How do you match paint color to existing?

To match paint color to existing surfaces, start with a sample from the current finish, use a color-matching tool or a professional service to generate a close match, and test swatches in the actual room lighting before committing to a full project.

Understanding the challenge

Color matching isn’t just about copying a swatch. It depends on lighting, the surface texture, and the finish you choose. Subtle undertones can shift how a color reads, and different sheens (flat, eggshell, satin, etc.) will read differently on the wall. Professionals suggest aiming for a perceptual match that holds under your room’s lighting rather than a perfect digital code alone.

Key considerations when matching color

When you’re comparing options, consider lighting (natural versus artificial), undertones (warm, cool, or neutral), and finish. A match that looks right in daylight can appear warmer or cooler under incandescent or LED light. A practical rule: color accuracy is often judged in perceptual terms, not just numbers; many makers aim for a Delta E of 1–3 under typical room lighting to satisfy most eyes.

Steps to match paint color

To guide you through the process, follow these steps:

1. Collect a physical sample from the existing paint, ideally from an area that has chipped or worn edges rather than a flat surface. If you can’t pull a sample, photograph the area under neutral lighting, but know photos can be misleading.


2. Use a color-matching device or service. Handheld spectrophotometers (from brands like X-Rite or Datacolor) or brand-backed color-matching apps and store programs can generate a close match and recommend cross-brand equivalents.


3. Compare suggested matches with the original in person. Paint small swatches on white cardstock or painter’s tape patches and place them next to the area being matched to judge accuracy.


4. Test swatches on the wall in the actual room lighting for 24 to 48 hours. Observe under different times of day and with the room’s artificial lighting to see how the color shifts.


5. Refine as needed. If the match is off, request or mix a new batch using the best approximate color. Some brands offer custom-mixed options to address undertones and sheen concerns.


6. Finalize with the right sheen. Choose a finish (flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, etc.) that matches the existing surface’s appearance, since sheen can alter color perception.

After completing this list, remember that the goal is a swatch that reads as the same color in the room’s lighting and with the chosen finish, not just a store sample.

Tools, resources and testing methods

These resources help you execute color matching accurately.

• Color-matching devices: handheld spectrophotometers from X-Rite or Datacolor, plus professional services offered by paint retailers.


• Brand color-matching apps and services: major paint brands provide digital matching tools and sample programs to assist consumers.


• Test materials: large swatches or painted sample boards that can stay in the room to compare under real lighting.


• Lighting considerations: use daylight-balanced lighting during testing to judge how color will read in practice.

Using the right tools helps you achieve a close match, but it’s still wise to test in-situ because lighting and finishes can shift perception.

Tips to avoid common pitfalls

Before you commit to a paint order, keep these tips in mind to minimize surprises.

• Don’t rely solely on the color name or code from a sample; verify with multiple brand matches and in-situ tests.


• Consider undertones: a gray with green or purple undertones can read differently in various lighting conditions.


• Mind sheen: the same color with a different finish will read differently; match the finish to the surrounding surfaces.


• If multiple rooms or walls differ, treat each area as its own match and avoid assuming one color fits all spaces.

With careful testing and the right tools, you can minimize mismatch risk and achieve a cohesive look across spaces.

Summary

Successful color matching blends careful sampling, modern color-matching technology, and real-world testing under the room’s lighting. Start with a physical sample, use a color-matching tool to generate a close match, verify with swatches in the actual environment, and finalize with the appropriate sheen. When needed, enlist professional color-matching services offered by reputable paint brands to ensure the closest possible match.

How big of a paint chip is needed to color match?

A paint chip about the size of a quarter or a little larger is generally sufficient for color matching. To ensure the most accurate match, use a chip from an area that has not been exposed to direct sunlight and take a sample that includes the paint and a small amount of the drywall paper backing.
 
How to get a sample

1. Find a hidden spot: Look for a low-visibility area, such as behind an outlet or light switch plate, or in a corner of the baseboard. 
2. Cut the sample: Use a sharp utility knife to gently cut out a small, square sample of the paint chip, making sure to also cut through the paper layer of the drywall. 
3. Peel the paper: Carefully peel the paper backing away from the sample to get a flat piece of paint. 
4. Avoid sunlight: Take the sample from an area that has not faded from direct sunlight to ensure the color is as vibrant as the original. 
5. Clean the area: Once the sample is removed, you can patch the hole in the wall with drywall mud and sand it smooth for repainting. 

How to get the paint matched

• Take the sample to a paint store or home center, and they will use a color-matching system to find the right paint. 
• Bring a physical sample, as photos are often not accurate enough for a computer scan. 

How to match paint color already on wall?

To color match wall paint, carefully remove a small paint chip from an inconspicuous area of the wall, such as behind an outlet cover or in a corner. Take this physical sample to a paint store, where they can use a spectrophotometer to scan it and create a near-perfect match, including the correct sheen.
 
This video demonstrates how to cut a paint sample from a wall: 58sThis Old HouseYouTube · Jul 5, 2019
Step 1: Take a paint sample

• Clean any dirt or dust from the wall. 
• Using a utility or craft knife, cut a small, inch-by-inch sample from an inconspicuous area of the wall. 
• Carefully peel the paint chip off, including the paper layer from the drywall if possible. 
• For the best results, ensure the sample is large enough and that the original finish is also matched. 

Step 2: Get the paint matched

• Take the physical paint chip to a paint store. 
• The store will use a digital scanner to analyze the color and sheen for an accurate match. 
• Alternatively, you can take well-lit photos of the wall or try comparing paint swatches at the store, but these methods are less accurate than using a physical sample. 

This video shows how to use a paint matching device: 1mTrusted House PainterYouTube · Jun 5, 2023
Step 3: Touch up the wall

• Before painting, patch the spot where you removed the sample with spackle, sand it smooth, and prime it. 
• When you paint, you may need to paint a larger area than just the patch to ensure the new paint blends seamlessly with the old paint. 

Can you take a picture of a paint color and match it?

Yes, you can take a picture of a paint color and match it using apps from major paint brands, but the results will be an approximation and not an exact match. Apps like Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap, BEHR's Color Smart, and Glidden's Match My Color allow you to upload a photo or take a new one to find the best-matching paint colors. The accuracy depends on factors like lighting, texture, and the quality of the digital photo.
 
How to match a paint color from a picture

1. Use a brand's app: Download a paint app from a brand like Sherwin-Williams, BEHR, or Glidden. 
2. Upload or take a photo: Open the app and use the tool to upload a photo from your gallery or take a new one of the color you want to match. 
3. Select the color: Use the in-app tool to select the specific color you're trying to match from the photo. 
4. Review the suggestions: The app will analyze the image and suggest the closest matching colors from that brand's collection. 
5. Consider the limitations: Remember that factors like the lighting in the photo, the texture of the surface, and your phone's screen can affect the accuracy of the digital match. 

For a more accurate match

• Take a good photo: Get a well-lit photo of the color, ideally without shadows. 
• Use a physical chip: For the most accurate match possible, take a physical sample of the paint (if possible) or the app's suggestion to a paint store to be color-matched with professional equipment. 

What is the best way to touch up paint on walls?

The best way to touch up paint is to start by cleaning the area, lightly sanding any rough spots, and then using a small amount of paint with either a small brush or foam roller to cover the spot. Feather the paint outward from the center to blend it with the existing wall, using thin, even coats. Finally, step back to check your work in different lighting conditions to ensure it blends seamlessly.
 
This video demonstrates how to properly touch up paint on a wall to avoid streaks and inconsistencies: 52sEastwood HomesYouTube · May 13, 2022
Step 1: Prepare the wall

• Clean the area: Wipe the spot and its surroundings with a damp sponge and a tiny bit of mild dish soap to remove dirt. 
• Sand lightly: Use a 120-grit sanding sponge to smooth the area and remove any debris or rough spots. 
• Prime (if needed): If you are painting over a patch of damage, prime the spot before painting. If it's just a color touch-up, priming is not necessary. 

Step 2: Apply the paint 

• Use the right tools: A small, angled brush or a foam roller is ideal for touch-ups. If the original paint was applied with a specific type of roller, use the same type to match the texture. 
• Load the applicator: Apply a small amount of paint to your brush or roller. 
• Dab for small spots: For very small marks, you can gently dab the paint on the spot. 
• Feather the edges: Apply the paint in a thin, even coat, starting in the center and working your way out. Use light, outward strokes to feather the edges and help the new paint blend with the old paint. 

This video shows how to apply paint for a seamless finish by feathering the edges: 53sHelpful DIYYouTube · Sep 25, 2022
Step 3: Blend and check 

• Use a random pattern: To avoid a noticeable "box" of fresh paint, blend the edges by lightly feathering the paint in a random pattern, like a "flower" or "starburst" pattern, in a few spots. 
• Allow to dry and check: Let the paint dry completely, then step back and look at the spot from different angles and under different lighting to see how well it blends. 
• Apply a second coat: If the first coat is uneven or doesn't cover the spot fully, apply a second thin coat.