How to Colour Match Paint

By Ali. Less than 1 min read.

Colour matching paints

Wondering what colour wall paint is spread across the walls of your home? Have you lost that spare tin of paint for “future touch-ups” and can’t quite remember if it was simple white, cloud white or extra white?

This is where knowing how to colour-match paint comes in. Here at ROCHELE®, colour matching is simply a part of our everyday process. Not everyone opts for a colour change when they choose to paint their premises, often requesting similar colours or an exact match. So when other colours aren’t going to be considered, we need to find a colour match amongst the top-quality paint brands we trust.

As painting professionals, we know exactly how to match paint colour; it comes with the job. We get asked on a daily basis, “How to colour match wall paint” and what is involved in the process. So we’ve put together this article for those inquisitive clients, or even for people wanting to do it themselves.

Colour matching may seem simple, but it requires careful preparation and safety awareness. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling tools or removing paint samples. Remember to use a sturdy ladder for high walls or ceilings and protect your floors and furniture with drop cloths.

How to match a paint colour for interior gyprock ceilings and walls

To match an interior paint colour that has been painted onto gyprock ceilings or walls, you will need to cut a piece of the gyprock face off using a Stanley knife. The piece you remove needs to be no smaller than a fifty-cent piece. Always clean the surface of dust and dirt before taking a sample. A smooth, clean surface ensures the patch blends seamlessly. If you take this sample to the paint store, they can colour-match it for you. Afterwards, you’ll need to patch up the area where you have taken the plaster off.

Matching paint colours for doors

The best practice to colour match a painted door would be to remove a door hinge that has been painted and take this into the paint store. Alternatively, if the door is flaking you can take a 50c piece size of paint to the store to get colour matched. It is not easy to get a piece of paint this size; however, it is essential. If either of these options is not possible, you would need a professional to colour-match on-site.

How to match wall paint colours for render

You would need to chip off a piece of render, which is loose and dry, and take this into the paint store. If this is not possible, again, you would likely need a professional to come to the site to perform the colour match.

Paint colour matching for natural timber

It is difficult to chip off a piece of paint from timber as it is a hard surface. The paint usually comes off in small pieces, which are never big enough for a colour match. In this case, you would need an expert to come to the site to colour match.

When it is not possible to get a sample to take to a paint store for your colour match, the following options are possible:

Expert Onsite to Colour Match

A professional would come and have a look at the surface and determine what type of paint it is. They would then generally go to purchase paint, matching the coats they have, and use paint tinters onsite.

Fan Deck / Colour Card

You could get a fan deck or colour card from a paint store to take home and hold up against the paint you wish to match, trying to find the closest match possible in your eyes. Keep in mind, we think it’s usually best to choose one shade lighter. This is because you can always add tinter to make it darker but it is near impossible to take tint out to lighten it.

Your DIY Colour Matching Checklist

Take a sample.

Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting or chipping surfaces.
Gyprock: Cut a small piece from the wall or ceiling.
Doors: Remove a painted hinge or small paint chip.
Render: Chip off a loose section if possible.
Timber: Usually requires a professional on-site match.

Colour match

Bring your sample to a paint store, or have a professional match it on-site using tinting techniques.
If a sample isn’t available, use a fan deck or colour card to find the closest match.

Prepare the surface

Clean the area, sand smooth and use a drop cloth to protect the surroundings.
Patch any holes or removed sections with plaster filler.
Sand and smooth the area.
Apply a primer or sealer if needed.

Apply paint

Use the same technique as the original finish (brush, roller or spray).
Apply 1–2 coats of the matched topcoat.

Check for consistency

Check under both natural light and in different lighting conditions, to ensure the colour matches perfectly.
Always paint the full wall or surface rather than touching up small sections in isolation.
Be aware that sheen, lighting and the number of coats can affect how colours appear.

Tip: When using a fan deck, choose a slightly lighter shade; it’s easier to darken with tinter than to lighten an already mixed colour.

Common Colour Matching Mistakes

Even with the right tools and techniques, colour matching can be tricky. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a flawless finish:

Don’t patch small areas only: Touching up just a section can make the sheen look different from the surrounding surface.
Avoid painting in direct sunlight: Sunlight can make colours appear lighter and mislead your eye.
Check your paint sample: Using old, faded or tiny paint chips may result in an inaccurate match.
Mind the paint thickness: Applying too much paint at once can create blotches, even if the colour is correct.
Allow proper drying time: Rushing between coats or applying uneven layers can alter the final colour and finish.

Taking the time to prep, protect and patch properly ensures a consistent, professional-looking result every time.

DIY vs Professional Colour Matching Paint

When it comes to matching paint colours, you have two main options: attempting a DIY match yourself or relying on a professional painter. Each approach has its pros, challenges and ideal use cases.

DIY Colour Matching

DIY colour matching can work for small touch-ups or when you want to try to maintain existing colours on minor surfaces. Here’s what you need to know:

Tools and materials: You’ll need a paint sample (from a wall, door or trim), a fan deck or colour card, sandpaper, filler and appropriate brushes or rollers.
Challenges:
- Colours can appear different depending on sheen, lighting and paint age.
- Touch-ups in the middle of walls are often noticeable due to changes in sheen or texture.
- Matching complex surfaces like timber or render can be difficult without professional expertise.

Professional Colour Matching

Hiring a professional ensures accuracy and a flawless finish, especially for larger areas or tricky surfaces. Here’s what a professional can do:

Expertise: Professionals understand how age, surface texture and sheen affect colour perception.
On-site colour matching: If a paint sample isn’t available, a painter can analyse the existing surface, identify the paint type, and mix the perfect match using tinting systems.
Consistent finish: Professionals apply paint using the correct technique, number of coats and sheen level to ensure a seamless blend with existing surfaces.
Time and effort saved: Avoids the trial-and-error of DIY attempts and reduces the risk of noticeable patching or mismatched areas.

Bottom line:

For small, low-risk areas, DIY colour matching can work with careful preparation.
For full walls, doors, render or timber surfaces, professional colour matching is the safest way to achieve a flawless, long-lasting result.

More Painting Tips

Want the Perfect Match? Let ROCHELE® Handle It

Want a perfect, hassle-free paint finish without the guesswork? Let ROCHELE® handle it. Our professional painters will make an accurate match with your existing colours and deliver a smooth, long-lasting result: no patchy walls, no stress. We can look after your interior and exterior paint jobs, both in residential and commercial settings.

Get in touch today to book a colour matching consultation for your next paint project and see the difference a pro can make.