Finding an old or discontinued paint colour can seem daunting, but with some detective work and testing, it is possible to identify and match the colour you need. Here are some tips on tracking down old paint colours.
Check Your Records
If you painted the room or house yourself originally, you may still have records that identify the paint colour. Dig through your files, receipts, or photos to see if you can find any mention of:
– The brand of paint (Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, etc.)
– The specific colour name or number
– Paint chips or colour swatches
Any details like this will give you a major head start in your search.
Contact the Manufacturer
Once you know the brand of paint, contact the manufacturer directly to ask about the colour. Be ready to provide specifics like the name, number, collection, and approximate year. Many brands keep detailed records of all their previous colours.
For example, you may call Benjamin Moore and ask: “Do you have record of a colour calledGray Cashmere from the Affinity Collection, circa 2010?” Give them as much detail as possible.
With luck, the manufacturer can then give you the precise formula or a new closest match in today’s collections.
Check With the Store
The store where you originally purchased the paint is another good resource. Even if you don’t know the brand, the store employees may be able to pinpoint the colour based on your description and the year. This is especially true for smaller, independent paint stores that have been around for decades.
Provide the counter staff with any clues you have about the colour—was it a warm beige with gray undertones? A bright robin’s egg blue in a semi-gloss? The more unique your description, the more likely they are to lead you to a match.
Search Online For the Colour Name
Running an online search for the specific colour name or number can also yield some clues. Even if the colour is discontinued, there may be old blog posts, photos, reviews, or brand materials that reference the shade and give more context.
You can also check resale sites like eBay—sometimes people will list unused paint cans for discontinued colours. This can help you get visual confirmation that you’ve found the right hue.
Look For Paint Chips
If you remember the original paint brand, see if you can get sample chips from that company for colours in the same family. Studying paint chips in similar tones side by side is one of the best ways to “eyeball” a match.
Try gathering 5-10 chips in hues close to what you recall. Lay them out and compare to any visual references you have. Narrow down the ones that are the closest contenders.
Order Test Pots
Once you’ve identified some potential matches, order small test pots or samples pots of the colours. Paint a small swatch of each colour on your wall side by side. Move the swatches around to different walls and lighting at different times of day.
See how the colours look against your existing décor in the room you want to paint. This will give you the most accurate representation of how a colour will look before committing to a full gallon.
Hire a Colour Matching Service
If you strike out finding the colour on your own, consider hiring a paint colour matching service. Experts can come analyze the colour in person and use professional tools to identify or formulate an identical match.
This does come at a higher cost than DIY sleuthing, but it virtually guarantees accuracy. Some paint companies like Sherwin Williams also offer this service.
Conclusion
Matching an old, forgotten paint colour is totally doable with some strategic searching. Check your own records, contact the manufacturer, visit the original paint store, search online for clues, get paint chips for comparison, order samples pots to test, and enlist color matching services if needed. Don’t give up until you’ve uncovered that long lost hue!
| Step | Method |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check your own records for the paint brand, name, or number |
| 2 | Call the paint manufacturer and ask about the color |
| 3 | Ask at the original purchase store |
| 4 | Search online for the specific color name or number |
| 5 | Get paint chips from the brand in similar colors |
| 6 | Order small test pots of potential matches |
| 7 | Hire a professional color matching service |