How to match exsisting paint color?

am trying to touch up some spots my kid had damaged in the condo I rent. How can I match the existing paint color? The condo was built in 2001. The paint color is like neutral light beige color. But how can I know what color it is, exactly? And what kind of paint? Thank you for your help!





More info: I CANNOT cut out a piece of wall and bring it to the paint store to match the color. Please advise another way!!


How to match exsisting paint color?
You will not be able to match perfectly the paint even if you have a can of the original paint. The wall paint fades over time, due to sun, light, washing, cooking oils, smoke, etc... Easiest thing for you to do is get paint samples from the store and match as close as possible to the color, and then paint the entire wall that was damaged. Don't forget to also match the finish. Paint comes in several, from flat to high gloss.And you didn't mention if your child made any nicks or gouges. If there are, you should probably fill those in before painting with a little patching plaster.How to match exsisting paint color?
If the trim is painted the same color and sheen look for a door hinge that was painted. You can remove the hinge and match the paint that way. Even if you find out the original paint color it may have faded since it was applied so you may not be able to match it perfectly without using a sample from the same area.





Alternative.


Go to where you buy paint. Dunn Edwards is among the best if they are in your area. Pick up a bunch of color samples that look like they are close to your paint color. Compare them to the wall near the damage and order paint from the closest match. Be sure to do this in good light for the best match.
I read your ';more info'; so I understand that you can't cut out a piece of wall, but if you could just use a razor to take off a layer of paint about 1 inch square where the damages are that would do the trick. Most paint companies have an electronic color reader that can make almost any color and they do the final adjustments by hand. Then just patch the 1 inch cut out and damaged areas with spackle, spot prime and paint.





If you can't do that then you'll either have to select a color out of a paint supplier's color fan and square off (paint complete) the wall areas.





Good luck!
susie q is right on...





I have had 2 cans of paint mixed up at the exact same time, by the exact person and they still were a little different. So, taking into the facts that susie q mentioned, you will find it less frustrating by painting the whole wall. Oh, don't forget to ask permission from your landlord!!!
Hiya !





As you can't take a sample to the store - see if they have colour chart you can take home to find a match from ?
paint stores have hundreds of small paint chips you can bring home.