Colour Matching Secrets: Getting the Best Results with Benjamin Moore’s Technology

How Benjamin Moore’s Colour Matching Works

Benjamin Moore stores use a spectrophotometer, which is a device that scans a paint sample and breaks it down into digital colour data. The machine analyzes the light reflectance of the sample and finds a matching paint formula in the Benjamin Moore system.

Brand Databases That Go Deep

Trying to copy a colour from a different paint brand? No problem. Benjamin Moore stores often have access to competitive brand databases, which means they can cross-reference colours and get impressively close. (Sometimes even closer than the original brand can.)

Expert Help In-Store   

Even with smart tech, paint is still a hands-on game. Benjamin Moore stores have trained experts who know how to handle tricky samples, like textured fabrics or uneven surfaces. They’ll help prep your sample and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best match.

Tips for a Successful Colour Match

The following tips will get you better results: 

Use a Decent Sample Size

A sliver of paint on the edge of your outlet cover isn’t ideal. Aim for something at least the size of a loonie. The spectrophotometer needs enough surface area to scan properly.

Clean, Flat, and Matte Works Best

Avoid samples with gloss or sheen, as they reflect light and can interfere with the scan. If you’re working with glossy paper or fabric, try to find a flatter section or gently sand the surface (if appropriate).

Consider the Lighting

Take your paint chip outside. No, seriously. Natural light provides the most accurate reading. What looks soft beige under fluorescent lighting might turn greenish in daylight. Always double-check the paint colour in the space where it’ll live.

Test First

Before you commit to painting an entire room, grab a sample pot. Paint a patch and live with it for a day or two. Watch how it shifts throughout the day. That’s the only way to know if you’ve nailed the match or need to tweak it.

Common Paint Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Colour matching isn’t flawless, and here’s why:

Sheen Differences Change Everything

The same colour can look wildly different in matte versus high-gloss. If you’re matching a satin wall and painting over it with an eggshell finish, expect subtle variations. Stick to the same sheen when possible.

Different Materials, Different Results

Paint on drywall vs. fabric vs. wood can absorb and reflect light differently. Even with a perfect match, the base material changes the look. Expect a slight shift and adjust if needed.

Older Paint Can Mean Aged Colour

Paint fades over time, especially in sunlit spaces. If you’re colour matching from an old wall or surface, the original formula might look too bold or clean. Let your store associate know so we can make a slight tweak to match the aged tone.

Why Use Benjamin Moore’s Colour Matching Instead of Competitors?

You’ve got options, but here’s why Benjamin Moore’s system is worth sticking with:

• Precision and consistency: Our matching tech is top-tier, and once you’ve got a custom formula, it’s saved for future use.
• Premium paints only: Benjamin Moore’s paints use high-quality bases and pigments, so colours look richer, last longer, and apply smoother.
• Experts who know their stuff: Benjamin Moore retailers are often independently owned and thoroughly trained. We live and breathe colour, so we’ll work with you to get it right.

When Only an Exact Match Will Do

Don’t settle for “close enough.” With Benjamin Moore’s colour matching technology, you can replicate your dream shade with science-backed precision and pro-level support.

Got a sample you love? Bring it in. Our Crowfoot Paint and Design team will do what we do best and make your next paint project look exactly the way you pictured it.

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