How To Match a Paint Color

Ever tried to touch up a wall only to end up with a mismatched patch? You’re not alone. Matching paint can be tricky, but you can achieve a seamless blend with the right techniques. In the video above, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique offers his practical tips for matching paint colors like a pro.

Identifying the Original Paint

Gathering as much information as possible about the original paint is important before you try to find a color match.

Check for Leftover Paint

Your best bet for a perfect match is finding the original paint can. Henrique suggests checking these common storage areas:

• Attic
• Basement
• Garage
• Utility closet

If you’re lucky enough to find a can of the original paint, the color information should be on the lid or side of the container.

Gather Paint Information

If you can’t locate the original paint can, try to collect the following details:

• Color name or number
• Paint manufacturer
• Paint sheen (flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss)

This information can be helpful when you visit a paint store or home center for a match.

Using Paint Chips and Color Wheels

When you’re working without the original paint info, paint chips and color wheels are the best tools in your arsenal.

Paint Chips

Many home centers and paint stores offer free paint chips that you can take home and compare to your wall color. To use paint chips for an accurate match, follow these steps:

1. Hold the chips against the wall in different lighting conditions.
2. Narrow down your selection to the closest matches.
3. Select several chips that appear close to your wall color.
4. Purchase small paint samples of your top choices for further testing at home.

Color Wheels

Professional painters often use color wheels to help match paint colors. Color wheels let you analyze a range of similar hues to help you zero in on a color family and find the closest match.

Creating a Paint Sample

Sometimes, you need to go straight to the source. If you can’t match the color using paint chips or a color wheel, create a paint sample from your wall. Henrique shows this technique in the video.

Steps To Create a Paint Sample

Here’s how to create a paint sample from your wall:

1. Use a utility knife to cut a small square of paint and drywall paper. Aim for a sample size of about 1-inch square.
2. Choose an inconspicuous area of the wall, such as behind furniture or near an outlet.
3. Gently peel the sample away from the wall.
4. Place the sample in an envelope or small container to protect it.

Repairing the Sample Area

After removing the paint sample, you’ll need to repair the area:

1. Apply a spackling compound to the damaged area.
2. Sand the area smooth.
3. Allow the compound to dry completely.
4. Prime the repaired spot.
5. Paint over the area once you’ve successfully matched the color.

Using Color-Matching Technology

Many home centers and paint stores now offer electronic color-matching services. This technology can provide a close match to your paint sample. Here’s how it works:

1. Bring your paint sample to a store with color-matching capabilities.
2. A store associate will scan your sample using a spectrophotometer.
3. The device analyzes the color and provides a formula for mixing the paint.
4. The store can then create a custom-mixed paint based on this formula.

While this tech is pretty accurate, it’s always smart to test the matched paint before committing to the color. We recommend sampling it on a small wall area first.

Painting Techniques for Color Matching

Once you have your matched paint, follow these pro tips to apply it correctly for the best results.

Small Touch-Ups

For small areas, Henrique recommends using a foam brush. This tool helps gently dab the paint onto the wall, feathering the edges to blend smoothly with the surrounding area. This is the process for small touch-ups:

1. Dip the foam brush lightly into the paint.
2. Dab the paint onto the area that needs a touch-up.
3. Feather the edges of the painted area to blend with the surrounding wall.

Larger Areas

When dealing with larger areas or multiple spots, follow these tips:

1. Use a roller for more even coverage.
2. Apply the paint in thin, even coats.
3. Allow each coat to dry entirely before deciding if another coat is needed.

Blending Techniques

To achieve a seamless blend, we recommend this process:

1. Extend the painted area slightly beyond the repair or touch-up spot.
2. Feather the edges of the newly painted area.
3. Try using a dry brush technique to soften the transition between old and new paint. Lightly dragging a dry brush over the edges can create a more natural blend.

When To Repaint the Entire Wall or Room

In some cases, touching up or matching a small area may not be sufficient. Henrique advises repainting the entire wall or room in certain situations, such as:

• If the original paint has faded significantly because of sunlight exposure.
• When dealing with dark colors, which are notoriously difficult to match.
• If the paint is more than a few years old.
• When multiple areas need repairs or touch-ups.

Tips for Future Paint Matching

These preventive measures will help you avoid future headaches:

1. Keep detailed records of paint colors used in your home.
2. Store leftover paint properly in a cool, dry place.
3. Label paint cans with the room and date of use.
4. Keep a small amount of each paint color in a sealed container for future touch-ups.

Resources

Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Mauro’s Painting.