PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Outbyte PC Repair · freeA free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.
Run a Free PC Scan →ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
For most rooms, begin with two or three shortlisted colours. Buy one tester pot for each finalist, then test every colour in at least two representative locations when the room has noticeably different light. Paint a large enough area for a fair judgement, apply two coats, let them dry completely, and look at them in daylight and the room’s usual evening lighting over a day or two.
You may need more paint only when the planned test area, number of coats, or an absorbent surface exceeds one pot’s coverage. A movable board or sheet of lining paper can provide several test locations without covering multiple walls in sample patches.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why should the shortlist stay small?
A controlled comparison is easier when the wall is not covered with a dozen competing colours. Asian Paints advises narrowing the choice to a small group because too many shades make subtle differences harder to see. A practical shortlist lets you compare undertones, brightness and light response rather than trying to remember a long row of swatches.
Choose finalists that already work with the room’s fixed elements: flooring, large furniture, worktops, curtains, trim and architectural details. Include the intended sheen in the decision. A colour that looks right in a flat finish can appear more saturated or reflective in an eggshell or higher-gloss product.
Popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
When is a larger shortlist justified?
Use additional paper swatches or small cards while you are still eliminating options, but postpone buying tester pots until the palette is narrow. If two colours are nearly identical, keep both only if their undertones or behaviour in the room’s light could change the decision. The goal is not to test every colour you can find; it is to expose the few plausible choices to the conditions in which they will actually be used.
How many tester pots do you need?
Plan on one tester pot per finalist as a starting point. The exact volume depends on the product’s stated coverage, the size of each patch, the number of coats, the porosity of the surface and whether you will move the paint onto a board. There is no universal pot count that works for every room.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Situation | Starting plan | What can change the amount |
|---|---|---|
| Testing each colour on one wall section | One pot per colour | Larger patches, rough or absorbent walls, and extra coats use more paint. |
| Testing each colour in several locations | One pot per colour if the same patch is moved or the area is modest | Separate permanent patches may require more volume. |
| Using a movable board or lining-paper sheet | One pot per colour is commonly sufficient for a controlled panel | The board’s size, edge coverage and number of coats determine consumption. |
| Following a product-specific coverage statement | Use that manufacturer figure rather than a generic rule | Coverage varies by formulation, surface and application method. |
As an example of a product-specific claim, Benjamin Moore UK says its 236 ml colour sample covers approximately two 1 m² areas with two coats. That figure applies to that sample product and should not be treated as a standard for every brand or wall.
How can you avoid buying too much?
Measure the area you intend to paint, read the tester’s coverage information, and allow for the second coat. If the label does not state coverage, ask the retailer or manufacturer instead of converting another product’s figure. Keep the test system consistent: using one coat on one colour and two on another makes the comparison unreliable as well as changing the amount required.
How big should a paint sample be?
Make the patch large enough to judge at normal viewing distance. British Paints recommends at least 30 cm × 30 cm with two coats. Stonelux advises no smaller than A5 with three coats, while the British Coatings Federation identifies A6 to A5 as an ideal standard-panel range for controlled comparisons. These are guidance figures from different organisations, not a single mandatory consumer minimum.
Also popular on Amazon
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
| Guidance source | Panel guidance | Coat instruction |
|---|---|---|
| British Paints | At least 30 cm × 30 cm | Two coats |
| Stonelux | No smaller than A5 | Three coats |
| British Coatings Federation | A6 to A5 for controlled comparisons | Standard-panel guidance; follow the selected product’s system |
The different recommendations reflect different purposes. A small controlled panel can be useful for comparing coatings under repeatable conditions, while a larger wall patch shows how a colour reads across texture, shadows and surrounding finishes. For a household decision, use the largest practical area and apply the same number of coats to every colour.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What if painting a wall is not practical?
Paint a rigid white board or a sheet of lining paper instead. A movable sample can travel from a window wall to a darker wall, stand beside trim, and be viewed next to flooring or furniture. Leave an unpainted margin so you can see the sample’s edge and the contrast with the existing surface.
Should you test paint on more than one wall?
Yes, when the room has different lighting or shadow patterns. Tikkurila recommends more than one location, and Little Greene also advises checking a colour in multiple places. Put a sample on a primary wall and, where possible, on a wall with a different exposure or a deeper shadow. If you use a board, move it between those positions rather than buying a separate pot for every wall.
Which lighting conditions matter?
Inspect the dried paint in the room’s actual conditions: morning daylight, afternoon light and the artificial lighting normally used in the evening. Tikkurila recommends observing samples over a day or two, while Asian Paints suggests checking at different times of day. Dulux guidance similarly emphasises judging colour in the lighting in which the room will be used.
Do not decide from a shop card or a phone screen alone. A small printed or digital swatch cannot show how the colour interacts with your window direction, surrounding surfaces and lamps. Look at the patch from the room’s usual standing and seated positions, not only from a few centimetres away.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Why can two similar colours change relative appearance?
Different light sources can produce metamerism: colours that look similar under one light can appear noticeably different under another. The British Coatings Federation describes this effect as a change in relative appearance caused by the light source. A colour that wins in midday daylight may therefore lose under warm evening bulbs.
What is the most reliable testing procedure?
Use one repeatable process for every finalist. Consistency prevents application differences from being mistaken for colour differences.
- Narrow the palette. Select the finalists that suit the room’s fixed finishes and intended sheen before opening tester pots.
- Record the details. Write down each colour’s name, code, brand and sheen. Keep the labels with the corresponding board or wall patch.
- Prepare the surface. Use a clean, sound surface or the same lining-paper board for every colour. Surface smoothness and existing texture can alter perception.
- Paint a generous patch. Aim for at least 30 cm × 30 cm where wall space permits, or use a panel at least as large as the practical A5 guidance. Keep the shape and area comparable for every colour.
- Apply the same two-coat system. Follow the selected product’s instructions and use the same roller or brush approach for each sample. If a product specifically requires another coat count, use that system consistently across all finalists.
- Let the paint dry fully. Do not judge a wet or partially cured film. Wet paint can look different from the finished surface.
- Check several positions and times. View each patch near the window, in a shadowed area and beside the room’s main furnishings. Recheck in morning, afternoon and normal evening light over a day or two.
- Choose only after context checks. Compare the dried colour with flooring, furniture, trim and other large surfaces from normal viewing distance before ordering the room’s full quantity.
How should you compare the finalists?
Make the decision against the room, not against an isolated colour card. A simple comparison grid keeps the relevant variables visible.
| Comparison point | Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hue and undertone | Does the colour lean warm, cool, green, violet, yellow or another undertone beside the room’s finishes? | Undertones can become obvious beside flooring, white trim or upholstery. |
| Daylight response | Does it remain acceptable from morning through afternoon? | Window direction and changing daylight alter perceived colour. |
| Artificial-light response | Does it still work under the bulbs used after dark? | Light-source changes can reveal metamerism. |
| Finish and gloss | Does the planned sheen make the colour look deeper, brighter or more reflective? | Gloss and surface smoothness affect perception. |
| Texture and shadows | Does the sample behave consistently across a smooth area and a textured or shaded area? | Surface condition changes how light is reflected. |
| Compatibility | Does it sit comfortably with flooring, furniture, trim and adjoining rooms? | The surrounding palette is part of the colour decision. |
Write observations at each check rather than relying on memory. For example, note whether a neutral appears warmer beside the floor or whether a darker shade loses clarity in the evening. The preferred colour is the one that remains acceptable throughout the room’s normal use, not necessarily the most attractive patch under one light.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCan a movable sample replace painting several wall sections?
Often, yes. A painted board or lining-paper sheet lets you keep the wall free of overlapping test rectangles while placing the same sample in different light. It is especially useful in rented homes, newly finished rooms, or spaces where several coats of sample paint would be difficult to cover later.
Also popular on Amazon
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Use a board large enough to read at normal distance and paint it with the same preparation, coats and sheen planned for the room. Keep the board upright rather than flat when judging it, because the angle changes how light strikes the surface. Move it to each representative wall and place it beside the room’s trim and major furnishings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What mistakes make a colour test misleading?
- Testing tiny spots. Very small marks are dominated by the surrounding wall and are difficult to judge at room distance.
- Using one coat. Coverage and undertone can change after the second coat; unequal coat counts invalidate the comparison.
- Comparing wet paint. Wait until the film is fully dry before making a decision.
- Testing only beside a window. A colour that succeeds in bright daylight may fail in a shaded corner or under evening lamps.
- Ignoring the sheen. Colour perception changes with gloss and surface smoothness, so test the finish you intend to buy.
- Painting over a very different base without accounting for it. The underlying surface and its texture can influence the result; use comparable preparation for every finalist.
- Choosing from a screen. Digital displays and shop lighting are not substitutes for the room’s actual light.
- Ordering full-size paint too soon. Give the finalists time to be viewed through changing daylight and normal evening use.
How do surface and finish affect the result?
Tikkurila states that “lighting conditions, the smoothness of the paint surface and its gloss can all affect colour perception.” A rough wall scatters light differently from a smooth panel, while a glossier film creates stronger highlights. Test on a surface that resembles the finished wall, and keep the intended sheen the same from sample to final purchase.
These effects are why a colour can appear different even when the tint is unchanged. If the room will be repaired, skimmed or primed before decorating, make the sample on a similarly prepared area or panel. Otherwise, you may be judging the old surface rather than the result you plan to live with.
When should you order the full paint quantity?
Order after the finalists have dried and survived the changing-light check. Use the selected product’s own coverage information to estimate the room quantity, then account for the number of coats and the wall’s absorption. Do not scale the Benjamin Moore UK sample figure—or any other manufacturer’s sample-pot claim—directly to a different product without checking its label.
Keep the colour code, brand, finish and batch information from the chosen tester. If you later need more paint, those details make it easier to request the same specification. A sample decision is complete when the colour, sheen and surrounding finishes work together under the room’s real lighting, not when one small patch looks appealing in isolation.
Also popular on Amazon
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
What do colour professionals say about eliminating surprises?
Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing, summarises the purpose of sampling this way: “The goal for a designer is always to eliminate color surprises.” Sampling cannot remove every difference caused by a wall’s texture or a change in lighting, but it exposes those differences before the whole room is painted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I judge a colour from a digital swatch or phone screen?
Use digital images only to narrow your search. Screen calibration, brightness and surrounding interface colours vary, so the final decision should come from dried paint viewed in the room’s own daylight and artificial light.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Should the sample be painted over the existing wall colour?
The underlying colour and texture can influence what you see. Prepare comparable surfaces for each finalist, and use the same primer or base treatment you intend for the finished work when that preparation is part of the project.
Why does the same paint look different on a smooth board and a textured wall?
Texture changes the way light is scattered, while gloss changes the strength of highlights. A board is useful for moving a sample between locations, but the final check should include a surface that resembles the wall being decorated.
How long should paint samples remain before choosing?
Leave them long enough to dry fully and observe them through the room’s normal lighting cycle. Checking in the morning, afternoon and evening over a day or two helps reveal changes that a single viewing misses.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
