Don’t Touch (up) That
Touch-up paint gone wrong.
Cheesy title aside, touch-up paint can be an easy project or a recipe for disaster. Just because you have the same can of paint in your garage or basement, it doesn’t mean that it will look right on your walls years later. Factors from sun bleaching to paint storage temperature can create a situation where touch-up paint looks more like cheetah spots than a cohesive color.
I’ve heard my favorite painter, Jered, talk about countless agents and clients thinking touch-up paint is a quick, cheap fix. In reality, it might just look cheaply done.
When looking to touch up your walls, ask yourself these questions and follow these steps…
How old is the paint?
If the answer is over 6 months, there’s a good chance you might need a fresh can. It’s also extremely important to remix the paint thoroughly.
Where was the paint stored?
If your paint was stored in a poorly insulated garage or basement, there’s a strong likelihood your paint has changed shades slightly.
Matching new paint is an entirely different issue with as many challenges. When you get new paint, be certain you’re using the same brand, grade within the brand, and sheen.
OK, let’s say you’ve stored your paint perfectly, it’s fairly new and tediously mixed or you’ve got the same brand, grade, color, and sheen, NOW it’s time for a spot test. Pick an inconspicuous place and do a small spot test, wait for it to dry, and inspect it in all types of light. If it looks great, have at it! But, be prepared to pivot and paint the whole wall because, often, touch-up paint is just terrible.
