Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or you’re moving into a new space in need of a refresh, a fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate any room. Unsure of your current wall color but still love it? Enter color matching—a helpful process during renovations or when extending an existing color to other rooms.
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Your Step-By-Step Guide to Painting the Perfect Wall
How to Match Paint Colors
Discover several effective methods for finding the exact paint color you’re seeking.
Wall Chip
A simple technique involves extracting a small paint chip from a discreet spot, like behind an electrical outlet cover. Sara McLean, a color expert at Dunn-Edwards, suggests, “Take this chip to a paint store equipped with technology for precise color matching.”
Paint Sample
Erika Woelfel, Behr’s vice president of color and creative services, recommends using color samples. “Select samples resembling the desired color, test them in various lights, and pick the closest match.”
Technology
Various paint brands offer apps facilitating color matching by uploading photos or taking direct pictures. Behr’s Color Smart, for instance, analyzes uploaded photos for the best color match, although screen variations may affect results.
Identifying the Paint’s Finish
The finish, or sheen, of paint differs from its color and refers to its reflective shine.
Julie Fisher from Dutch Boy Paints explains, “Finishes vary from flat to gloss, with gloss increasing as you move up. Touch and visual assessment can help—ask: Does it feel matte or shiny? Where is the paint located?”
Testing the Paint
Once you’ve found a color match, conduct a comprehensive test before painting an entire surface. Woelfel advises, “Test a minimum 12-foot square to understand undertones and how light affects color intensity at different times of day.”
Final Considerations
Lighting significantly influences paint appearance; what seems ideal in the morning might alter in the evening.