How to Match Interior Wall Paint Color

The bad news: You cannot get a perfect match on paint color if you are trying to touch up wall paint with new paint. The good news: You can get very close and there's tricks to make it look great. Computerized paint color matching has made it much easier for paint stores to match almost any shade of paint.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint roller
• Paint brush
• Tray
• Tape
• Drop cloths

1. Whether you are painting over repair or just "touching up" over grimy or worn areas, the best solution is to get the paint color as close as you can, then paint the entire wall from corner to corner.

2. If there is something you can take off the wall to have the color matched at the paint store, this is the best solution. A heat register or painted switch plate cover, perhaps.

3. If there's nothing you can take off the wall, get as many paint swatches as possible and hold them up to get the closest match. Do this in natural light, if possible.

4. Say the wall you're trying to touch up is really high and it's not practical to paint the entire thing. Use a roller instead of a brush to apply the paint, it will blend in better. Realize it will be impossible to do a perfectly seamless match, but if you get close enough most people won't notice.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember you are matching the sheen as well as the color!
• When trying to decide between 2 colors, err on the side of a little darker than a little lighter than the existing shade. The final match will be closer that way.

[mattsaboy]

on 9/3/2009 Great article with 5 stars and a recommendation.

[memphisT]

on 9/15/2008 I have soft yellow on my walls with white trim molding, which color(s)for my sofa and chairs should I be using to make it comfortable and cozy in my living room, dining?