When you get color questions during the estimate, you may be tempted to say, “That’s not my area of expertise.” But before you do, consider that color 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 color 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 color? Here are some color questions homeowners typically ask and some strategies to help you answer so you can close the paint job.

Dining Room | Wall: Aerial View S530-3; Side Wall: Blank Canvas DC-003

What paint colors are trending?

Erika Woelfel, VP of Color 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 color 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 colors, materials and finishes.” Behr offers a BioNature Collection which includes 50 colors to infuse harmony and wellbeing into built environments to elevate the human experience.
• Neutrals: For homeowners looking to keep their space cozy, she says to look for colors that are warm and enveloping. “You’re looking for some of those golden beiges and taupes.”
• Greige: Grays 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 gray. Grays have been evolving into some of those warmer, neutral colors.”
• Dramatic: Many are looking to add something bold to their space. “People have been using darker colors on their walls, including soft blacks like Cracked Pepper and deeper jewel tones like Rumors – our 2025 Color of the Year – as an accent color or a pop of color on doors and cabinets.”

Kitchen | Base Cabinets: Rumors MQ1-15; Walls and Upper Cabinets: Blank Canvas DC-003; Island: Oxford Street N270-4

To keep yourself up to date on trends, check out our annual 2025 Color Trends to awaken your clients’ spaces with endless expression. And be sure to regularly browse curated colors and trends with the ColorSmart by BEHR® tool, which includes a color wheel to explore color combinations and find the closest BEHR matched color. A little time studying can make you a treasure trove of knowledge for your clients.

What colors pair with the existing materials and finishes in my space?

Finding complementary colors to existing items in a home can sometimes lead to indecision. Color tools can empower your client to make informed color choices.

• Fan decks give the client a full range of choices to hold up next to materials and finishes in their space.
• Color cards at The Home Depot also provide inspiration for color and furniture pairings so your client can choose color with confidence.
• If you’re working on an exterior project and want to show your client before and after photos with their chosen color scheme, your local BEHR Pro Rep can upload images of the project to the BEHR Pro Visualizer. You’ll then be able to download the images and review the options with your client.

Will the colors look the same in different settings?

Color is complex. As a painter, you know you can apply the same color 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 color in different areas can also give a preview of the final result. Whether you provide those color 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 color is smart business.

Do you remember what colors I’ve used in the past?

Maintaining records of paint colors from previous projects in an organized system demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to your clients. Plus, it’s an effective way to encourage repeat business.

Behr offers color books that include every product and color used in a project. It’s an excellent option to keep accurate information in an attractive format.

What color do you recommend?

Many pro painters wonder what to do when homeowners want a color recommendation. No one wants to be on the hook if the color doesn’t turn out to their liking. The final color 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:

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

Kitchen | Cabinets: White 52; Wall: First Snow DC-006; Island: N480-5 Adirondack Blue

Once your client has narrowed down the color scheme, help them use the tools and techniques above to make final selections and visualize their newly painted space.

In the end, color is just one more tool to help you close more estimates and build a reputable painting business.

If you have additional questions or want to learn more, contact your local BEHR Pro Rep.