Have you been planning to renovate your room recently? Only a few things can be as frustrating as realising you can’t remember your original paint colour. Regardless of whether you are repairing a patch, touching up scuffs, or finishing a long-overdue DIY job, a wrong colour match can make even the smallest area stand out. Fortunately, matching an existing paint colour is absolutely possible. In fact, it is much easier when you know what to look for. As experienced decorators in Chelmsford often say, “The secret is in the details.” Read this blog to know how to get it right.
Effecting Colour Matching Techniques Before Wall Painting
Assess the Paint in Different Lighting
Before you try to match anything, spend a moment looking at the wall in various lighting conditions. Paint can appear completely different depending on the time of day, the strength of natural light, and the warmth or coolness of indoor bulbs.
- Morning light might make the paint appear cooler
- Afternoon light can bring out warmer tones
- Artificial lighting may shift the colour altogether
Professional decorators always check colours under several light sources to avoid mismatches. Take a few photos at different times of day — these can help when comparing shades at the paint shop.
Bring a Sample for Colour Matching
If you’re dealing with a small chip, flaking area, or hidden spot behind furniture, you may be able to remove a tiny piece of paint to take with you. Most modern paint stores have advanced colour-matching scanners that read your sample and provide an almost spot-on match.
When removing a sample:
- Choose a discreet area
- Use a sharp blade to lift a small piece
- Make sure the sample is at least the size of a 10p coin for best scanning accuracy
Even professional decorators use this method as it’s often the fastest way to get an accurate match.
Use a Colour-Matching App
If taking a physical sample isn’t an option, try using a smartphone colour-matching app. These technologically advanced applications will allow you to scan your wall, identify the closest paint shade, and even compare it with major brands. They might not be as accurate as the store scanners, but they do the job pretty well. It can effectively narrow down the possibilities before you head to the shop. For even better accuracy:
- Experts suggest standing directly facing the wall
- Always try to avoid shadows
- Ensure the light is neutral and even
Some decorators use these apps onsite as a starting point before doing a more detailed match.
Bring Home Testers for Comparison
Never rely on a paint chart alone. Once you’ve narrowed down a few likely options, pick up tester pots and paint sample patches directly onto your wall. Allow them to dry fully. Paint often dries darker than it appears in the pot. When comparing testers:
- Paint at least A4-sized swatches
- Label each one clearly
- View them at different times of the day
This “try before you buy” approach is one of the most dependable ways to achieve a perfect match and is highly favoured by seasoned decorators.
Call in Professional Decorators for Precision
If your walls have aged, faded, or developed subtle patinas over time, even a perfect match may look slightly off. This is when hiring expert decorators can make a huge difference. Professionals are skilled at blending, feathering, and colour-correcting paint so the repaired area blends seamlessly into the existing wall. They can:
- Mix custom shades on-site
- Account for ageing and wear
- Apply advanced blending techniques
- Save you time, materials, and repeated trial and error
Sometimes the most cost-effective solution is letting a pro handle the tricky parts.
Achieve a Flawless Finish Everytime
Matching an existing paint colour might not be as easy as it sounds. However, with the right approach and a little help from local decorators in Chelmsford, it’s completely achievable. Whether you’re repairing a small mark or reviving an entire room, these methods will help you find the perfect shade and restore your space to its best. Are you looking for someone reputable and experienced in this sector? You will hardly find someone better than RPS Decor.