way to view colors
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Saves favorites for easy access
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No physical samples needed
The Project Color app is a starter tool for color inspiration. You can preview the colors that catch your eye before ordering samples.
Now let‘s go over all the ways to get samples from Home Depot.
How To Get Paint Samples from Home Depot
Thanks to Home Depot‘s wide selection, you have quite a few options for procuring samples:
In-Store
The best way to sample is to visit your local store. You can:
- Browse available paint brand cards and swatches
- Ask associates for help selecting colors
- Have sample pots mixed there on the spot
Online
Order 8 oz sample pots online at HomeDepot.com and have them:
- Shipped to your house
- Choose in-store pickup
This is super convenient if you‘ve already selected colors.
Curbside Pickup
Buy samples online then select "Pick Up Curbside" when checking out. Drive to the store and they‘ll bring your samples right to your car.
Home Depot App
Use the mobile app to order samples for delivery or pickup too.
Project Color App
Preview paint colors through your phone camera via the free app.
However you procure samples, be sure to communicate details like color name/number, finishes, and any mixing needs.
Now let‘s go over some handy tips for paint sampling success.
Paint Sampling Tips & Tricks
To choose colors confidently, keep these expert tips in mind:
Get accurate finishes
Be sure to sample the exact sheen you plan to use – flat, eggshell, etc. The finish impacts color appearance.
Sample on your walls
Paint real swatches on your actual walls for most accurate coloring. Don‘t just rely on cardstock swatches.
Check lighting variations
View samples in natural daylight and at night with lamps on. Lighting can alter undertones.
Paint large patches
Test colors in at least 2-3 foot square sections for better visualization.
Compare with furnishings
Hold samples up to fabrics, countertops, and other decor pieces in your space.
Gather from multiple brands
Don‘t limit yourself to one brand. Sample across a few to compare quality and price.
Start sampling early
Give yourself plenty of time to gather, test, and narrow down samples. Rushing leads to mismatches.
Photograph samples
Take photos of your painted swatches for easy reference later on.
Save leftovers for touch-ups
Don‘t toss remaining sample paints – label and hold onto them for future repairs if needed.
These tips will help you pick the perfect paint color for your home using samples.
Now let‘s do a quick rundown of the pros and cons of sampling paint from Home Depot.
The Pros and Cons of Sampling Paint at Home Depot
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sample pots allow true testing on walls | Limited free swatch selection in-store |
| Peel & stick patches quick and easy | Must buy samples to test properly |
| Samples available from all major brands | Samples cost $3 – $5 each |
| Can return unopened samples | Certain brands not available as swatches |
| Free Project Color app | App doesn‘t provide real paint samples |
| In-store guidance from associates |
The minor cons don‘t outweigh the huge perk of being able to properly test colors before committing. Having the peace of mind paint sampling provides is worth the small fee.
So don‘t let the costs deter you – embrace sampling!
Paint Sampling Lets You Find "The One"
Finding your perfect wall color means kissing a few frogs first. Don‘t fall in love at first sight with a swatch. Thoroughly sample and compare paint options to uncover that ideal hue.
Rushing into choosing colors leads to regret down the line. Be willing to diligently sample multiple brands, finishes, and shades until you find "The One".
And at Home Depot, both online and in stores nationwide, the process is made easy. Affordable sample pots, convenient peel & stick swatches, and a free visualization app give you all the tools needed.
Take advantage of these sampling offerings so you can feel completely confident in your final paint selection. Then sit back and admire how your beautiful new walls come to life!
