You need to match existing wall paint color to the damaged part or the paint that starts to peel. This seems like a simple task, but not until you have tried to do so. Lighting has a huge impact on the selection of the right paint to fix the damaged wall paint. This is because the paint that you have applied on the wall before fades over time, and even the finishes like satin, gloss, or matte will affect how this shade looks. So, how to match existing wall paint colors easily? We have the perfect guide for you with tips and tricks that you might find helpful.

Why Matching Paint Colors Is Challenging?

Even if you do know the original paint color, matching it can be a difficult task. With time, the paint can start to fade due to sunlight exposure and other environmental factors. This will cause the current wall color not to look how it did once. Other factors that will affect this matching include the lighting conditions, the paint finish, and the wall texture.

10 Ways To match Existing Wall Paint Colors

10 Ways To match Existing Wall Paint Colors

When you understand the factors and causes that can affect the choice of paint color, you can easily select the matching wall paint colors too. Here are the 10 ways to do this effectively.

1. Start with Leftover Paint If It’s Available

The easiest of all the methods is to use the leftover paint from the original paint job. You need to check your storage areas to find the old paint cans. If you find one, you need to stir it well before using it. It’s best to first use it on a small area to see if the color matches the existing color after drying.

2. Identify the Original Paint Color

If the leftover paint is not an option, you should identify this color yourself. You should look for the paint labels or receipts, ask the old painting contractor, or look for brand and color codes. Many of these paint brands have a catalogue for their color choices, so knowing the right name or code can help find the right one.

3. Take a Sample to a Paint Store

Most painting services offer paint too, and they offer a service of color matching with advanced scanning technology. You can take a sample of your existing wall paint by cutting a small piece of the painted wall and taking it to the paint store. They will scan the paint to create a matching formula for it.

4. Use Paint Swatches and Test Samples

If you can’t take a sample, you can use the color swatches to find the one that matches. Compare the swatches from the paint store and put them against your wall. Narrow down to the similar shades and buy small pots of paint to test on your walls. It’s best to test multiple shades as these colors can look different once you apply them.

5. Test in Different Lighting Conditions

Lighting plays a major role in how the paint color will appear. It’s best to test the sample during the day or at night under natural and artificial light. You need to observe how these colors change throughout the day before you make your final decision.

6. Match the Paint Finish

Most people will focus only on the paint color, but they don’t factor in the finish. But this is also an important factor in finding the matching wall paint. Common finishes for the paints include matte, eggshell, satin, gloss, and semi-gloss. Even if the color is the same, a different finish will make it look off. This is why it’s best to match both color and finish for the ideal results.

7. Blend the New Paint with the Old

When you are doing a touch-up for the wall, you need to avoid painting in the surrounding area. Techniques for this include feathering its edges, using the roller for an even texture, and painting one corner to another corner if needed.

8. Consider Repainting the Entire Wall

If the color matching is not perfect, repainting the entire wall might be the right solution. This will ensure you get consistent colors across the surface. There must be no visible patches or mismatches, and the appearance should be fresh and uniform.

9. Account for Paint Aging and Fading

With time, the walls will start to fade due to intense sunlight and climate exposure of the area you live in. If the wall is several years old, even a perfectly matched fresh coat of paint will look different. To prevent this issue, you need to blend the paint carefully or repaint the entire area.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you are having trouble matching the color, you need the help of professional painters. They have experience in matching colors, accessing advanced tools, and using the right techniques for smooth blending.

Final Thoughts

These tips will let you know how to match existing wall paint colors easily without having any kind of stress. You need the right approach of using either the leftover paint or getting a professional color match scan to get clean & smooth results. The key is to have patience in testing small samples, looking at the paint under the different lighting conditions, and matching the finish. All these tips will let you refresh your walls in no time, and your home will get a polished finish.