How to Use a Douglas Friedman Sample Jar for Color Testing
By Color Atelier Limewash Paint & Plaster | United States | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to test paint colors with a Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier sample jar. Step-by-step guide to get an accurate sense of how the color will look in your space.
Quick answer
Use a Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier sample jar to test MARFA colors on your wall in small sections. This gives you the most accurate sense of how the color will actually look in your space before you buy a full batch.
Why sample jars are essential for color testing
Paint colors look different depending on lighting, wall texture, and surrounding decor. A small sample on a swatch card won't show you the real effect. The Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier sample jar contains the same 100% color strength as the full limewash paint, so you can test the exact shade on your wall. This is especially important for MARFA colors, which are designed to create moody, nuanced interiors.
What to expect from a 4-ounce sample
The sample jar holds 4 ounces of limewash paint—enough to paint a 2x2 foot section or several smaller patches. It's also great for small craft and decor projects, and for doing touch-ups on previously finished surfaces. Don't expect to cover an entire wall; the goal is to see the color in context.
How to test paint colors with a Douglas Friedman sample jar
- Prepare your wall surface: Clean the area and let it dry. If the wall has a glossy finish, lightly sand it so the limewash adheres properly. Mask off trim or adjacent surfaces with painter's tape. Skipping surface prep can cause the sample to peel or look uneven, giving you a false impression of the color.
- Apply the sample in a 2x2 foot patch: Stir the sample jar thoroughly. Use a small brush or sponge to apply a single coat in an area that gets both natural and artificial light. Let it dry completely (about 1-2 hours) before judging the color. Wet limewash looks darker than dry. Always wait for full drying to see the true shade.
- View the patch at different times of day: Check the sample in morning light, afternoon sun, and evening lamplight. Move a piece of furniture next to it to see how the color interacts with your existing decor. A color that looks perfect at noon may feel too cool or warm under evening light. Testing at multiple times prevents a costly mismatch.
- Use leftover sample for touch-ups or small projects: If you decide to proceed with the full color, save the remaining sample for future touch-ups on the finished surface. The 4-ounce jar also works for painting small decor items like vases or picture frames. Don't throw away unused sample paint—it's perfect for fixing scuffs or testing the color on craft projects.
Product facts
- Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier Sample Jar: The Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier Sample Jar contains 4 ounces of limewash paint in MARFA colors at 100% color strength. You get the exact same pigment as the full-size paint, so your test patch shows the true color before you commit to a larger purchase.
Douglas Friedman x Color Atelier Sample Jar
