28 | Paint Selection

Today you will learn 5 new English words related to "Paint Selection"

Author

SEWT Team
October 23, 2025

Choosing the right paint can be a fun part of decorating, but it also involves knowing how to describe colors, finishes, and surfaces. As an ESL learner, learning how to talk about “paint selection” will help you when shopping for supplies, explaining design choices, or following home improvement instructions. Today’s vocabulary will help you speak clearly about colors and projects, whether you’re painting a wall or a piece of furniture. Let’s jump right in!

5 TERMS

  1. Swatch (Noun): A small sample of color used to help choose paint.

  2. Finish (Noun): The surface texture or shine of the paint after it dries.

  3. Primer (Noun): A base coat applied before painting to help the paint stick and last longer.

  4. Coat (Noun): A layer of paint applied to a surface.

  5. Color scheme (Noun): A combination of colors chosen to match or complement each other.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

  1. Swatch

    • We looked at several color swatches before choosing a light gray.

    • The paint store gave us free swatches to take home.

    • It’s helpful to test a swatch on the wall first.

  2. Finish

    • This paint has a matte finish, so it doesn’t reflect light.

    • Glossy finishes are easy to clean but show fingerprints.

    • Choose a finish that fits the room’s purpose.

  3. Primer

    • Don’t forget to use primer before painting over dark walls.

    • The primer helps cover stains and gives a smooth surface.

    • We used a white primer under the blue paint.

  4. Coat

    • The wall needed two coats of paint for full coverage.

    • Let the first coat dry before adding another.

    • One coat wasn’t enough to cover the old color.

  5. Color scheme

    • Our living room color scheme is beige, navy, and white.

    • She chose a warm color scheme for her kitchen.

    • The designer helped us pick a modern color scheme for the office.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH

When we started repainting our bedroom, we chose a calm color scheme with soft greens and warm whites. At the store, we took home several swatches to see how the colors looked in different lighting. After choosing a shade, we applied a layer of primer to cover the old paint. Then we added the first coat, followed by a second one the next day. We picked a satin finish for the walls—it’s smooth but still easy to clean. Taking the time to plan and choose carefully made a big difference in the final look.