The Scoop On Color Matching

Matching Promise vs. Matching Compromise

What People Think:
Paint colors can be matched across different brands

What Actually Happens:
True color matching between different paint brands is virtually impossible due to unique pigment interactions and formulations. 

Cost Reality vs. Cost Value

1. Paint material only represents 15-20% of professional job costs
2. Labor comprises 75-85% of total expenses
3. Choosing cheaper "matched" paint saves minimal money while significantly impacting results.

Paint Talk vs. Real Talk

What People Think:
Painters and contractors often suggest color matching to their paint company of choice because it saves you money.

Reality Check:
Painter's incentives is not your incentives. They get better deals on products that save them money. You get an almost color for pennies on the dollar for something that is factually not the same.

Example: $5,000 Dollar Paint Job

Paint Material Costs (15-20% of total):
Minimum: $750 (15% of $5,000) Maximum: $1,000 (20% of $5,000)
Labor Costs (75-85% of total):
Minimum: $3,750 (75% of $5,000) Maximum: $4,250 (85% of $5,000)

Let's assume choosing a cheaper "matched" paint saves $100 on material costs: Original project cost: $5,000. Project cost with cheaper paint: $4,900.

Percentage of total cost saved: 2%

Impact vs. Savings

1. While saving $100 might seem appealing, it's crucial to a color project quality: The 2% savings is minimal compared to the total project cost.
2. These small savings could significantly compromise color accuracy, coverage, and longevity.
3. The majority of the project cost (75-85%) is in labor, which remains unchanged.

Value Consideration

• When weighing the cost savings against potential drawbacks, A 2% reduction in total cost might lead to a disproportionate decrease in quality and satisfaction.
• The long-term value of using premium, correctly matched paint likely outweighs the minor upfront savings.
• Compromising Devine Color paint quality (or anyone elses') could lead to additional costs in the future, such as needing to repaint sooner or requiring more coats for adequate coverage.

In conclusion, while saving $100 on a $5,000 project might be tempting, it represents a mere 2% of the total cost. High risk for pennies on the dollar.

Good Enough vs. Exactly What You Wanted

What People Think:
The color matches look close enough to go with what the painter suggested. He must know what he is talking about.

Reality Check:
Yes, the painter knows that most homeowners don't test the matches on a wall, side by side, and look at them in different lighting for several days to see if the color works like they did with their original choices. Think black pants! You don't know the color is off until you step outside, into the light.

Statistically, a 10% color variance rate difference (industry standard) becomes exponentially significant when applied to large wall surfaces impacted by:

1. Sheen variations
2. Surface texture
3. Ambient lighting
4. Surrounding colors

Looks Similar vs. Reflects Beautifully

What People Think:
The color matches look close enough to go with what the painter suggested. He must know what he is talking about.

Reality Check:
Why would anyone ask you to compromise a personal, empowering, and transformational Devine Color Experience.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

I’ve compiled several articles below to help you become a paint expert and confidently explain to your contractor or painter why you want your paint experience to be Devine vs. Decor! 

“Why Is It So Difficult to Color Match Paint?”

Matching paint isn’t just about technology—it’s about chemistry, lighting, and even human perception. This Reddit thread breaks down why colors look different under various light sources (a phenomenon called metamerism) and how even small errors in mixing can lead to big differences on your walls. Read More 

“Why Doesn't My Touch-Up Paint Match?”

Touch-ups are tricky! This article explains why even paint from the same brand and code can look different when applied to existing walls. Learn why factors like aging paint, sheen differences, and mixing errors make perfect matches nearly impossible—and how to work around them. Read More

“Help! My Paint Colour Match Is Wrong”

Maria Killam shares her expertise on why paint matches often fail, even within the same brand. From batch variations to aging paint on walls, this article highlights the complexities of maintaining color integrity over time and provides tips for navigating these challenges. Read More

“Why Paint Color Matching Doesn't Work”

Not all whites are created equal, and some proprietary colors simply can’t be recreated. This article explains why even the best efforts at color matching often result in subtle but noticeable differences, especially when working with unique pigments or finishes. Read More

Articles explaining how spectrophotometers work often present them as a solution to color matching, boasting 90% accuracy. While this sounds impressive, what they don’t tell you is that spectrophotometers can’t account for:

A) Unique Formulations:
Each paint brand uses proprietary bases and pigments that make exact matches across brands virtually impossible.
B) Sheen Distortion:
Differences in gloss or matte finishes alter light reflection off a surface, changing its energy, character, depth, along with our perception of color.
C) Texture Absorption:
Paint interacts differently with various wall textures, leading to color inconsistencies,  especially on walls that have been repaired.
D) Lighting Conditions:
Natural and artificial light can drastically change how a color appears throughout the day. Thus affecting other colors and your mood.

Why Devine Color Is Different.
Gretchen Schauffler's Colorwright process produces unmatchable color harmonies that enhance your home and happiness. Read Here