Keep in mind that paint sheet samples and actual paint samples you buy to test a paint color in your home may come in different finishes. This affects the hue of the color. So far, we have learned that the most common sample finishes are eggshell and satin. This may ultimately affect your selection.

We recently were painting some kitchen cabinets and found a nice color in Benjamin Moore's new Aura Paint. The color AF-400 Elemental.

We purchased one of the Benjamin Moore Aura Paint sheets to test the color since the cost of a quart of Aura paint is about +$30. It look really good compared to our walnut cabinets. So we then decided to buy a quart in a satin finish and semi gloss, which we painted using our recommended technique to choose paint color.

The color of the satin and semi gloss that we painted on our sheets was entirely different from the original paint sheet. This is due to the reflection of light. The colors of the satin and the semi gloss were actually two shades lighter than the original paint.

We later learned that the actual Benjmin Moore sheet is painted in an egg shell finish. This is not printed on the sheet and you would never know it unless you went to the Benjamin Moore or other painting websites. Additional research showed that C2 Paints' sample sheets are also in an eggshell finish. However, Ralph Lauren Paint samples (actual paint in plastic pouches) is actually a satin finish. You have to read the fine print. So it will read lighter than flat.

Keep this in mind when you select paint for your project. We've also noticed that many designers use an eggshell finish since it provides a slightly lighter color than matte or flat.

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