Matching Paint: No Sample, No Problem

Matching paint colours can be a tricky task, especially when you don't have a sample to work with. However, modern paint-matching technology has made it easier for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts to recreate any paint colour. This can be done by using colour-matching apps or taking advantage of the technology available at local paint stores. Paint colour apps like BEHR's Color Smart allow users to upload a photo and receive a colour match, while paint stores can use computerized colour-matching technology to assess and identify the exact colour match of a paint sample.

Use a colour-matching app

If you are unable to obtain a paint sample to take to your local paint store, you can use a colour-matching app to find the closest matching paint colour. Many paint companies and home improvement stores offer mobile apps to help match paint. Here are some apps you can use:

Color Portfolio App

The Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio App allows you to take a picture of anything using your phone's camera and instantly find equivalent Benjamin Moore paint colours. You can also visualise paint colours on a variety of walls and surfaces, as well as in different rooms or pictures of your space.

FindPaintColor

The FindPaintColor app is available for iPhone users and can identify the closest matching paint colours from four major paint vendors: Behr, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Sherwin Williams. The app also provides complementary colours and darker or lighter shades of your chosen colour. It provides standard Red, Green, and Blue (sRGB) values to help you find matching paints from other vendors.

ColorSnap® Match

The ColorSnap® Match app, available on the App Store, allows you to scan the colour of a flat surface and match it to the closest Sherwin-Williams paint colour. You can also purchase the ColorSnap™ Match Pro tool separately, which can identify the sheen of the paint in addition to the colour.

Color Muse

Color Muse is an app that allows you to scan and store inspiration paint colours using a Colorimeter. You can create colour palettes, cross-reference and match colours from leading paint companies, and browse full-colour libraries of paint manufacturers.

PaintRack

The paintRack app allows you to upload a hex or RGB code for a colour or use a colour picker on an image to find a matching or similar paint colour.

While these apps can be very helpful in finding matching paint colours, it is important to note that factors such as lighting, texture, and variations in phone screens can affect the accuracy of the results.

Take a physical sample to a paint store

Taking a physical sample to a paint store is a straightforward way to match a paint colour without a sample pot or code. If the painted surface you want to match is a removable item, such as a cabinet door or a drawer, you can take the whole item to the store. If you're trying to match the colour of a wall, you can take a small sample of the paint by cutting out a one-inch square of paint from an inconspicuous spot, such as behind an outlet cover plate. You can also try the "paint chip" method, where you gently scrape off some of the top layers of paint with a knife to create a colour chip, which you can then take to a paint store.

Most paint stores are equipped with technology that can assess your paint sample and determine its exact colour. They can also identify the finish of the paint, which refers to the reflective shine on the surface of the paint. There are five main types of finish: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss, with flat being the most matte and gloss being the shiniest.

However, it's important to note that colour-matching technology may not always provide an exact match, and it's recommended to test the matched paint against your current paint job to ensure it's the correct colour.

Use a colour wheel app

If you're looking to match a paint colour without a sample, one way to do it is by using a colour wheel app. Colour wheels are a great way to find complementary, analogous, and triad colour recommendations using specific paint names.

There are two types of colour wheels: the RYB (red, yellow, blue) colour wheel, which is typically used by artists as it helps with combining paint colours, and the RGB (red, green, blue) colour wheel, which is designed for online use as it refers to mixing light on a computer or TV screen.

When using a colour wheel app, you can adjust the saturation and luminance of a hue. Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of the colour, while luminance refers to the amount of brightness or light in a colour.

Some colour wheel apps allow you to import a picture, and they will then tell you the closest matching paints. Many paint companies and home improvement stores offer mobile apps to help match paint. Simply download the app, take a photo of the painted object or surface you want to match, upload it, and the app will provide the closest colour match.

Additionally, some apps, like Benjamin Moore's Color Portfolio App, allow you to apply paint colours to photos of your space, helping you visualise how different paint colours will look in your room.

Compare to matching accessories

When matching paint colours to accessories, it's important to keep in mind that colours interact with light differently depending on their finish. Matte finishes absorb more light and keep the colour looking relatively consistent, while glossier sheens reflect light, which can make the colour appear differently throughout the day.

To achieve a harmonious and balanced look, opt for different shades of the same hue for your accessories and paint colour. For a bold, vibrant effect, choose colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. Remember, this rule only applies to primary and secondary colours, excluding black and white, which are considered "non-colours".

When matching accessories to paint colours, consider the specific colour you're working with. For example, blue works well with most colours except yellow, red, and black (although navy blue can go with black). Red, a strong and vibrant colour, pairs nicely with dark hues, white, and black. Yellow works well with black and white and stands out against soft or dark colours. Brown pairs well with other brown shades, leather tones, and dark green, but avoid pairing it with black. Light greens go well with blue or yellow, while dark greens pair nicely with brown.

Additionally, consider your complexion, hair colour, and body shape when matching accessories to paint colours. While there are no hard rules, certain colours may flatter your skin tone more than others. White, for example, tends to highlight flaws more than black.

Use paint sample cards

If you're looking to match a paint colour without a sample, one option is to use paint sample cards. These are available at most paint stores and can provide a close match to your desired colour. Here are some tips to help you use paint sample cards effectively:

Firstly, it's important to understand that paint matching is not an exact science. Even with the same paint colour, factors such as lighting conditions, surface texture, and age of the paint can affect how it appears. Therefore, your goal should be to find the closest match rather than an exact match.

When using paint sample cards, start by identifying the colour family you are interested in. For example, if you are looking for a shade of blue, focus on the blue paint sample cards. Compare the cards within that colour family to find the one that most closely resembles your desired shade.

Once you have found a few potential matches, it's time to test them out. Paint stores often provide small paint samples or "drawdowns" that you can purchase. These samples are actual paint applied to cardstock, allowing you to see the true colour and sheen. You can then compare these drawdowns to your desired surface or item to determine the best match.

It's worth noting that different lighting conditions can affect the appearance of paint colours. Examine the paint sample cards and drawdowns in various lighting situations, such as natural daylight, incandescent light, and fluorescent light, to get a better sense of how the colour may appear in your space.

Finally, don't be afraid to seek assistance. Smaller hardware or paint stores often have experienced staff who can help with colour matching. They may even be able to custom-make a paint colour to better suit your needs. Remember that paint matching can be challenging, so patience and persistence are key to finding the right shade.

Frequently asked questions