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How to colour match paint for the perfect touch-up

By Bunnings

Modern room with neatly painted walls and windows

Overview

Patched a hole, removed a picture hook or painted a feature wall that's now got to go? The painting part is usually the easy bit. Matching the existing wall paint colour is where things can get tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. While many walls might look white at first glance, there are hundreds of different shades, and even a slight mismatch can stand out once the paint dries. Luckily, there's an easy way to get a close match and help your touch-up blend in.

Key takeaways

  • Take your sample from a clean, hidden area that hasn’t faded, as damaged or sun exposed paint can lead to poor colour matching.
  • Matching the paint finish (matt, low sheen or satin) is just as important as matching the colour.
  • Always test your paint and let it dry fully before committing to a larger touch up.

Tools and materials

    Steps

    1

    Take a paint sample from the wall

    To get the most accurate paint colour match, you'll need a sample of the existing paint. Look for an inconspicuous area, such as inside a cupboard, behind furniture or near the skirting board where the paint is less likely to have faded.

    Carefully remove a small paint chip using a paint scraper or utility knife. Take care not to gouge the wall surface, and keep your fingers clear of the blade while you work. Aim for a sample that's at least the size of a 20-cent coin, as larger samples are generally easier to scan accurately.

    Try to keep the sample clean and intact, as dirt, dust or damage can affect the colour matching process. Place it in a small container or zip-lock bag to protect it until you reach the store.

    A person taking a paint chip sample for colour matching

    2

    Have the colour matched

    Take your paint sample into your local store, where the Paint team can scan it using colour matching technology, or match it by eye using tools like the Dulux Colour Atlas. This helps identify the closest paint formula to your existing wall colour.

    A Bunnings Team Member helping with paint colour matching in store

    3

    Choose your finish

    Colour is only part of the equation. Walls can be painted in different finishes, including matt, low sheen or satin. Even with the right colour, a different sheen level can stand out once the paint dries.

    If you're not sure what finish you have, look at how the wall reflects light. Higher sheen paints tend to look more reflective, while flatter finishes appear more muted.

    Let the Team Member know what you’re planning to touch up so they can help match both the colour and finish.

    4

    Apply the touch-up paint

    Before touching up a large section, test the paint in a small, less noticeable spot and allow it to dry fully. Wet paint often looks different from dry paint, and colour can appear slightly different depending on the lighting in the room.

    Once you're happy with the match, paint over your repaired area using a small brush or mini roller. Try to use the same application method as the original paint, as brushes and rollers can leave different textures on the surface.

    For larger repairs, feather the paint slightly beyond the repaired area to help blend the edges.

    Apply the touch up paint using a mini roller
    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.