When a favorite wall color chips or you inherit a home with a beautiful, yet unidentified, paint, many homeowners assume that the entire wall must be repainted. Not true! A simple touch-up with the correct paint can bring that chipped wall back to life. But trying to find a specific color can feel like detective work, and without a paint name or code, how do you make sure the new coat blends seamlessly with what’s already on your walls? Whether you’re hiring a painting contractor or doing it yourself, the experts at Harpeth Painting have created this clear strategy to help you get the perfect hue.
In Nashville and Franklin, homeowners trust Harpeth Painting, the premier painting contractors in the area. As top-tier pros, we handle both large and small projects, guiding clients on finishes, products, and color selections that stand the test of time. Our team’s craftsmanship, deep knowledge of local preferences, and color-matching expertise make us a top choice for homeowners in Middle Tennessee.
Gather Visual References You Already Have
Even if you don’t know the name of the paint you’re looking for, you likely have visual clues that can help you determine what it is. Before you try to match, be sure to note how natural light enters your space, what lightbulbs you use, and the sheen on the wall (matte, eggshell, satin). Snap photos of your current wall under natural and artificial lighting, compare swatches from home centers, or use a color-matching app to narrow down your paint options.
Want a pro eye to see past the effects of lighting and sheen? Partner with Harpeth Painting for an in-home color evaluation.
Sample the Wall’s Surface
Homeowners will often discover a touch-up blob or paint scrape behind an outlet plate or a cabinet. These tiny scraps of paint are valuable, as even a tiny scrape removes guesswork during color matching. If chipping or paint scrapes are not available, bring a removable item that “carries” the color, like a cabinet door, baseboard, or outlet cover, so it can be scanned. Be sure to clean the sample first, as residues and dirt can skew results.
Leverage Store Color Match Services
Big box stores and local suppliers often offer color-matching machines. These spectrophotometers are used by painting contractors to read color in photographs or small paint chips and generate a near match. Color-ID phone apps also help, but screen calibration and camera white balance can make results inaccurate. Use color-matching technology with caution, as they are not perfect.
Take the guesswork out. Let Harpeth Painting scan, mix test pots, and shortlist the closest matches for you. Call us at 615-649-5001 or visit our website to schedule your color-matching appointment today.
Test Like a Pro: Swatches, Samples, and Side-by-Side Checks
After you have acquired your list of possible brands and colors, it’s time to test them. Paint swatches right next to the original color, let them dry, and observe how it looks under different lighting (sunrise, high noon, sunset, and night). Check your swatches from different distances; look up close for undertones and observe from across the room for harmony. The best way to prevent headaches and complete repaints is to constantly test until you find the exact color that matches your room.
Final Blend: Touch Up Techniques
Even when the hue is spot on, sheen matters. Matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss; these differences can reveal mismatches between old and new paint. Always match the finish and ideally the brand of the finish as well as the paint; you’re more likely to get consistent results. Make sure to lightly scuff glossy areas, spot-prime patches, and feather new paint beyond the repair so that the eye can’t find a hard edge.
Ensure flawless results by partnering with Harpeth Painting to match finishes and brands, instead of repainting an entire room.
Build a Color Record for Next Time
Once you’ve nailed the match, record everything, including the brand, line, color name or number, store formula, base, sheen, room, and date. Keep a labeled touch-up jar and swatch card. For multi-surface projects, maintain a simple spreadsheet and a physical fan of swatches. Add any information that you may find necessary for future painters, like trouble areas and around outlets.
Save Time and Money with a Painting Contractor from Harpeth Painting
When you don’t know the paint name, don’t stress. Follow the steps above and be patient, and you will find the right hue for your walls. If you don’t want to wait and you want it done right, contact Harpeth Painting. Harpeth Painting stands out as the premier painting contractor for homeowners in Nashville and Franklin with our years of experience, innovative techniques and tools, and a reputation for excellence. We guide our customers through every step, from consultation and color selection to implementation and maintenance, to ensure that every project exceeds expectations from start to finish. If you’re ready to refresh your space with precision and care, trust Harpeth Painting to get it right the first time.
Contact Harpeth Painting today and let Nashville and Franklin’s premier painting contractors help you achieve the perfect finish. Call us at 615-649-5001 or visit us online to request an appointment.
