When choosing a paint color, it’s important to consider the atmosphere you want to create in your space - which is where undertones really come in. Holding color chips next to each other can help you spot the difference in undertones. It’s important to know that undertones vary in intensity which can greatly impact the overall look of a painted room. The undertone, on the other hand, can be more difficult to spot because it’s the paint hue’s underlying color - the subtle difference that distinguishes it from similar hues in its color family. The mass tone is easy to see because it’s the overall color of the chip itself. Every paint color has two main components: A mass tone and an undertone. Want to become an undertone aficionado? Let’s start with the basics.

Understanding Undertones (and Mass Tones!)

Learn how to master these misunderstood building blocks of color, so you can choose your hues with confidence. The key to choosing the perfect hue for your DIY painting project is hidden just below the surface - in the color’s undertone. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a handful of similar color chips with no idea which shade to select, you’re not alone.