Guide To Free Paint Color Samples By Mail How To Test Colors Before You Buy

Free paint color samples offer homeowners valuable opportunities to test colors in their actual living spaces before committing to full paint purchases. Several major paint brands in the United States provide these samples through different programs, each with its own advantages, limitations, and processes. These programs help consumers visualize how colors will appear under their specific lighting conditions, potentially saving time and money by reducing the risk of color selection errors. This article examines the free paint sample programs offered by major brands, detailing how to request these samples, any limitations that apply, and what consumers can expect when ordering.

Overview of Free Paint Sample Programs

Paint manufacturers recognize that selecting the right color can be challenging, as colors can appear different under various lighting conditions and when applied to different surfaces. To address this, several major paint brands offer free sample programs that allow consumers to test colors in their own homes before purchasing full gallons of paint. These programs vary in terms of sample type, accessibility, and limitations.

The available options include mail-order programs where physical samples are sent directly to consumers' homes, in-store pickup programs that require visiting physical locations, and programs that involve direct contact with customer service. Each approach has distinct advantages that may appeal to different consumer preferences and project requirements.

Sherwin-Williams Free Paint Swatches

Sherwin-Williams offers free paint swatches through a straightforward online ordering process. The company provides high-quality color samples that allow consumers to see exactly how different paint colors will look in their space before making a final decision. These samples are particularly useful for visualizing how colors will appear under different lighting conditions in a specific room.

To request Sherwin-Williams paint swatches, consumers need to: - Visit Sherwin-Williams' sample page - Select desired paint swatch samples and add them to cart - Enter shipping information - Complete checkout

The Sherwin-Williams free sample program has specific limitations and conditions: - The program is limited to one order per household - The service is available only to customers in the United States - The source material does not specify processing time for these samples

These samples are physical paint swatches or color cards that can be mailed to customers, providing a convenient option for nationwide customers who may not have a Sherwin-Williams location nearby.

PPG Free Color Cards

PPG provides one of the most comprehensive free paint sample programs among major paint brands, allowing customers to select up to six colors for free. The company will mail 8x8 color cards directly to customers, typically arriving within 5-7 business days. These color cards are specifically designed for viewing in the customer's own space and under their unique lighting conditions, providing a more accurate representation of how the paint color will actually appear.

The signup process for PPG's program includes an option for customers to receive email communications. The signup form includes a checkbox that reads: "Yes, I would like the opportunity to receive e-mails containing information, product updates, e-newsletters, samples, promotional offers and rebates from brands of PPG Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries." Customers who opt in can later withdraw consent by following the opt-out instructions provided in the emails.

For professional painters or those needing immediate samples, PPG offers an alternative: "If you are a professional and need an immediate sample please contact your PPG Rep." This distinction suggests that while standard samples are mailed to all consumers, professionals may have expedited options available through their representatives.

Colorize's Free Paint Friday Program

Colorize, a retailer of Benjamin Moore products, offers a unique free paint sample program called "Free Paint Friday." This program provides consumers with an opportunity to try Benjamin Moore colors before committing to larger quantities. Unlike the mail-order programs offered by Sherwin-Williams and PPG, Colorize's program operates on a different model:

• Every Friday, customers can visit any Colorize location
• At these locations, customers receive two free color samples of any Benjamin Moore colors of their choice
• There is no indication of any restrictions on color selection or frequency of visits

The company emphasizes the "try before you buy" philosophy, recognizing that visualizing how a color swatch will look on an actual wall can be difficult. Benjamin Moore Color Samples allow customers to "simply try on a paint color before you commit to the time and expense of painting an entire room."

This in-store program requires customers to visit a physical location, but offers the advantage of seeing actual paint samples rather than printed color cards. The 8 oz paint samples provided are likely more representative of how the color will appear on a wall compared to small paper swatches. However, the program's availability is limited to areas with Colorize locations, which may restrict access for consumers in other regions.

Dunn-Edwards Paint Sample Options

Dunn-Edwards provides several options for obtaining color samples and color-related materials, though their free sample program has specific limitations:

Color Chips: Customers can order New Neutral and Front Door Color Collection color chips by contacting Dunn-Edwards Customer Service by calling (888) DE PAINT (888-337-2468). The company reserves the right to limit orders, suggesting there may be restrictions on quantity or frequency.

Color Brochures: Dunn-Edwards offers free color brochures that organize colors by family, architectural style, and project. These brochures can be ordered through the same customer service contact, and the company reserves the right to limit orders.

8 oz Paint Sample: While mentioned in the source material, specific details about obtaining this sample are not provided beyond its existence.

Dunn-Edwards recognizes that choosing the right color can be a time-consuming and intimidating process. Their color brochures and samples are designed to simplify this decision-making process by providing organized information and actual color references.

Unlike the mail-order programs of Sherwin-Williams and PPG, Dunn-Edwards requires direct contact with customer service to obtain samples, which may be less convenient for some consumers. The company's policy of reserving the right to limit orders suggests they may place restrictions on the quantity or frequency of sample requests, though specific details are not provided in the source material.

Comparing Free Paint Sample Programs

When considering the various free paint sample programs, several differences emerge in terms of accessibility, sample type, and limitations:

Sample Types: - Sherwin-Williams and PPG provide physical paint swatches or color cards that can be mailed - Colorize offers actual 8 oz paint samples for in-person pickup - Dunn-Edwards provides color chips and larger paint samples, though details are limited

Accessibility: - Sherwin-Williams and PPG offer nationwide mail-order programs - Colorize requires in-person visits to their locations on specific days - Dunn-Edwards requires phone contact to order samples

Limitations: - Sherwin-Williams limits to one order per household and is US only - PPG allows up to six colors per order - Dunn-Edwards reserves the right to limit orders - Colorize provides two free samples per visit but doesn't specify visit frequency limits

Processing Time: - Sherwin-Williams doesn't specify processing time in the source material - PPG states color cards arrive within 5-7 business days - Colorize samples are received immediately during visits - Dunn-Edwards doesn't specify processing time for their samples

These differences may influence which program is most suitable for individual consumers based on their location, project timeline, and the type of sample they prefer. Consumers who prefer the convenience of mail-order samples and live outside areas with Colorize locations may find Sherwin-Williams or PPG more accessible, while those who want to see actual paint samples rather than color cards may prefer Colorize's program if they can visit a location.

Other Free Sample Programs by Mail

While this article focuses primarily on paint color samples, several other companies offer free samples by mail that consumers might find valuable:

Breathe Right Strips: The company is happy to send free samples of their nasal strips for consumers to try at home. Interested individuals can visit the Breathe Right sample page to sign up, with samples typically arriving within about two weeks.

Gillette: Consumers can sign up for the Gillette newsletter to receive free samples, coupons, and exclusive offers. Some individuals have reported receiving free razors and shaving cream at least twice a year through this program.

HomeSchool.com: This company offers a product testing program where members can receive free books, kits, and school supplies to test. HomeSchool.com notes that they never release a product without running it by their testers first, providing opportunities to receive various educational materials.

Home Tester Club: Consumers can join this community for free and test products (which they get to keep) in exchange for honest reviews. The program connects product testers with companies seeking feedback on their items.

These programs demonstrate that free samples by mail are available across various product categories beyond paint, offering consumers opportunities to try new products at no cost.

Conclusion

Free paint samples offer valuable opportunities for homeowners to test colors in their actual spaces before committing to full paint purchases. Several major paint brands provide these samples through different programs, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Sherwin-Williams and PPG offer convenient mail-order programs with nationwide availability, while Colorize provides larger paint samples through in-person pickup at their locations. Dunn-Edwards offers various sample types but requires direct contact with customer service.

The availability of these programs demonstrates paint manufacturers' commitment to helping customers make informed decisions about their home projects. By testing colors in their own spaces, consumers can reduce the risk of color selection errors and potentially save both time and money. When selecting a free paint sample program, consumers should consider factors such as sample type, accessibility, limitations, and processing time to determine which option best suits their needs.

Sources

1. Free Paint Color Samples: How To Get Free Shipping And Test Colors Before You Buy
2. Free Samples By Mail: 50+ Companies That Will Send You Free Stuff