How to Mix Colored Paint at a Store
- 1). Select a paint color from the color palette display. Or, to have a paint color matched, bring in a fabric swatch or paint chip of the color you'd like.
- 2). Turn the card over to see what base you need. Dark, saturated colors require a deep base, while pastel colors need a white base. If you cannot find this information or are wanting a color match from a fabric swatch or other material from home, seek out an employee for help.
- 3). Decide on a finish: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Each choice provides different amounts of sheen and varying levels of stain resistance. For example, a gloss finish works well for bathrooms and laundry rooms due to its high durability and resistance to mildew. If you're having trouble deciding, ask an employee to see a swatch of the different finishes.
- 4). Locate the manufacturer's base paint in the home improvement store. Select the correct base paint and finish. Bring the paint to the store's paint-mixing station.
- 5). Give the paint color chip and base to the employee. He will input your color selection into the computer. For a color match, the employee places your sample on a spectrophotometer, a device that shines a light on your object to match the color.
The machine adds the correct amount of pigment to achieve your desired color. After adding the color, the employee places the paint into shaker for a few minutes. Once finished, your colored paint is ready for purchase.