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A video from T&M Hardware & Rental shows colored bands on certain Do it Best paint cans that indicate paint sheen and interior or exterior use. Family Handyman reports the trick works only for that brand’s packaging, since color codes are not standardized across paint manufacturers.
A viral video from T&M Hardware & Rental has drawn attention for revealing colored bands on certain Do it Best paint cans that indicate the paint’s sheen and whether it is meant for interior or exterior use — but a Family Handyman report confirms the shortcut only works reliably for that specific brand, and shoppers should still read the printed label before buying.
According to the report, the trick comes from a video posted by T&M Hardware & Rental showing colored sections on certain Do it Best paint cans. On those cans, the colors carry specific meanings: red identifies flat paint, yellow identifies eggshell, blue identifies satin, and green identifies semi-gloss. Two additional bands near the bottom of the can distinguish use: a white band marks interior paint, while a black band marks exterior paint.
The colors give both store employees and shoppers a quick visual way to spot the right type of paint before reading the full label. Do it Best currently sells its Best Look interior paint in flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes, along with separate exterior paint products, according to the company’s product listings cited in the report.
However, Family Handyman found that paint can color codes are not universal. Manufacturers use their own packaging systems, so a colored band on one brand may mean something different on another — or may indicate a product line rather than a sheen. That makes the viral trick most useful for the same Do it Best paint line shown in the video. The report advises shoppers to confirm the sheen printed on the label and verify whether the paint is intended for interior or exterior use.
Why the Shortcut Helps — and Where It Fails
The appeal of the trick is straightforward: hardware store paint aisles can overwhelm shoppers because rows of cans look nearly identical. A color band offers a fast visual cue for tradespeople, experienced DIYers, and beginners alike, reducing the chance of grabbing the wrong sheen or an exterior product for an indoor job.
The limitation matters just as much. Choosing the wrong sheen affects how a finished wall looks and performs — flat paint hides small wall flaws but cleans less easily, while semi-gloss suits trim and surfaces needing regular cleaning. Relying on a colored band from a different brand could send a shopper home with the wrong product. Anyone matching an old can, the report notes, should check the brand, product line, sheen, base, and color formula rather than trusting a colored band alone.
Reading Labels: Sheens and Tint Bases
Paint sheen determines how much light a finish reflects and where it typically works best. According to guidance from Sherwin-Williams and Behr cited in the report, flat paint has very little shine, eggshell has a slight sheen, satin reflects more light and suits frequently used rooms, and semi-gloss is shinier and common on trim.
The report also cautions that paint brands do not always use the same sheen names or groupings — Sherwin-Williams and Behr, for example, list finishes including flat, matte, satin, semi-gloss, and eggshell. Labels may also carry tint-base terms such as white, neutral, or deep base, which describe the paint base rather than its sheen. Family Handyman’s bottom line: the color code can help narrow a choice, but the printed sheen on the can remains the most reliable guide.
“Shortcuts like this can make a crowded paint aisle easier to navigate, but they don’t work in all cases.”
— Family Handyman
What Shoppers Still Can’t Assume
It is not clear how many Do it Best products carry the color bands, or whether the retailer plans to extend or change the system. The report does not state whether other hardware retailers use similar color-coding schemes on their house brands, and because manufacturers can change packaging at any time, the bands’ meanings may not remain stable over time. Shoppers matching an older can should not assume a current band matches their previous purchase without verifying the label details.
How to Shop the Paint Aisle Safely
Shoppers can expect continued social media shortcuts for navigating hardware stores, but the practical guidance remains consistent: use color bands only as a first filter, then read the printed label for sheen, interior or exterior use, and base type. When repainting to match an existing wall, bring the old can or a color sample so the store can match the brand, product line, and formula. For larger interior or exterior projects, many retailers offer sample sizes to test a sheen under actual lighting before committing to a full purchase.
Key Questions
What do the colored bands on Do it Best paint cans mean?
According to a T&M Hardware & Rental video, red means flat, yellow means eggshell, blue means satin, and green means semi-gloss. A white band near the bottom marks interior paint; a black band marks exterior paint.
Do these color codes work on all paint brands?
No. Family Handyman reports that paint can color codes are not universal — manufacturers use their own packaging systems, and some use color to distinguish product lines rather than sheen. The shortcut is most reliable for the Do it Best line shown in the video.
What’s the difference between flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss?
Flat has little shine and can make wall flaws less noticeable; eggshell has a slight sheen; satin reflects more light and suits frequently used rooms; semi-gloss is shinier and common on trim or surfaces that need regular cleaning.
What do terms like white, neutral, or deep base on a paint label mean?
These are tint-base terms describing the paint base used for coloring, not the sheen. Family Handyman advises not confusing base terms with finish type when reading a label.
How can I match an old can of paint accurately?
The report recommends checking the brand, product line, sheen, base, and color formula on the old can rather than relying on a colored band alone, since packaging colors are not standardized across brands.
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