How to Match Paint Color on Window Trim for Touch Up

Nicked window trim, or trim that is scratched or otherwise compromised, needs just a dab or two of paint to remedy the marred surface. Unfortunately, if you don't have the original paint, you are up against a problem. Even if you do have the original can, it possibly is dried up or too old to use. If you have a very good eye for color, and experience color mixing, you can purchase tints and try to match the trim color. The easier way is to work from a swatch book. Most swatch books have very similar colors. Even if they are not precision matches, for a small speck of trim it should be close enough.

Things You'll Need

Swatch book
Jar of sample paint (semigloss)

Small paint brush
Rag

Instructions

- 1
  Use the swatch book to determine the hue of the window trim paint. Do this in good light. Daylight is best.
- 2
  Purchase a small sample jar of the hue at the paint store. This avoids a bigger expense, and you will still have plenty of paint for small repairs. Get a semigloss finish, which is standard for trim. If no sample is available, purchase the smallest quantity possible.
- 3
  Dip the brush lightly in the paint. Dab it onto the touch-up spot.
- 4
  Rub the paint in with the rag. This distributes the paint over the area around the touch-up spot, making the repair harder to see.
- 5
  Repeat the application and rubbing process several times. Finish with a very light coat on the touch-up area for complete coverage.

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