Have you ever excitedly opened a can of paint, fallen in love with the colour, and then felt completely confused when it dried on your wall looking nothing like what you expected? You’re not alone! It’s a common paint mystery—and thankfully, a solvable one.
At Randalls Paint & Décor, we help our customers avoid surprises and achieve colour results they love. Let’s explore why paint looks different on the wall than in the can—and what you can do about it.
1. Lighting Changes Everything
Lighting plays one of the biggest roles in how paint appears:
Natural light can shift the tone of a paint colour throughout the day.
Warm artificial light may enhance yellow or red undertones.
Cool LED lighting can make colours look bluish or muted.
Tip: Test a sample on all walls and observe it morning, afternoon, and evening. If you need help choosing the right shade for your lighting, our services include expert colour consultations.
2. Paint Sheen Affects Perception
Glossy paints reflect more light and can intensify a colour, while flat or matte finishes absorb light and can make the same shade look more subdued.
For example:
Glossy finish = Brighter and slightly lighter appearance.
Matte finish = Softer and deeper look.
Want help deciding which finish is right for your room? Ask our team or contact us here.
3. Surface Texture & Primer Matter
Walls with texture or porous surfaces absorb paint differently, which affects how the colour dries. Additionally, skipping primer or using the wrong type can cause uneven absorption, creating a patchy or off-tone appearance.
To prep your space properly, consider Randalls’ professional services or check out our Painter Order Form for personalized recommendations.
4. The “Wet vs. Dry” Colour Illusion
Paint often appears darker in the can and when wet. As it dries, the true colour (especially the undertones) becomes more visible. That’s why it’s important to let the sample dry fully before making your decision.
We recommend trying sample pots from our collections on your actual wall—not just the swatch card!
5. Use Large Sample Areas
A tiny swatch on the wall doesn’t do a colour justice. Paint at least a 2x2 ft. square on multiple walls, especially near windows and corners. Seeing it in various contexts can help prevent surprises.
Need guidance on how to test correctly? We’re always here to assist—reach out to us!
In Summary:
There are many factors that affect how a paint colour appears on your wall:
Light (natural and artificial)
Sheen or finish
Wall texture and primer
Wet vs. dry colour
Sample size and placement
To avoid the dreaded “wrong colour” result, we recommend speaking with one of our specialists before committing. At Randalls, we offer personalized advice, top-quality paint options, and tools to help you love your colour choices.
Ready to Test a Colour?
Explore our full paint collections and grab a few sample pots, or book a service with one of our experienced colour consultants.
Still have questions? Contact us—we’re happy to help you match your vision with the perfect paint!