How to Deal With Your Old Paint Not Matching New Paint

You’ve patched a wall, touched up a scuff, or repainted a section, only to notice the “same” color looks different. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of interior paint projects. Even when you saved the old paint can and matched the code, the fresh coat doesn’t look quite right.

So, is there a way on how to deal with your old paint not matching the new paint without repainting the entire room? The answer depends on why the mismatch happened and how you approach the fix. Our Triboro Paint team is here to help guide you through this dilemma.

Why Paint Colors Change Over Time

Figuring out the solution helps in knowing the root cause. Common reasons old paint and new paint don’t match include:

• Fading or Yellowing: Sunlight, heat, and age break down pigments. Whites can yellow over time, while bold colors may fade.
• Differentiating Paint Sheens: A flat finish won’t reflect light the same way as satin or eggshell, even if the color formula is identical.
• Varying Batches: Two gallons with the same color name may vary slightly because of manufacturing tolerances.
• Switching Paint Tools: Using a paintbrush for one area and a roller for another can change how the paint catches the light.

Over time, your “original” color isn’t really original anymore. It’s aged, and fresh paint shows that contrast.

Options for Dealing with a Mismatch

If you’re lucky, the difference is minimal and disappears as the paint cures over a few weeks. But if the mismatch stands out, here’s what you can do:

• Feather the Paint Out: Instead of painting just the touch-up area, roll the new paint past the repair into the surrounding wall, blending it gradually. This technique softens the contrast line.
• Repaint From Break to Break: For a cleaner fix, paint the entire section of wall from corner to corner or from ceiling to trim. That way, any shift in tone is contained and looks intentional.
• Color Match the Current Paint: Bring a 1" x 1" sample of your existing wall color, either from a removed piece of drywall or a scrape from an inconspicuous spot, to a paint store. They should be able to scan and match the aged color more accurately than just using your old paint code.
• Start Fresh: Repainting the entire room is often the cleanest solution if the wall has noticeable wear or fading. It also gives you the option to update the color entirely.

When old and new paint don’t match, you have options, from blending the repair to repainting the entire space. The key is understanding why the mismatch happened and using the right technique and tools to fix it.

Find Your Benjamin Moore Paint Store Near North Attleborough, MA

Color matching isn’t guesswork. It’s a precise art. At Triboro Paint, we carry the full line of Benjamin Moore colors and finishes, and our in-store technology can match an existing sample to within a fraction of a shade.

With Benjamin Moore Paint Stores near North Attleborough, MA, Foxborough, MA, and Warwick, RI, we serve homeowners and painting professionals across Plainville, Easton, Mansfield, Attleboro, East Greenwich, Cranston, Providence, West Warwick, and more.

Our team understands the challenges of how to deal with your old paint not matching the new paint, and we’ll help you get as close to perfect as possible, whether it’s for a small repair or a whole-home refresh. Contact us today to explore the latest colors and find the right shade for your next project.