Unable to match existing paint color, any idea?

Deepee
by Deepee

Hello,


I had few scratches in the ceiling. So, I had taken a sample of paint to home depot to get the exact color match. I applied the color, but it does not work. I am not sure if I will going to get the exact but I'd like to figure out how to match paint as close as I can.


  9 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on May 25, 2020

    One mistake that I have done with color matching -- is not getting the same finish as the original. Like, I bought eggshell, when the original was flat. You might want to check that... as it gives a whole different look.


  • Deepee Deepee on May 25, 2020

    That's a good suggestion, I have checked the same with home depot. It was mate finish and I got the paint with Mate finish only. I am attaching the picture for the reference. Any different idea to repaint partially with innovative.

  • Beth Beth on May 25, 2020

    Unless I'm looking at it really closely, I don't see it. I thought your photo was of a paint swatch, then then I noticed that one section is ever-so-slightly different. If it won't drive you crazy, I'd probably just leave it. It's on the ceiling, and it may dry and age to be similar to the other color with a little time. It's not that far off right now.

    • See 1 previous
    • Beth Beth on May 25, 2020

      I think it will become less noticeable over time! If I was in your house, and I didn't know about it, I would never notice that spot.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 25, 2020

    Hello Deepee,

    Did they mix the paint for you or did you buy a ready made paint? If you had it mixed for you then it sounds as if you will have to repaint the whole ceiling to make it right! The other alternative is to use watercolour paints and mix your own colour on the spot. If you don't feel capable then ask an artist friend to give you a hand.

    Best wishes.

    • Deepee Deepee on May 25, 2020

      Thank you for the response. The paint was mixed by Home Depot person. I liked the idea to ask an artist friend :-)

  • Gk Gk on May 25, 2020

    The color of your ceiling has probably changed over time with sunlight, dirt and grime. You may have the same color match but if you are applying fresh paint you can (and did) see the differnce. You may have to paint the entire ceiling.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 25, 2020

    Temperature differences during different applications can change the look of an interior paint color. Generally, if it’s 10+ degrees cooler than when you painted last your touch up paint will dry lighter. If it’s 10+ degrees warmer, your touch up paint will dry darker.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 26, 2020

    I would go to Sherwin Williams, free standing store. Their paint associates are experts in paint match. You probably also want to give your ceiling a good cleaning and double check the finish. Flat vs. eggshell or other.

  • The existing paint has changed over time so unfortunately it’s going to be impossible to match.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 07, 2020

    Hi Deepee, chances with a match are pretty thin, Home Depot has the best technology for that and if they can't I don't think anyone can, this may be the time when you have to bit the bullet and repaint the ceiling, it will sure look clean and fresh!