If you‘ve ever found yourself mid-paint project only to realize you‘re short on paint, you know the unique frustration of trying to match an existing color. Maybe you lost the original paint can label, the color has been discontinued, or you just don‘t remember the name. Whatever the reason, mismatched paint colors are a surefire way to make your space look sloppy and unfinished.
Enter Home Depot‘s paint matching services – a potential lifesaver for distraught DIYers everywhere. But how exactly does it work? Can Home Depot really match any color? What‘s the matching process like?
As a self-proclaimed picky shopper and consumer expert, I dug into the details to bring you everything you need to know about getting paint matched at Home Depot. Let‘s dive in!
Understanding Paint Color Matching
First, let‘s cover some basics on paint color matching in general. Color matching is the process of analyzing a color sample and recreating that exact color in a new can of paint. The goal is to get a paint that will dry to the same color as your sample, allowing you to seamlessly touch up or continue your paint project.
There are a few ways this color analysis can be done:
-
Spectrophotometer – This high-tech machine uses light to precisely scan and analyze the color. It provides a specific color formula for recreating the hue. Most major paint retailers, including Home Depot, use spectrophotometers for the most accurate matching.
-
Color matching software – Colors can also be analyzed using computer software that identifies the pigments in a scanned or photographed sample. Some retailers offer mobile apps with this capability.
-
Human eye – A trained colorist can visually compare samples to fan decks and mix a custom match. However, this method is less precise and prone to subjectivity.
No matter the method, the key to a good paint match is a high-quality sample. Home Depot recommends a sample at least 1 square inch in size for the most accurate scanning and color formulation.
The Scope of Home Depot‘s Paint Matching
So, on to the main event: can Home Depot match your paint? The answer is almost always yes. Home Depot can match just about any color, from just about any source.
Their paint associates can scan a wide variety of color samples using a spectrophotometer and create a custom color formula to match it. This includes matching colors from:
- Paint chips or swatches
- Pieces of previously painted drywall
- Fabric swatches
- Flooring samples
- Tile
- Trim or molding pieces
- Furniture
- Decor and accessories
- Photos or printed digital samples
So even if you don‘t have a physical sample of the paint itself, you likely have an object or swatch in your desired color that Home Depot can work with. As long as the sample is at least 1 inch in size and has a solid, even color, their spectrophotometer can analyze it and generate a formula to recreate the color in paint.
There are just a few caveats to Home Depot‘s impressive color matching capabilities:
- Specialty finishes – Matching metallic, glitter, or other complex specialty finishes can be tricky, as the spectrophotometer may have trouble accurately reading those color qualities.
- Faded samples – If the item you‘re matching has faded over time due to sun exposure or wear, your "match" will only be as good as the current color of the sample – not necessarily the original, unfaded hue.
- Tiny samples – Again, very small samples under 1 inch may not be able to be scanned for an accurate reading. Provide the largest sample you can for best results.
Paint Brands and Formulas Available
An important consideration when getting paint matched is the actual base paint the color is going into. Does Home Depot only match colors within certain paint brands? Will you be limited in your sheen or finish options?
The good news is, you‘ll have your full pick of brand, product line, finish, and quality level for your matched paint at Home Depot. Thanks to their wide selection of paints, your color can be matched in nearly any paint formula you need.
Top paint brands carried by Home Depot include:
- Behr
- Glidden
- PPG
- Rust-Oleum
Within each brand, you‘ll find a range of product lines at different price points and quality levels. Home Depot carries everything from basic interior wall paint to premium, multi-surface paints with high durability and unique features.
You‘ll also have a full range of finishes to choose from for your custom matched color:
- Flat/matte
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Semi-gloss
- High-gloss
So whether you‘re looking to match a color in a budget-friendly flat interior paint or a hard-wearing semi-gloss cabinet enamel, you‘ll be able to find the perfect base paint to mix your color into at Home Depot.
The Color Matching Process
Knowing Home Depot can match your paint color is one thing – but what does the actual process look like? Here‘s what you can expect when you head to your local Home Depot for paint matching:
-
Bring your sample to the paint department – Gather the most accurate sample possible of the color you want to match. As we‘ve covered, this can be anything from a paint chip to a pillow case. If you know the specific paint brand, product line, or finish you need, make note of that too.
-
Meet with a paint associate – Explain to the associate that you need a color match. If you have any info on the original paint (brand, sheen, when it was purchased, etc.), share that with them.
-
The associate will scan your sample – Using a spectrophotometer, the paint associate will take a detailed digital reading of your color sample. This will generate a precise formula of pigments needed to recreate the color.
-
Choose your paint – With your custom color formula in hand, you can select which base paint you‘d like the color mixed into. Choose your preferred paint brand, product line, and finish.
-
The paint is mixed – The paint center associate will input your color formula into an automatic paint mixing machine. This machine dispenses the needed pigments into the base paint and mixes it thoroughly. Mixing usually only takes a few minutes.
-
Take your paint home! – Once the associate has double checked the color, they‘ll pop a lid on your custom mixed paint and you‘ll be ready to go! Give the paint a good stir before using to ensure even color distribution.
The whole process is typically quick and hassle-free. The trickiest part is often locating a suitable sample – after that, Home Depot‘s paint associates and technology make color matching a breeze.
Comparing Home Depot‘s Paint Matching to Other Retailers
Of course, Home Depot isn‘t the only option for paint color matching. How do their services stack up compared to other major home improvement and paint retailers? Let‘s take a look:
| Retailer | Spectrophotometer Matching | Hand-Matching | Color Matching App | Peel & Stick Samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lowe‘s | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Ace Hardware | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Menards | No | Yes | No | No |
| Sherwin Williams | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Benjamin Moore | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, Home Depot, Lowe‘s, and most specialty paint stores like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams all offer advanced spectrophotometer color matching. However, Home Depot has an edge in terms of convenience and technology integration.
Their ProjectColor app allows you to snap a photo and instantly get paint matches right on your phone, and their peel & stick samples let you test a real paint color on your wall before committing. While Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer similar sampling tools, you‘ll need to visit a specialty paint store rather than your local home improvement center.
Tips for a Flawless Paint Match
Ready to get matching? Before you dive in, here are some pro tips to ensure your paint match turns out flawless:
-
Choose the right sheen – Paint sheen can significantly impact how a color looks. Make sure to choose not only the same color, but also the same sheen as your original paint for a seamless match.
-
Bring multiple samples – Colors can look different in different lighting. Bring samples from a few different areas of the room or object you‘re matching to get the most accurate overall color representation.
-
Test before you paint – Light can also change how a color looks from the paint counter to your home. Before painting the whole room, brush some paint onto the wall, let it dry fully, and check it in different lighting to make sure you‘re happy with the match.
-
Don‘t neglect the prep work – No paint job will look its best without proper surface preparation. Make sure to clean, sand, and prime as needed before applying your matched paint color.
-
Consider touch-up limitations – If you‘re touching up small areas, keep in mind that even with a great color match, variations in sheen or surface texture can make touch-ups stand out from the original paint job. Sometimes a full re-paint is necessary for best results.
Creative Ways to Use Paint Matching
Beyond the basics of matching and touching up existing paint colors, there are lots of creative ways to put Home Depot‘s paint matching services to use:
-
Coordinate decor – Have a favorite throw pillow or piece of artwork? Get paint matched to key colors in the pattern for a perfectly coordinated accent wall or furniture piece.
-
Refresh old furniture – Breathe new life into an old chair or dresser by getting paint matched to a fun printed fabric and giving the piece a makeover.
-
Create a cohesive color scheme – Get paint matched to colors in your flooring, backsplash tile, countertops, or other built-in elements to create a pulled-together palette throughout your home.
-
Extend your living space outdoors – Many exterior elements like doors, shutters, and trim are painted. Extend your indoor paint colors outside for a cohesive indoor-outdoor living space.
-
Repurpose old cans – Have a little bit of paint left in an old can but don‘t remember the color name? Get it matched for a perfect recreation without having to guess or gamble on a close-but-not-quite color.
The possibilities are endless! With Home Depot‘s sophisticated color matching technology, you can integrate paint matching into all kinds of creative home projects.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Home Depot‘s paint matching services are reliable, comprehensive, and highly accurate. Whether you‘re looking to recreate a treasured hue from your first home or pull together the perfect palette for a room remodel, their paint department has you covered.
Through spectrophotometer technology, a wide selection of paint bases and sheens, and knowledgeable associates, Home Depot takes the guesswork out of matching paint colors. While results with very old, faded, or specialty finishes may vary, the vast majority of color matching needs can be met with ease.
The next time you‘re in a pinch to match a paint color, head to your local Home Depot with confidence. With the right preparation and a quality sample, you‘ll be on your way to a flawless paint match in no time. Happy painting!
