When you get colour questions during the estimate, you may be tempted to say, “That’s not my area of expertise.” But before you do, consider that colour is one of the most important decisions of any project and a motivating factor for homeowners wanting a new paint job. A painter who can help a homeowner with paint colour selection may get the estimate signed and the job scheduled faster versus one who is lost in uncertainty.

So, what do pro painters need to know about colour? Here are some colour questions homeowners typically ask and some strategies to help you answer so you can close the paint job.

What paint colours are trending?

Erika Woelfel, VP of Colour and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company, notes some exciting trends that we’re seeing in the industry.

• Biophilic movement: Woelfel notes that blues and greens are colour families that have been trending for several years, saying, “We’ve seen a biophilic movement (bringing nature into the built environment) in both residential and commercial spaces that plays a big part in this. These natural hues bring a relaxing aesthetic and often coordinate well with other colours, materials and finishes.”
• Neutrals: For homeowners looking to keep their space cozy, she says to look for colours that are warm and enveloping. “You’re looking for some of those golden beiges and taupes.”
• Greige: Greys have been classic sellers for many years, however, Woelfel noted that the hues have been trending lighter. “They are more like light taupe than a grey. Greys have been evolving into some of those warmer, neutral colours.”
• Dramatic: Many are looking to add something bold to their space. “People have been using darker colours on their walls, including soft blacks like Cracked Pepper and deeper jewel tones like Rumors – our 2025 Colour of the Year – as an accent colour or a pop of colour on doors and cabinets.”

Will the colours look the same in different settings?

Colour is complex. As a painter, you know you can apply the same colour in different settings, and it may look slightly different depending on the lighting and surroundings.

Remind your clients of this, and then use fan decks and drawdowns under different lighting conditions to illustrate how it will look at different times of the day. Sampling the colour in different areas can also give a preview of the final result. Whether you provide those colour samples or give your client instructions on what to pick up at The Home Depot, discussing and testing how light, sheen and surroundings play with colour is smart business.

What colour do you recommend?

Many pro painters wonder what to do when homeowners want a colour recommendation. No one wants to be on the hook if the colour doesn’t turn out to their liking. The final colour choice should be made by the homeowner, and you want them to sign off on that choice. But you can still provide inspiration and be a helpful guide. Consider these strategies to get the creative juices flowing:

• Ask thoughtful and detailed questions to find out more about the purpose and desire for the space.
• Don’t be bashful about using past paint projects and testimonials to inspire ideas. This demonstrates your knowledge of colour and gives the client a peek at your past happy clientele, building further trust.
• BEHR® DESIGNER COLLECTION : “The DESIGNER COLLECTION palette has 30 colours that are tried-and-true best sellers. This is a great starting point for thinking about colour,” says Woelfel.