Who's helping you shop for paint?
The founders of Backdrop are husband-and-wife duo Caleb and Natalie Ebel, who have backgrounds from Warby Parker and Pencils of Promise and are approaching paint from the perspective of ordinary consumers. They've painted every house they've ever lived in, so they're very familiar with the many points of friction in the paint-shopping experience.
ClareClare founder Nicole Gibbons is an interior designer who has appeared on HGTV, The Rachael Ray Show, and Elle Decor. Her expertise in interior design is helping reveal to shoppers the potential joys of shopping for paint and the power of color to transform their space.
Types of paint sold and how much a bucket costs
Backdrop sells three types of paint: Standard Finish (low-sheen, semi-matte), Semi-Gloss Finish, and Primer. Each gallon comes in a rectangular, easy-pour bucket and costs $49.
Shipping is free on orders over $75.
ClareClare sells four types of paint: Wall Paint (low-sheen, semi-matte), Trim Paint (semi-gloss), Primer, and Ceiling Paint. Each gallon comes in a cylindrical bucket and also costs $49.
Shipping is free on orders over $100.
Color and sampling options
Backdrop features a curated collection of 50 colors, which you can sort by type of color (e.g. neutral, bold) or hue (e.g. red, green).
To preview how a color would look on your wall, you can order a 12"x 12" adhesive sample for $2. All samples ship for free.
ClareClare offers a similarly curated collection of a little over 50 colors. They're grouped automatically by color, which might be easier to shop visually than on Backdrop's site, but you can also sort by hue or undertone (e.g. warm, cool).
Clare's adhesive samples measure 8"x 8" and also cost $2 each, with free shipping. Right now, you can receive five samples for just $5, with promo code "5FOR5".
What the paint is made from and how it applies
In terms of the paint itself, there's not a huge difference in the composition and how they apply, but there are subtle differences in the VOC count and what certifications each company holds. The certifications both indicate that the paint has been rigorously tested under laboratory conditions and meets standards for performance and environmental safety.
BackdropBackdrop's paint is:
- A low-odor, acrylic, water-based formula that applies and washes off easily and is highly pigmented
- Low-VOC
- Greenwise certified
Clare's paint is:
- A low-odor, acrylic, water-based formula that applies and washes off easily and is highly pigmented
- Zero VOC
- Greenguard Gold certified
Figuring out how much paint you need
Use Backdrop's Paint Calculator, which asks whether you're painting a room or just a wall, how many people will be doing the job, and the measurements of the space, to calculate how many gallons you should order and any other tools you might need.
ClareBefore you even start shopping, you can take Clare's Color Genius Quiz, an eight-question quiz that gives you personalized color recommendations based on the type of room you're painting, your style, and other preferences.
Then, on each product page, there's an "Estimate Quantity" tool you can use to calculate how many gallons you should order. It also asks for the room's measurements and takes doors and windows into consideration.
Other tools and accessories you can shop
Unless you already have painting supplies that you love, you'll be able to shop tools like rollers and tape directly on these websites.
BackdropBackdrop sells one main Essentials Kit, which has 11 pieces, costs $45, and includes tape, 2" paint brush, 9" roller frame, two 9" roller covers, 4" roller cover, 4" roller handle, tray, and three tray liners.
You can also get these supplies, as well as a few others (putty knife, spackle + sandpaper kit, painter's shirt), a la carte.
ClareClare sells four different pre-set kits, ranging from $15 to $50. Its largest kit has eight pieces, costs $50, and includes a plastic drop cloth, tape, 2" paint brush, 9" roller frame, 9" roller cover, 9" metal tray, 9" tray liner, and 2-4' extension pole.
You can also get these supplies, as well as a few others (mini roller frame and cover), a la carte.
The bottom line
If you like larger paint samples, want a larger selection of supplies and tools, and are looking to spend a little less on the entire process.
Shop home paint at Clare...If you're not sure yet what color you want to paint your space, appreciate the expertise and perspective of an interior designer, and want more paint color and paint type options. Taking shipping and painting supplies into account, Clare is slightly more expensive to shop at.
