Yes, you must buy all your paint and 'average the error' by mixing all the cans together. so you greatly amplified the issue with 1/2 pint sampler cans. This problem is much worse on smaller cans because rounding error matters a lot more when the shot is 1/4 or 1/16 the size. Computer controlled tinters are an attempt to solve it, but even that is not perfect. The problem is, there is 'rounding error' on the tint shots. That said, you did err by expecting two cans to come out the same. This was burgundy, and my mentor had the same problem with another burgundy.Īll this to say, this is a hard problem. But even with my book of 1700 color chips, careful matching with photos and Photoshop analysis, I've ordered a $300 gallon of paint and had it not match the exemplar.

I am not Smithsonian tier, but I usually nail it. But now, that would make the color wrong, eh? So they are stuck using their 1970s tier lighting. Except the lighting industry was innovating like crazy, and three years later, you could buy true-daylight lights at Lowes. However, having nailed the right color, they then altered the color to correct for the flaws in the fluorescent or whatever lighting in their display hall. Naturally, their color research was pristine. The Smithsonian recently restored a Jim Crow era passenger coach. Further, even small changes in light cause significant changes in perceived color even if you had a color sampling device, so cameras are as blind as we are. However, in terms of seeing colors separately and trying to remember their matches, we are positively hopeless. I think your only solution is to get another batch of paint and re-paint both pieces.įirst, the human eye can distinguish millions of colors when they're laid right next to each other. I've definitely noticed differences in tint when pouring buckets together in this step.īack to your situation. This ensures that you'll have a consistent color for the entire job. Start the job by using those extra buckets to mix all of your buckets of paint together and stirring thoroughly. Have a few extra empty 5 gallon buckets (depending on size of the job)

Mix well, scraping off the bottom - particularly if it's set awhile since the store shook it. They have better equipment & training and - in my experience - do a better job. I tend to go to dedicated paint stores rather then Lowes or Home Depot for significant jobs. When you buy paint, make sure to get enough for the entire job in one go. There can be variations even between buckets in the same purchase.īased on advice from family who have worked as a painting contractors for decades. But, especially at the retail level, it's not an exact science. The codes are nice, and they're usually pretty close.

Does home depot color match paint