Abstract: A method for preparing draw-down samples of paint using a draw-down applicator is provided. The draw-down applicator comprises a drawing plate having a bottom drawing surface and a bottom fluid delivery surface; a first support or arm having a bottom sliding surface and being rigidly connected to the first drawing plate; and a second support having a bottom sliding surface and being rigidly connected to the drawing plate. The bottom sliding surfaces of said first and second supports form a first plane, and the bottom drawing surface of said drawing plate is in a second plane. The two planes are parallel but not coplanar. Furthermore, the applicator is a non-metallic material. The method includes forming a puddle of paint on a substrate having a substantially smooth surface and drawing the draw-down applicator over the puddle of paint so that the applicator delivers a substantially uniform thickness of the paint over the substrate.