Sherwin-Williams Color Tools — Can They Really Help You Choose Paint Colors?

Sherwin-Williams Color Tools: What Homeowners Should Know

Choosing paint colors for your home is one of the most exciting parts of a renovation—but it can also feel overwhelming. With thousands of shades and endless combinations, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Sherwin-Williams offers two popular digital tools to help homeowners choose paint colors: the Color Expert™ mobile app and the desktop room visualizer. Both are useful during the early planning stages, but each serves a slightly different purpose—and neither replaces professional guidance or in-home testing.

Color Expert™ App: Best for Inspiration

The Sherwin-Williams Color Expert™ app is designed for quick inspiration and color exploration. Homeowners can browse thousands of Sherwin-Williams paint colors, upload photos of their rooms, receive AI-based color suggestions, and order paint samples directly from the app.

Pros

• Easy to use on a mobile device

• Large color library and curated palettes

• Helpful for initial inspiration and idea gathering

  
  

Cons

• Inconsistent photo uploads and wall detection

• Limited side-by-side color comparison

• Not reliable for exterior paint visualization

  
  

For many homeowners, the app works best as a starting point—not a final decision tool.

Desktop Room Visualizer: Better Accuracy and Control

The Sherwin-Williams desktop room visualizer, available through their website, often delivers more reliable results. The browser-based tool allows for better wall masking, more accurate paint placement, and easier comparison of multiple colors in the same space.

Pros

• More stable and precise than the mobile app

• Better for comparing paint colors on interior walls

• Easier to use on larger screens

  
  

Cons

• Requires a computer or tablet

• Fewer AI-driven recommendations

• Still requires physical paint samples to confirm color

  
  
  
  

Our Professional Recommendation

Digital tools are helpful for narrowing down options, but lighting, wall texture, surrounding finishes, and sheen all impact how paint looks in real life. As professional painters and remodelers, we recommend using Sherwin-Williams color tools for inspiration—then confirming your final selection with physical samples and expert advice before painting.

If you’re planning an interior repaint or full home refresh, a professional consultation can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure the final result looks exactly the way you expect.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a color consultation or request a free painting quote.