Matching paint colors chosen by others can be a challenging and frustrating task. Even matching your own colors is difficult without meticulous notes on the hues used. Fortunately, paint technology has advanced, allowing nearly any shade to be achieved. When buying custom-mixed paint, each color is created using a specific formula unique to the paint company.
Most paint companies offer standard color ranges that are very similar to their competitors’, making comparisons unnecessary for most. However, if you paint a wall with Company A’s paint and later use what seems like “the same” color from Company B, the shades may not match exactly. They might look similar, but differences in manufacturer, batch, or even the paint’s age can cause slight variations. To avoid this, use the same paint—same color and manufacturer—for a project or patch job.
What if you buy a property and need to match paint colors without knowing the original specifications? If the previous owners or painters are unavailable, or a custom-mixed color was used, visit a paint store and collect paint cards with similar hues. Depending on the age of the paint surface, this process can be surprisingly straightforward.
Techniques for Matching and Mixing Paint Colors
If you need to paint or repaint a room, bring a sample of the desired color—such as a chip of plaster—to the store. Staff can mix paint and show you the result before purchase, though they may require a commitment to buy. Many creative individuals and interior decorators enjoy experimenting with hues, blending them with professional tinters. If you can’t find an exact match from a commercial paint company, try adding tinters yourself. For instance, to achieve a “dirty” pinkish hue from a too-bright shade, add a touch of raw umber to adjust it subtly or dramatically. Paint stores often sell tinters in small or large containers for this purpose.
Decorative painters, who create effects like ragging or color washing, prefer mixing their own colors to match a room’s design. They might start with a base hue and use tinters to lighten, darken, brighten, or subdue it, creating a unique palette. These finishes often blend multiple hues, with one area of a wall leaning orange and another browner, allowing painters to complement fabrics or create striking color and pattern effects.
If you’re new to choosing colors, don’t feel intimidated by the need to “match” them or by expert rules. Instead, draw inspiration from nature, where colors like reds, oranges, and yellows coexist beautifully without always matching. Similarly, in your home, aim for colors that work together within your chosen theme. Decide on an overall decorative scheme for your room or home, then select colors that align with it. Paint is a versatile tool—by matching or contrasting colors, you can craft a personalized effect that meets your needs.
