As a homeowner, there’s no denying that wear and tear on your walls is inevitable. Whether it’s scuffs, scratches, or dents, at some point, you’ll need to touch up the paint on your walls to restore their appearance. However, it’s not always a straightforward process. One of the most frustrating things that can happen when touching up paint is discovering that the touch-up paint doesn’t match the existing paint color on your walls.
The contradiction of touch-up paint can stem from many factors, including the paint’s age, its type, and even its sheen. The attainment of an impeccable match may prove to be a challenging feat. Still, with some rudimentary techniques, you can elevate the uniformity and integration of the touch-up paint with its adjacent area.
Here, I’ll explore why touch-up paint doesn’t match and provide practical solutions to achieve a seamless finish.
What Are the Common Causes of Touch-up Paint Not Matching?
There are several common causes for touch-up paint not matching, and it’s important to understand them before attempting to fix the problem.
Different Batches of Paint
One of the most common reasons for touch-up paint not matching the existing paint on walls is that the touch-up paint may be from a different batch than the original paint used.
It is imperative to remember that paint may exhibit slight variations from one batch to the next, even if it is the same type and color. Consequently, applying touch-ups may reveal differences in shade that would be discernible to the naked eye.
Sunlight and Aging
The UV rays from the sun can cause paint to fade or change color over time. So, if you painted your walls a few years ago, the original paint may have faded or changed slightly, making it difficult to match with new touch-up paint.
Application Technique
The way you apply paint can also affect its appearance. If you apply paint with a roller for the first coat and then with a brush for the touch-up, the texture and appearance of the paint may differ. This can cause the touch-up paint to stand out and not match the surrounding areas.
Different Sheens
Another factor that can affect the appearance of paint is the sheen. Different types of paint have different sheens, such as matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. If the original paint had a different sheen than the touch-up paint, it could make the touch-up paint stand out and not match the surrounding areas.
How to Fix the Issue of Touch-up Paint Not Matching?
If you have observed that the touch-up paint on your walls is not matching, there are some steps you can take to address the issue. Here are some professional tips:
Identify the Right Color
The first step to fixing the problem is to identify the right color of the original paint used on the walls. You can find this by checking the paint can or taking a sample of the original paint to a paint store for matching.
Mix the Paint
Upon obtaining the optimal color, the touch-up paint must be blended precisely. It is pertinent to bear in mind that the touch-up paint tends to dry with a darker hue than the initial paint, thus necessitating the addition of white paint to achieve the desired lightening effect.
Test the Paint
Before applying the touch-up paint to the wall, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. This will allow you to see if the color matches and if the touch-up paint is drying to the same finish as the original paint.
Apply the Touch-up Paint
If the test area looks good, you can apply the touch-up paint to the rest of the wall. Use a small brush or roller to apply the paint in thin layers, building up the coverage as needed. Be sure to feather out the edges of the touch-up paint to blend it in with the rest of the wall.
Allow the Paint to Dry
Allow the touch-up paint to dry entirely before assessing the final color match. The touch-up paint may take a few days to dry to the same finish as the original paint.
What if the Touch-up Paint Still Doesn’t Match the Wall Paint?
After trying the methods mentioned above, it can be frustrating if the touch-up paint still doesn’t match the wall paint. Here are a few additional steps to ensure the touch-up paint matches the wall color.
Get the Paint Color Matched by a Professional
If the touch-up paint still doesn’t match, consider taking the paint color swatch to a paint store or a professional painter to get it matched. Professionals have color-matching tools and experience to create an exact match.
Repaint the Entire Wall
In the event that the technique mentioned above proves unsuccessful, the ultimate recourse would be to engage in a comprehensive repainting of the wall. While this may seem tedious, its value will be realized in the long term. The complete repainting of the wall will afford you a uniform hue and a polished appearance.
Adjust Your Expectations
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the touch-up paint will not match the wall paint perfectly. In such cases, it’s essential to adjust your expectations and accept a slight difference in color as expected. Remember, touch-up paint is meant to be used as a quick fix and is not a replacement for a full paint job.
How Can I Use Manual Paint Scrapers to Fix Mismatched Touch-up Paint on Walls?
When it comes to fixing mismatched touch-up paint on walls, using different types of paint scrapers can be beneficial. A manual paint scraper allows you to gently remove excess paint and create a smooth surface for new touch-up paint. Experimenting with various types of paint scrapers can help you achieve the desired finish.
How Can You Prevent Touch-up Paint from Not Matching in the First Place?
Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a room by refurbishing the walls with a fresh coat of paint is an excellent method to invigorate the atmosphere. However, it can be an exasperating experience when the fresh paint fails to align with the pre-existing hue. To circumvent this predicament, there are certain measures you can undertake.
Buy Enough Paint at Once
One of the most common causes of touch-up paint not matching is using a different batch of paint. To avoid this, buy enough paint at once to cover the entire project. If you need to buy more later, get the same color code and mix it in a separate container before applying.
Store Leftover Paint Correctly
Proper storage of excess paint is imperative to maintain its quality and prevent undesirable alterations such as drying and discoloration. To achieve this, storing the paint in a cool, dry environment and ensuring the container’s lid is securely sealed to prevent air exposure is recommended.
Keep a Record of the Paint Color and Code
Before you start your painting project, write down the color name and code on a piece of paper or take a photo of the paint can. This will ensure that you have the correct information for future touch-ups.
Test the Paint First
As mentioned, before touching up a sizable surface, it is advisable to conduct a paint color test on a small, hidden area to ensure color consistency. This precautionary measure will help prevent any potential color discrepancies or irregularities during the painting process.
Use the Same Applicator
It is important to note that the choice of the applicator can impact the paint’s appearance. For instance, if a roller was used for the initial coat, it is advisable to use the same applicator for any touch-ups. Consider using a brush or a roller, depending on the surface and desired finish, to ensure consistent results.
Quick Tips on How to Properly Touch Up Paint
Conclusion
Touch-up paint not matching the wall paint can be frustrating, but it is a common issue that can be resolved with the right approach. It is essential to determine the root cause of the problem and choose the right paint for touch-up purposes.
Ensuring that the paint is properly mixed and applied is also crucial. If the touch-up paint still does not match the wall paint, it may be necessary to repaint the entire wall.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your touch-up paint matches your wall paint seamlessly and your home looks as good as new. Always be patient and take your time in painting; you will achieve the desired results.