We’ve all been there. You’ve got a scuff, a mark, or a small repair needed on your wall, and all you want to do is touch it up. But then you hit the snag: you have no idea what the paint colour is called. “Is it beige? Is it greige? Is it ‘Elephant’s Breath’ or ‘Skimming Stone’?” The possibilities can feel endless, and the thought of repainting the entire wall (or even room!) for one small patch is daunting.
Fear not! As your trusted decorating experts at HL Decorating, we’re here to share our insider knowledge on how to match an existing paint colour, even when its name is a mystery. With a little know-how and the right approach, you can achieve a good match.
Step 1: Get a Good Sample of Your Existing Paint
This is arguably the most crucial step. The better your sample, the more accurate the match will be. Here’s how to get it:
Carefully Scrape a Flake: For a small touch-up, you might be able to gently scrape off a tiny flake of existing paint from an inconspicuous area (e.g., behind a picture, near a skirting board, or inside a cupboard). Aim for a piece at least the size of a fingernail, if possible.
Cut a Small Square (Last Resort): If scraping isn’t yielding enough, and you’re truly desperate for a perfect match, you can carefully cut a small (e.g., 1cm x 1cm) square of plasterboard with the paint on it. This is more invasive but provides an excellent sample. Make sure to choose an area that won’t be easily visible once repaired. Use a sharp knife and be sure to wear eye protection, better to be safe than sorry! Once you have cut the sample you can apply tape to the back of it to help hold it together and keep it in one piece.
Pro Tip: Clean the area you’re sampling from first. Dust and grime can alter the perceived colour. Just use a damp cloth and gently wipe the area, try not to press to hard as you may cause damage.
Step 2: Utilize Technology: Paint Matching Apps & Devices
The world of paint matching has come a long way! There are several excellent tools that can help:
- Smartphone Apps: Many paint brands (e.g., Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Crown) have their own apps that allow you to take a photo of your wall and get a close match from their colour palettes. While not always 100% accurate, they can provide a fantastic starting point.
- Colour Matching Devices (Spectrophotometers): For the most precise results, some paint stores (and professional decorators like us!) use handheld colour-matching devices. You simply place the device against your wall, and it scans the colour, providing you with the closest paint code from various manufacturers. It’s worth asking your local paint supplier if they offer this service. Sometimes they will lend you one for a small charge.
Step 3: Head to Your Local Paint Shop or Decorator Centre
Once you have your sample (or a good idea from an app), it’s time to visit the experts.
- Take Your Sample: This is where that physical paint flake or plasterboard square from step 1 comes in handy. Most good paint shops have a colour-matching service. They will place your sample under a special light or use their spectrophotometer to find the closest match from their extensive range of swatches. Be careful when transporting the sample, you don’t want to get to the store with a crumpled mess that can’t be scanned.
- Explain Your Needs: Tell them if you need an exact touch-up or if a very close match will suffice for a larger area. They can advise on the best finish (matt, silk, eggshell, etc.) to match your existing paint.
- Consider Custom Mixing: Many paint shops can custom-mix paint to precisely match your sample. This is often the best route for an invisible repair.
Step 4: Test, Test, Test! (The Golden Rule)
Even with the best technology and expert advice, it’s crucial to always test your chosen paint colour before applying it to a large area.
- Purchase a Small Tester Pot: Buy the smallest quantity available of your matched colour.
- Apply to an Inconspicuous Area: Paint a small patch in a hidden spot on your wall (e.g., behind a door, a piece of furniture, or in a corner that’s not easily seen).
- Allow to Dry Fully: Paint colours often change slightly as they dry. Wait for at least 24 hours to see the true shade.
- Check in Different Lights: Observe the patch in natural daylight, artificial light, and at different times of the day. Colours can appear vastly different depending on the lighting conditions.
What if the Match Isn’t Perfect?
Sometimes, a perfect match isn’t achievable, especially if your existing paint has faded over time due to UV exposure. In such cases:
- Feathering: If the difference is subtle, apply the new paint by “feathering” the edges. This involves thinning the paint slightly as you get to the edges of your repair, blending it seamlessly into the old paint.
- Consider a Strategic Feature Wall: If a close match isn’t cutting it, perhaps it’s an opportunity to repaint that wall in a complementary shade, turning a repair into a stylish upgrade without having to repaint a whole area!
- Maybe it’s time for a refresh? Have a look at the rest of your office or workplace and consider if now is the time to redecorate. There are many benefits to keeping your space well maintained and up to date. Take a look at our blog for some ideas!
Need Professional Help?
If your commercial property in London, Cambridge or Essex is starting to look tired, we can help. A repaint is more than a fresh coat—it’s a strategic upgrade to your brand, team, and asset value.
We specialise in:
- Commercial Offices
- Schools and Learning Environment
- Medical Premises
- Listed Buildings
- Contracts with Managing Agents
- Contracts with Facilities Management Departments
We’d love to talk about your decorating project. Contact us for a free quotation.
Take a look at some of our previous projects.
Or take a look at some of our other BLOG posts:
Repaint or Just Touch Up Your Office?
The Advantages of Water-Based Paints for Decorating Projects
