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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

    Using the rust converter

    After you've removed all of the flaky paint, you're ready to paint. For wrought iron or steel in severe conditions, you can use a primer. For aluminium and brass, use an SLS etch primer. If you choose to spray paint, avoid windy days and shake the can for at least 2 minutes before using it. When you're spraying, use light even coats to cover the metal and slowly build up the layers until the metal is evenly covered.
    A person in blue gloves and a red shirt is applying a rust converter to a metal surface to neutralize and prevent further corrosion.

    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

    5

    Check the finish once dry

    Allow the paint to dry completely before assessing the result. View the wall from different angles and at different times of day, as natural and artificial light can affect how noticeable a touch-up appears.

    If needed, apply a second coat to improve coverage.

    Freshly painted wall arch checked for coverage after drying

    6

    Need to fix up the wall after taking a sample?

    For the best finish, make sure your surface is properly repaired after you take a sample or before you start painting. Check out our guide on how to fix wall holes fast.

    7

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I colour match paint at home?
    For the most accurate result, take a clean paint sample from a hidden area of your wall and have it colour matched in-store. This helps ensure the closest possible match.

    Why is matching paint colour and finish important?
    Even if the colour is correct, a different finish (such as matt or satin) can reflect light differently, making the repair stand out on the wall.

    Can I colour match paint without a sample?
    While it’s possible to match by eye or from a photo, a physical sample gives the most accurate result, as lighting and screens can affect how colours appear.

    How do I make paint touch-ups blend in better?
    Use the same application method as the original paint and feather the edges slightly beyond the repair. Always test first and check the result once dry.

    When should I repaint the whole wall instead of touching up?
    If the area is large or the colour variation is noticeable, repainting the entire wall may give a more consistent and professional finish.

    Health & Safety

    Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

    Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. 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.