I recently cut a piece of drywall from my bedroom and took it to Home Depot to get a quart of paint matched. They put it in the color-matching machine, but when I got the paint, it was noticeably off from the original wall color. I don't want to just return the paint—what are my options here? I'm concerned that since the machine didn't get it right the first time, trying again might not help. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
If you're looking for an exact match, a pro store is your best bet—they can tweak the color until it's spot on. But if you want to stick with Home Depot, don’t hesitate to go back for a remix; sometimes they can get it closer with a bit of trial and error. Just be ready for some back and forth!
You might need to paint the whole wall for a uniform look since machines sometimes struggle with aged colors—especially if the wall's been exposed to light. Even tiny variations in sheen can really affect the match. Just keep that in mind!
You won't be able to return custom colors, but if you keep a photo of the paint label, it can save you hassle down the line for future touch-ups. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to just repaint the whole room a new color rather than trying to make a tiny patch match. It just gives a more even look!
Right? Those machines aren’t foolproof at all. When I had issues, a skilled employee at a pro paint store was able to adjust the color on the fly for a much better match.
Honestly, you're likely looking at repainting the entire wall. Paint color shifts over time, so even if you bring a sample, it may not match perfectly unless it's all done at once. If you have a solid color you're after, it might be best to go all in with a recoat.
Exactly! New paint often looks different due to the type of applicator, even if it seems like the right match at first.
Exactly! Plus, the texture of the wall can change how the paint reflects light, making it look different.