How To Color Match The Paint Color Of Your Walls: Expert Tips

Have you ever wanted to repaint your interior walls but found yourself stuck because you don’t know the exact paint color currently on the walls? Maybe you didn’t keep a record of the paint code, or you don’t have any leftover paint to reference. Finding the right paint color to match your existing walls can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

As a professional painter with over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned several effective ways to accurately identify the paint color on your walls. In this article, I’ll share my top three methods for color matching paint color along with some bonus tips to make the process easier and more precise. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or preparing to hire a painter, these insights will help you get the best results.

Why Is It Important to Match Your Paint Color Accurately?

Before diving into the techniques, you might wonder:

• Why bother matching the exact paint color? Because an accurate match ensures your walls look seamless after repainting, especially if you’re only touching up or repainting part of a room.
• What if the color doesn’t match? Mismatched paint colors can make your walls look patchy, uneven, or simply unprofessional.
• Can’t I just eyeball the color? While you can try, human eyes are often deceived by lighting, surrounding colors, and paint finishes, making it tough to get a perfect match.

With that in mind, let’s explore the three main ways to find your wall’s current paint color.

1. Use a Color Matching Device at the Paint Store

One of the quickest ways to identify the paint color on your walls is by using a color matching device. Most paint retailers have these handy machines that scan a painted surface and suggest the closest matching paint formula.

Advantages:

• Fast and convenient for small jobs
• Can provide a close match regardless of paint brand

Disadvantages:

• Devices can be costly to use for a one-time job
• Not always 100% accurate, especially if the wall has aged or faded over time
• The finish and lighting conditions can affect the scan’s accuracy

This method works well if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to do much prep. However, it’s important to understand that the color match may not be perfect, especially if you want to apply just one coat and expect it to blend seamlessly.

2. Match the Color Manually Using a Color Deck

Another common option is to use a paint store’s color deck—a collection of small paint swatches organized by shade and hue. You can hold these swatches up to your wall and try to find the closest match by eye.

While this sounds straightforward, it’s often more challenging than it seems:

• Our eyes perceive color differently depending on lighting and surroundings
• Few people have the trained eye to distinguish subtle differences in paint colors
• The color deck swatches are small and can look different when applied to a large wall

Because of these factors, this method is less reliable unless you are experienced with paint colors or have a keen eye for detail.

3. Take a Sample of Your Wall’s Paint to the Store

Now, here’s the method I use most frequently and recommend as the most accurate: taking a small sample of your wall’s paint to the store for professional color matching.

Why does this work so well?

• Paint stores have advanced color matching technology that can analyze your sample with 98-99% accuracy.
• The sample contains the actual paint on your wall, including the finish and any aging effects.
• This method helps ensure that if you want to do just one coat, the new paint will blend perfectly with the existing wall color.

How to Take a Proper Paint Sample

Follow these steps carefully to get the best sample:

1. Use an X-Acto knife or a similar precise cutting tool.
2. Cut a piece of the drywall paint layer that’s at least 2 inches by 2 inches. It can be any shape—a circle or square works fine.
3. Be careful when cutting to avoid damaging the wall unnecessarily.
4. Choose a spot in the middle of the wall rather than near edges or corners.

Why the middle of the wall?

Edges and corners often have drywall mud (joint compound) that can affect the sample’s accuracy. By cutting out a piece from the middle, you get a clean sample of the actual painted drywall surface.

Once you have your sample, take it to your local paint store. The professionals there will use specialized equipment to scan it and provide you with the exact paint color formula.

Bonus Tips for Successful Paint Color Matching

Here are some extra pointers to make the process smoother and more effective:

• If your paint is flaking or peeling: You can collect some of the flaking paint and bring that in instead of cutting the wall.
• Patch the hole afterward: Cutting out a small paint sample will leave a tiny hole, but it’s easy to repair with wall filler and touch-up paint.
• Lighting matters: Try to take your sample or compare colors under natural daylight for the most accurate perception.
• Keep leftover paint: Once you have the exact color matched, save some leftover paint for future touch-ups or repainting.

What If You Need Help? Hiring a Professional Painter

Sometimes, painting and color matching can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure about cutting into your walls or want an expert to handle the job, consider finding a trusted local painter. A professional will have the experience and tools to make sure your walls look flawless.

For homeowners looking for reliable painters, resources like Trusted House Painter can connect you with local professionals quickly and easily. They also offer free resources like the Homeowner Toolkit to guide you through your painting project from start to finish.

If you want to get quotes fast or need advice, you can also call toll-free at 1-866-724-6818. Getting help from pros can save you time, stress, and money in the long run.

Summary: Your Go-To Guide for Paint Color Matching

To recap, here are the three main ways to match your wall’s current paint color:

1. Use a color matching device at the paint store – Quick but sometimes less accurate.
2. Match manually with a color deck – Requires a good eye, but can work for simple projects.
3. Take a paint sample from your wall – Most accurate method using professional technology.

Remember, the key to a perfect match is accuracy and preparation. Taking a small sample from the middle of your wall and having it professionally scanned is your best bet to ensure your new paint blends seamlessly with the old.

If you’re ready to repaint but want to avoid color mismatches, try these tips and get the job done right the first time. And if you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional painter who can guide you through the process.

Happy painting!