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Choosing paint colors can involve comparing many similar shades, but those color samples can also become the starting point for a simple home décor project. This paint swatch art DIY turns a favorite color into a framed print, with a label beneath it for the shade name and number. It can also serve as a handy reminder when you need to identify a color for a future touch-up.
Materials for paint swatch art
Gather the following supplies before you begin. Check that your frame is the size you want to display, and make sure the paper fits within it.
- One 11″ x 14″ frame
- One 12″ x 12″ sheet of solid-color paper
- One white 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock for the lower label area
- Cutting mat, metal ruler, and craft knife
- Rubber cement
How to make a framed paint color print
1. Cut the colored paper
Place the colored paper on a cutting mat and trim it to 11″ x 10″. The shorter height leaves room for a white strip at the bottom, where the color name and number will appear. Measure before cutting so the finished piece sits neatly inside the frame.
2. Prepare the color label
Set the white cardstock to landscape orientation, giving you an 11-inch-wide sheet. Print the paint shade’s name and number near the bottom-left corner. You can use the actual details from a paint sample or create a decorative name and number of your own. Choose a clear font and check the layout on screen before printing; the original project used Function Pro at 78 point, but any legible typeface can work.
3. Join the two paper pieces
Position the colored paper over the cardstock so that 4″ of white remains visible below it. Align the edges carefully, then use rubber cement to attach the pieces. Follow the adhesive’s package directions and allow the bond to set as instructed before framing.
4. Frame and display the artwork
Place the assembled print in the 11″ x 14″ frame. Before closing the frame, check that the label is level and the color block is centered. The finished piece can stand on a shelf or be hung with other framed color prints.
Ways to personalize the project
Use a color that already appears in your home to make the print both decorative and useful. A set of framed swatches can document several main paint choices, making it easier to refer to their names and numbers later. You can also give a shade a playful custom name, such as a family name followed by the color name.
If you cannot find paper close to the shade you want, paint a sturdy piece of cardstock instead. Let it dry completely before assembling the artwork, and test the finished dimensions against the frame. For a clean result, use a ruler to align the colored section and label before applying adhesive.
Conclusion
This paint swatch art project uses a few basic materials to turn a favorite color into a personalized framed print. Add accurate paint details if you want a practical color record, or invent a name for a more decorative piece. Careful measuring and alignment help the finished artwork sit neatly in its frame.
Project by Laura.
