PL
pipilandbook.com
← Back to shelf2 min read
Professional-Backed Color-Matching Tips

Shelf read

Professional-Backed Color-Matching Tips

Finding the exact shade to touch up your walls or match the threads in your favorite throw can be tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of methods to track down that perfect color you’ve been looking for.

B

Benjamin Young

Library note

Reading tip

The full chapter continues below on the soft reading shelf.

Stack

Pocket Library

Finding the exact shade to touch up your walls or match the threads in your favorite throw can be tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of methods to track down that perfect color you’ve been looking for.
Winter is an excellent time to spruce up your home’s interior. Spending more hours indoors often draws attention to old nail holes or dents in walls—spots that can be filled and repainted. It’s also a great season to refresh your walls with a new coat of paint. You don’t have to sift through dozens of color swatches to match your existing wall hue or a shade you found on Pinterest for inspiration. Instead, use these top three professional color-matching tricks.

Use a Paint-Matching App

Put your smartphone to work by using a mobile app to find the right wall color. Major paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Behr offer paint-matching apps for both iPhones and Android devices. While some apps may feel more intuitive than others, they all work in a similar way: snap a photo of the color you want to match, then upload it to the app. (For the most accurate results, take the photo of your color inspiration in natural light.) The app will then suggest the closest color match from that brand’s lineup. Most apps even go a step further, offering accent color recommendations and design tips.

Invest in a Color Analyzer

If you want the most precise color match possible, a handheld color analyzer is the way to go. These easy-to-use devices scan the color of your wall, fabric, or thread to identify the best match. One of the most popular options is the Color Muse, which sells for around $60 on Amazon. It provides matches from multiple paint brands—including Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Benjamin Moore, and Behr—so you’re far more likely to find an exact match (unlike apps limited to one brand). It also has extra features: you can create and share color palettes, find design inspiration, and even match the color to other home items like flooring and furniture.

Bring a Sample to a Color Expert

Prefer to skip the tech? If you don’t want to buy a color analyzer or fuss with an app, simply take a sample to a professional. You can bring in a fabric swatch, a spool of thread, a throw pillow, or any other item you want to match. Experts can also work from photos on your phone (just make sure the photo was taken in natural light for accuracy) or magazine clippings.
Most local paint stores and professional painting services have a spectrophotometer—a tool that analyzes the color wavelengths of an object and figures out the exact pigments needed to recreate that shade. A color expert will use this device to find the perfect paint match for you.
Home improvement expert Bob Vila suggests bringing a 1-inch square swatch of paint from your wall if you’re trying to match an existing color exactly. To avoid damaging your wall, you can also hire an expert to come to your home. Our color specialists at Franklin Painting, for example, can find the ideal match to cover chipped areas and refresh your walls with a new coat.
 
 

More on this shelf

CV

COVER · en

Expert Strategies for Capturing the Urban Landscape

Expert Strategies for Capturing the Urban Landscape

Navigating a complex cityscape on canvas requires a strategic approach similar to exploring an unfamiliar metropolis with a map. Without a clear objective and a defined path, an artist can easily become overwhelmed by the intricate details of a bustling urban environment.

CV

COVER · en

Dorayaki with Custard Cream Filling

Dorayaki with Custard Cream Filling

Dorayaki is a classic Japanese sweet made with two soft, pancake-like cakes sandwiched together with a sweet filling. In this version, the pancakes are filled with smooth homemade custard cream, creating a rich and comforting dessert that’s perfect for tea time, snacks, or special occasions.

CV

COVER · en

10 Smart Tips for Pairing Shirts with Suits Like a Pro

10 Smart Tips for Pairing Shirts with Suits Like a Pro

A well-fitted suit forms the backbone of men’s fashion, but the true artistry lies in choosing the right shirt to complement it. The right combination transforms a standard outfit into a polished statement. From colors and fabrics to subtle details, here are ten essential tips to help you perfect the shirt-and-suit pairing game.

CV

COVER · en

The Stoat – A “Furry Venomous Snake”

The Stoat – A “Furry Venomous Snake”

Among the various animal remains preserved in magical object collections, there are several heads and dried bodies of stoats (Mustela erminea, known as “kärppä” in Finnish). While it is easy to understand why large and powerful animals, such as bears, were considered valuable in traditional magic, the reason a small predator like the stoat was viewed as meaningful may seem less obvious.

CV

COVER · en

6 Thrilling US Destinations for Your Next Off-Road 4x4 Adventure

6 Thrilling US Destinations for Your Next Off-Road 4x4 Adventure

When it comes to off-road adventures, the excitement is palpable, regardless of the season. However, as winter blankets much of the northern US in snow, some might find their adventurous spirit hibernating. But fear not! Planning your next 4x4 escapade should always be on your radar. So let’s ignite that wanderlust! Here’s a curated list of 6 exhilarating off-road destinations across the United States that are bound to deliver unforgettable experiences.

CV

COVER · en

Constructing a Miniature Felt Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Constructing a Miniature Felt Home: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Since being inspired by the whimsical charm of fantasy literature, I have developed a deep appreciation for unique and quirky architectural designs. One of the best ways to bring these visions to life is through the medium of felt.