# Paint Color Codes Go Viral But Don't Work Universally

> Viral paint color codes help identify sheen types but fail across brands.
- Title: Paint Color Codes Go Viral But Don't Work Universally
- Summary: Viral paint color codes help identify sheen types but fail across brands. Do it Best paint cans use color bands to indicate sheen and interior/exterior use…
- Keywords: do it best, paint sheen, interior paint, exterior paint, color code, hardware store, Paint, Color, Codes, Viral, Don't, Work
- Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/hardware-store-paint-cheat-codes
- Author: Alex Shoemaker
- Published: 2026-09-30T20:26:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: do it best, paint sheen, interior paint, exterior paint, color code, hardware store
## Viral Paint Color Code
A T&M Hardware & Rental video showed colored sections on Do it Best paint cans to help shoppers identify sheen types quickly.
## Color Code Meaning
Red identifies flat paint, yellow eggshell, blue satin, green semi-gloss, white band for interior paint, black band for exterior paint.
## Color Codes Don't Work Universally
Paint brands use different packaging systems, so a colored band on one brand may mean something different on another.
## Sheen Types Explained
Flat paint has very little shine and hides small wall flaws, eggshell has slight sheen, satin reflects more light, semi-gloss is shinier and works well on trim.
## Why Check Labels
Shoppers should still check the printed sheen and confirm whether paint is for interior or exterior use before purchasing.
## Key takeaway

Do it Best paint cans use color bands to indicate sheen and interior/exterior use, but these codes don't apply to all brands.