Paint Tinting Tricks
OK, so you have decided to mix paint colors to match the color or tint you
desire. All that is required is a large amount of patience, some accurate
measuring, an eye for color, and a clean wall. Let's get started.
Find an Experienced Paint Store
Try to locate a paint store in your area that has been in business for many
years. Visit it on a weekday if at all possible. Why? Because the experienced
employees often have the most seniority and get the weekends off. You want to
work with a pro to get your color choice close.
Identify the Closest Color Chip Sample
The trick to matching paints is to use the technology of the paint store to
its fullest. Remember, they only have a finite (fixed) amount of colors in the
store, color books, and their system. There are infinite possibilities!
Get close to your wall or ceiling color with the chips. If you are working
with a light color, notice how the chips have progressively darker colors on the
same page or slip of cardboard. The darker color really shows you what you are
dealing with. Imagine your wall or ceiling darker.....what might it be like? You
MUST identify the proper color family or you will not stand a chance. If you get
into the right family, it just becomes a matter of diluting the paint with white
to get the exact color.
Stay Darker - That is the Key!
Purchase a quart of the paint color you think is correct. Try to stay
slightly darker than the color you are matching. If you apply a little of the
paint to the wall and let it dry (15 - 20 minutes) you might not think it will
work. The color may appear too rich.
Immediately take a teaspoon of white paint (same brand - same type as colored
paint) and a teaspoon of the colored paint and mix in a paper cup. Once blended
apply to the wall adjacent to the full strength color. Note how different it
looks. Note how cutting the full strength paint in half makes a difference!
If you are lucky, you will see that you are getting very close to the
original color. It is possible that the first attempt makes the paint too light.
If so, modify your mixed amounts.
Tricky Color Chips
If you are selecting a paint from a chip, be aware that once the color is on
the wall it will almost always appear deeper in color. Why? The impact of an 8
foot high wall by 12 foot wide or so of solid color can play a trick on your
eyes. If the store can't reduce the color any more, you can do it by mixing one
gallon of white with your colored gallon. Just try it once!
