You’ve finally found the perfect shade of blue for your living room—only to discover it’s from an old can with no label. Or maybe you’re trying to touch up a wall but can’t remember which of the 50 shades of gray you used last time. We’ve all been there desperately trying to figure out how to color match paint. Figuring out how to color match paint is crucial for nailing the perfect color in your DIY or paint project. Here’s how Henry and I have tackled color matching in our home, and some tips to help you do the same.
Start With What You Have
The easiest way to color match paint is to start with a sample of the existing color. If you have an old can of the original paint, check for any labels or codes. Even if the label is long gone, there might be a swatch or a spot on the lid with a dab of paint. If you’re lucky, this will give you a head start. But if the can is empty or missing, don’t worry—there are other ways to match that shade.
Cut a Sample
For those times when the original can is MIA, Henry and I have found that the best thing to do is cut a small sample of the painted surface. This might sound drastic, but it’s incredibly effective. Just cut a tiny piece of the drywall (about the size of a quarter) from an inconspicuous spot—like behind a switch plate or in a closet. Once you’ve got your sample, take it to your local paint store. They’ll scan it with a spectrophotometer, which analyzes the color and matches it with a formula that’s as close to perfect as possible.
Use a Color Matching App
Technology has made matching paint colors easier than ever. There are plenty of apps and tools available that let you take a picture of the color you’re trying to match, and then they recommend the closest paint match. Henry and I have used the Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® app a few times, and it’s been surprisingly accurate. Just snap a photo in good lighting, and the app will give you the closest paint color match. It’s a great option if you’re out shopping and don’t have a sample with you.
Consider the Finish
Once you’ve matched the color, don’t forget about the finish. The same color can look very different in a flat finish versus a gloss. If you’re doing a touch-up, try to match the original finish as closely as possible. Henry and I learned this the hard way when we tried to touch up our semi-gloss kitchen cabinets with a matte paint. The color was spot on, but the finish difference made the touch-ups really noticeable. It’s always a good idea to buy a small sample pot to test on your wall before committing to gallons.
Test the Paint
After you’ve found the closest match, don’t skip testing. Paint a small section of your wall (preferably near where you took the sample) and let it dry completely. Check it in different lighting throughout the day. Sometimes, a color that seems perfect under store lighting might look a little off at home. Henry and I once thought we had the perfect match for our living room, but under our warm lights, the color had a slightly greenish tint. Testing helped us catch it before we painted the entire room.
Mix and Adjust
If the match isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to tweak it. Most paint stores can adjust the color for you—just bring it back and explain what’s off. It might take a little trial and error, but it’s worth it to get the perfect match. Henry is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to these things, and I’ve seen him mix two or three different paints to get the exact shade he wants. While it’s a bit more work, the result is always worth it.
Our Favorite Paint Sprayer
Once you find the perfect paint match, the Graco X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer is the ideal tool for applying it. The paint sprayer is a dream for projects like this because it delivers professional-quality results with minimal effort. The X7 handles larger areas effortlessly, so what would have taken us hours with a roller was done in a fraction of the time. It’s our secret weapon for achieving that polished, magazine-worthy look without the hassle.
Final Thoughts
Color matching paint can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tricks, you can get it just right. Whether you’re relying on technology, cutting out a sample, or tweaking your mix, the key is to take your time and test the results. Henry and I have had our share of paint mishaps, but we’ve learned that patience and a little bit of creativity go a long way. So next time you find yourself staring at a wall wondering how to color match paint, just remember—it’s all part of the process, and the perfect shade is just a few steps away!
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