Can Home Depot Match Benjamin Moore Paint Colors? Your Ultimate Guide to Achieving Premium Shades on a Budget
After I shared my transformative experience using Benjamin Moore’s classic Hale Navy in a recent home project, my inbox was flooded with questions. By far, the most common inquiry I received was: “Can I get Benjamin Moore colors matched at Home Depot?”
I completely understand the curiosity. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its exquisite, premium-quality paints and a palette of colors that simply captivates. However, not everyone has a dedicated Benjamin Moore retailer conveniently located nearby, nor is everyone eager to pay the higher price point that often comes with such premium products.
As someone who has navigated the often-tricky process of paint color matching through trial and error, I know firsthand how critical it is to achieve that precise shade you envision. Whether you’re planning a bold accent wall, undertaking a complete room makeover, or simply refreshing a cherished piece of furniture, the accuracy of your chosen color can make or break your design vision.
The straightforward answer to your burning question is yes, Home Depot can match Benjamin Moore’s paint colors. While they won’t be providing you with an identical Benjamin Moore product, their advanced color-matching technology allows them to custom-mix their own paint brands to replicate that perfect shade you’re chasing. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into the specifics of Home Depot’s paint matching capabilities, explore the notable pros and cons of this approach, and share my top practical tips for ensuring you get the best possible results for your home painting projects.
Can Home Depot Accurately Match Benjamin Moore Paint Colors?
Yes, Home Depot possesses the technology to match Benjamin Moore’s revered paint colors, but it’s important to understand the full scope of what that “yes” entails. While their in-store color-matching technology is remarkably sophisticated and often impressive, what you receive isn’t an exact Benjamin Moore paint formulation. Instead, it’s a very close approximation, meticulously created using Home Depot’s proprietary paint bases and colorants.
During my own journey, when attempting to replicate the rich depth of Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, I observed that Home Depot produced a remarkably similar color. However, as an enthusiast with a discerning eye, I did notice subtle distinctions in undertone and overall richness compared to the original Benjamin Moore product. These nuances are often imperceptible to the casual observer but can be significant to those seeking absolute perfection.
Despite these subtle differences, for many homeowners—and indeed, for my specific needs—the matched paint proved to be more than satisfactory. When you factor in the considerable cost savings, especially for larger projects or multiple rooms, Home Depot’s paint matching service presents a highly practical and appealing alternative for achieving those premium Benjamin Moore aesthetics without the premium price tag.
Understanding the Science and Art of Paint Matching
Have you ever fallen completely in love with a specific Benjamin Moore paint color, only to wonder if you could realistically achieve a similar look by getting it matched at your local Home Depot? You are certainly not alone in this thought. Modern paint matching has evolved significantly, far beyond the days of simply “eyeballing” colors and hoping for the best possible outcome. Today, it stands as a sophisticated blend of advanced technology and nuanced color science, designed to help homeowners like us achieve the perfect color match, even when navigating between different paint brands.
1. What Exactly Is Paint Matching?
At its core, paint matching can be likened to a skilled chef meticulously recreating a signature dish from a renowned restaurant. Just as the chef must precisely identify the ingredients and their exact proportions, paint matching involves a detailed analysis of an original color to accurately reproduce it using the components of a different paint brand. In my personal scenario, the goal was to faithfully recreate Benjamin Moore’s signature rich and sophisticated color palette, but within the more accessible and budget-friendly paint lines offered by Home Depot.
Having had previous experience working directly with Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy (HC-154), I can attest firsthand to the unique depth and richness their colors possess, which truly makes them special. However, what ultimately makes paint matching feasible and effective is the fundamental truth that all colors, regardless of the brand or specific formulation, are ultimately composed of the same basic pigments and components. The challenge, and the science, lies in accurately identifying these components and getting their proportions exactly right to create a harmonious match.
2. How Does Modern Paint Matching Technology Work?
The scientific precision behind Home Depot’s paint matching process is quite remarkable. They utilize a highly advanced instrument known as a spectrophotometer. You can think of this device as an incredibly precise “color detective” capable of analyzing and deconstructing any color into its exact spectral components. When I presented my Benjamin Moore color sample, the store associate carefully placed it under this high-tech scanner.
The spectrophotometer meticulously reads the color’s unique light reflections and feeds this intricate data into a sophisticated computer system. This system then acts as a translator, converting the Benjamin Moore color data into a precise formula tailored to Home Depot’s specific range of tints, bases, and colorants. It’s essentially like having a highly specialized dictionary that can fluently translate “Benjamin Moore color language” into “Home Depot color language.”
The system undertakes a detailed analysis of several key color attributes, including:
- The exact wavelengths of light reflected by the color.
- The subtle undertones inherent within the color (e.g., warm, cool, gray, green).
- The overall depth and intensity that defines the specific shade.
From my experience with getting Hale Navy matched, I strongly learned that even with Home Depot’s impressive technology, it is always a prudent step to test the matched paint on a small, inconspicuous area first. Colors can exhibit slight variations depending on your home’s unique lighting conditions and the specific base formula of the paint used. While Home Depot can achieve a very close match to Benjamin Moore’s colors, it might not be 100% identical. These minor variations are typically attributed to the distinct proprietary bases and colorants that each paint brand exclusively utilizes. Nevertheless, for a vast majority of homeowners, myself included, the match is often sufficiently close to be entirely practical, especially when considering the significant potential for cost savings.
The Home Depot Paint Matching Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
The procedure for getting paint matched at Home Depot is both fascinating in its technology and remarkably straightforward for the customer. When I brought in my Benjamin Moore Hale Navy color sample, this is precisely how the process unfolded:
Firstly, the knowledgeable store associate utilized their advanced spectrophotometer—a sophisticated color-reading device that resembles a compact, high-tech scanner. My paint sample was carefully positioned under this device, which then initiated its precise analysis of the exact color composition. What truly impressed me was the sheer speed and accuracy with which the machine could break down the complex color into its fundamental components.
Subsequently, the computer system translated this intricate color analysis into a specific mixing formula, meticulously designed for Home Depot’s unique range of paint bases and colorants. It’s an efficient conversion, akin to transforming a gourmet recipe that calls for exotic ingredients into an equally delicious version that utilizes readily available, everyday cooking items—the end result might have subtle differences, but it can still be incredibly satisfying and effective.
Key Factors Influencing Paint Matching Accuracy
Throughout my extensive paint-matching endeavors, I’ve come to understand that several crucial factors can significantly influence just how close and accurate your final color match will be. Being aware of these elements is vital for managing expectations and achieving the best possible outcome:
- Paint Bases: The Foundation of Color
Benjamin Moore and Home Depot utilize distinct, proprietary paint bases. In my specific case with matching Hale Navy, I noticed that the Home Depot version, while very close, possessed a slightly different depth and luminescence. It was undoubtedly beautiful, but not an exact replica. This difference stems from each manufacturer’s unique formulation for their paint bases, which profoundly affects how pigments are absorbed, how light is reflected, and ultimately, how the final color appears on your wall. These bases are more than just a carrier; they are integral to the paint’s final hue and saturation. - Sheen Variations: The Impact on Perception
When coordinating my paint, I quickly realized that sheen—the level of gloss or flatness—can dramatically alter the perception of a color. The exact same color in an eggshell finish can look noticeably different from a satin or matte finish, even within the same brand. I discovered it was absolutely crucial to not only match the desired color but also to carefully consider and match the sheen level of my original Benjamin Moore paint. A slight difference in sheen can create a perceived color shift, making a seemingly perfect color match appear off. - Lighting Conditions: The Ever-Changing Canvas
Here’s a lesson I learned through experience: paint colors can appear dramatically different under various lighting conditions. What might look like an impeccable match under the bright fluorescent lights of Home Depot can shift subtly or significantly once applied in your home’s natural daylight, incandescent, or LED lighting. This is precisely why I always emphasize the importance of testing the matched paint on a small wall area first. Observe this sample at different times throughout the day and under various lighting conditions to truly understand how the color will behave in your unique space before committing to a larger purchase.
Through numerous home renovation projects, I’ve concluded that Home Depot’s paint-matching service can be an incredibly valuable and cost-effective option, particularly for homeowners working within a specific budget. While the resulting matches may not always be 100% identical to the original Benjamin Moore colors, they often achieve a proximity that is more than sufficient for most practical needs and aesthetic desires.
The secret to success lies in understanding these inherent limitations and using this knowledge to make an informed decision aligned with your specific project requirements and personal expectations. Having personally utilized both authentic Benjamin Moore paints and Home Depot matched alternatives in different rooms, I can confidently state that a successful outcome frequently hinges on your meticulous attention to detail during the matching process and your willingness to thoroughly test the color before committing to painting an entire room.
Pro Tips for Achieving the Best Paint Matching Results:
- Always Get a Sample: Never skip getting a sample mixed first. Apply two coats of this sample to a large piece of white poster board or directly onto a small, inconspicuous wall section.
- Test in Varied Lighting: View your dried sample in different lighting conditions—natural daylight, artificial room lighting, morning, noon, and evening—to see how the color truly behaves.
- Bring a Substantial Sample: When possible, bring a larger, clean sample (e.g., a 6×6 inch painted piece of drywall or a larger paint chip) for the spectrophotometer to scan. A larger surface area typically yields better accuracy.
- Consider Buying Extra: For critical projects, consider purchasing slightly more paint than you estimate. This ensures you have a consistent batch for future touch-ups, as even slight variations can occur between batches.
Remember: While Home Depot’s paint-matching technology is undeniably advanced, if absolute color fidelity and precise consistency are paramount to your project—especially for high-visibility areas or if you need future touch-ups to be seamless—investing in the original Benjamin Moore paint might indeed be your most reliable choice. However, if you’re balancing budget constraints or simply prefer the convenience and paint brands offered by Home Depot, their color-matching service presents a highly viable and very close alternative that satisfies the requirements of most painting situations.
Practical Tips for Getting the Best Color Match at Home Depot
1. Bring the Right Sample: Your Key to Accuracy
One of the most valuable lessons I gleaned during my extensive paint-matching journey was the absolute critical importance of providing the correct type of sample. When I initially attempted to match my beloved Hale Navy, I made the common mistake of simply bringing in a photograph of the color on my smartphone. The store associate, very kindly and professionally, promptly explained why this method would not yield accurate results, and I’m genuinely thankful for their guidance.
The spectrophotometer needs to read actual paint pigments, not a digital representation. The best types of samples to bring for an accurate paint match include:
- An original, physical paint chip directly from Benjamin Moore.
- A clean, ideally freshly painted piece of drywall, roughly 6×6 inches in size, with at least two coats of the target color.
- A small, painted item from your actual space that represents the color, such as a switch plate cover, a piece of trim, or a drawer front.
In my situation, I had foresightedly kept the original Benjamin Moore paint chip of Hale Navy from my previous home project, which proved to be an indispensable asset. I consistently found that the larger and cleaner the sample, the higher the likelihood of achieving a truly accurate match. A larger surface area allows the spectrophotometer to obtain a more comprehensive and precise reading, minimizing errors caused by variations or minor imperfections on a tiny chip.
2. Test in Your Actual Space: The Ultimate Litmus Test
After successfully getting my beloved Hale Navy color matched at Home Depot, the immediate temptation was to enthusiastically dive in and paint the entire room. However, drawing upon valuable lessons learned from past painting projects, I wisely decided to conduct a thorough test first—and I am incredibly grateful that I did! This crucial step saved me from potential disappointment.
I highly recommend implementing the following testing process, which has consistently yielded excellent results for me:
- Purchase a sample quart of the matched paint. This small investment is invaluable.
- Apply two coats of the sample paint onto a large piece of white poster board (at least 2×2 feet). This provides a clean, neutral surface that accurately reflects the paint color, unlike painting directly onto an existing wall color which can interfere with true perception.
- Move the painted poster board to various locations within your room or space, observing it against different walls and in different corners.
- Critically assess the color at various times throughout the day, paying close attention to how it appears under morning light, midday sun, and evening artificial lighting.
- Finally, compare the dried matched sample side-by-side with your original Benjamin Moore sample, under the exact same lighting conditions in your home, to gauge the closeness of the match.
When I followed this detailed process with my matched Hale Navy, I quickly discerned subtle differences in how the color manifested in my new north-facing room compared to its appearance in my previous south-facing dining room. This meticulous testing phase provided me with the opportunity to request minor adjustments to the paint formula before committing to purchasing several gallons, ultimately ensuring a much more satisfying final outcome.
3. Understand and Manage Limitations: Realistic Expectations for Success
Maintaining a realistic perspective regarding paint matching has been fundamental to my overall satisfaction with the achieved results. Through my extensive experience with both genuine Benjamin Moore paints and their Home Depot matched counterparts, I’ve cultivated an understanding to anticipate and gracefully accept certain inherent limitations.
Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge that paint bases are fundamentally different across brands. When Home Depot matched my cherished Hale Navy, the color itself was remarkably close. However, the nuanced way in which it absorbed and reflected light was subtly distinct from the original Benjamin Moore version. This isn’t indicative of a flaw in the matching technology; rather, it’s simply a consequence of different manufacturers employing their unique paint base formulations and proprietary ingredient compositions. These underlying differences subtly alter the paint’s optical properties.
Here’s what I’ve learned to realistically expect from paint matching services:
- The matched colors might present slight variations when observed under differing lighting conditions within your home.
- The intrinsic depth, richness, and luminosity of the matched color may vary subtly from that of the original premium paint.
- Future touch-ups might be marginally more noticeable with matched paint compared to using the original brand’s product.
- Certain complex, exceptionally deep, or highly nuanced colors might inherently be more challenging to replicate with absolute perfection.
In my personal experience, while the matched Hale Navy wasn’t an exact, indistinguishable duplicate of my original Benjamin Moore paint, it was unequivocally more than satisfactory for my project’s requirements. The key to this satisfaction was tempering my initial expectations and embracing the understanding that “very close” can indeed be “good enough,” especially when weighing the significant financial savings involved.
What truly made the most substantial difference in my experience was maintaining open and clear communication with the paint department staff regarding my specific expectations and any concerns. They were consistently helpful, patiently explaining the capabilities and limitations of their matching technology, and often offered valuable suggestions for optimizing the outcome and achieving the best possible results.
Comparing Home Depot’s Paint Brands to Benjamin Moore: Quality and Value
Having extensively used Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy in my previous residence and now actively exploring Home Depot’s diverse paint options for my new space, I’ve gained invaluable, firsthand insights into how these distinct brands genuinely compare. Allow me to share my direct experience, providing a balanced perspective on both premium and more budget-friendly paint solutions.
1. Similar Color Options Across Brands
Upon my initial visit to Home Depot with the intention of matching my cherished Benjamin Moore colors, I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive and varied color ranges available across their various paint lines. Each brand available at Home Depot offers its own unique interpretation of popular designer colors and can often provide compelling alternatives:
- Behr: As Home Depot’s flagship paint brand, Behr boasts an impressive selection that frequently comes remarkably close to mirroring Benjamin Moore’s sophisticated palette. During my intricate color-matching endeavors, I discovered that Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra line, in particular, featured several colors that bore a striking resemblance to some of Benjamin Moore’s most sought-after shades. The sheer breadth of their color catalog proved incredibly helpful in identifying viable alternatives when an absolutely exact, perfect match was simply not achievable.
- Glidden: Another long-standing staple at Home Depot, Glidden provides a more budget-conscious paint option that still offers a surprisingly robust and versatile color selection. While working on various rooms in my new home, I found Glidden’s color range to be particularly adept at matching Benjamin Moore’s lighter and medium-toned hues. However, when it came to replicating the intricate depth and complexity of very deep colors like Hale Navy, I did notice some subtle, perceptible differences in their depth and underlying undertones.
- PPG: The inclusion of PPG paints at Home Depot further broadens the spectrum of available choices. PPG’s advanced color technology particularly impressed me when I was attempting to match some of Benjamin Moore’s more unique and challenging shades. The paint specialist I consulted explained that PPG’s color-matching capabilities are considered among the most sophisticated in the entire industry, an assessment that certainly resonated with my positive experiences using their matched paints.
2. Distinguishing Differences in Paint Quality
After extensively utilizing both Benjamin Moore and Home Depot’s various paint options, I’ve distinctly noted several key differences in their overall performance characteristics:
Coverage:
- Benjamin Moore: My prior experience with Hale Navy showcased its exceptional coverage. Typically, only two coats were required, even when applying deep, saturated colors over lighter surfaces. The paint consistently applied smoothly and provided outstanding hide, effectively concealing the underlying color.
- Home Depot Brands: With Behr Premium Plus Ultra, I generally found the coverage to be quite good, often requiring two to three coats for full, opaque coverage, especially with darker hues. Glidden and the more basic PPG lines, however, frequently necessitated additional coats to achieve complete opacity, particularly when dealing with vibrant or dark colors.
Durability:
- Benjamin Moore: The durability of my original Hale Navy walls was truly impressive. Even after several years, the finish remained remarkably consistent, and the walls were easy to clean without any noticeable color fade or damage.
- Home Depot Options: Behr’s premium lines, such as Premium Plus Ultra, have proven surprisingly durable, even in high-traffic areas of my home. Conversely, I observed that their more basic lines and certain Glidden products tended to show signs of wear and tear more quickly, particularly in areas that required frequent wiping or cleaning.
Finish Quality:
- Benjamin Moore: The final finish of my Hale Navy room possessed a remarkably rich, almost luminous quality that consistently drew compliments from visitors. The paint presented a luxuriously smooth, exceptionally even appearance that truly enhanced and showcased the color’s inherent depth.
- Home Depot Alternatives: While Behr’s premium lines certainly provide a very pleasing finish, I did discern subtle differences in how the paint settled and dried, often lacking some of the distinctive richness and subtle glow I had become accustomed to with Benjamin Moore. The more budget-friendly options, in some instances, exhibited slight roller marks and had a marginally less uniform and refined appearance.
Price Considerations: During my recent home painting projects, I discovered that Home Depot’s paint options offered significant financial savings:
- Benjamin Moore paints frequently range from $50-75+ per gallon, depending on the line and retailer.
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra typically costs around $35-45 per gallon.
- Glidden and the more basic PPG lines are generally priced in the $25-35 per gallon range.
My overarching experience indicates that while Home Depot’s paints may not perfectly replicate the ultra-premium quality and nuanced finish of Benjamin Moore, their higher-tier lines (especially Behr Premium Plus Ultra) offer an extremely compelling quality-to-price ratio. For many of my rooms, the subtle difference in quality was a perfectly acceptable trade-off, especially considering the substantial cost savings, which became particularly significant when painting larger surface areas.
Alternatives to Paint Matching at Home Depot
After my in-depth experience with matching Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy at Home Depot, I also extensively explored various other avenues for acquiring the exact colors I desired. Let me share some valuable insights I discovered about alternative options that might prove more suitable for your specific project needs and preferences.
1. Leveraging Benjamin Moore Retailers for Authentic Quality
While Home Depot’s paint matching service performed admirably for many of my rooms, for my primary bedroom, I made a conscious decision to visit a dedicated Benjamin Moore retailer. In this highly personal and visible space, I yearned for that distinctive, signature Benjamin Moore finish and the profound depth of color I so fondly remembered from my original Hale Navy dining room. What I uncovered at the Benjamin Moore store truly impressed me and reinforced its unique value proposition.
Firstly, the level of expertise among the staff was noticeably superior. The associates at my local Benjamin Moore retailer genuinely live and breathe their products. When I mentioned my prior affection for Hale Navy, they immediately engaged in a detailed, insightful discussion about the intricate undertones, critical lighting considerations, and perfectly complementary colors that would harmonize beautifully with my new space. This personalized, in-depth consultation is a significant advantage.
The numerous benefits I discovered at authorized Benjamin Moore retailers included:
- Unrestricted access to their complete and exclusive color collection, encompassing nuanced and complex colors that are notoriously challenging to match elsewhere.
- The guaranteed ability to purchase authentic Benjamin Moore base paints and their proprietary colorants, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
- Expert, personalized color consultation services (many retailers generously offer this free of charge), providing invaluable guidance for your entire home.
- Pinpoint, precise color matching specifically to other Benjamin Moore colors, ensuring seamless transitions and consistency within their palette.
- Direct access to their latest color trends, designer collections, and innovative product lines.
The store’s dedicated color consultant even assisted me in crafting a cohesive, whole-home color scheme, skillfully building upon my affection for Hale Navy and suggesting coordinating colors I had never even considered. This unparalleled level of service and specialized knowledge provided a strong justification for the higher price point of their premium paints.
2. Exploring Modern Third-Party Color Matching Services and Tools
During my comprehensive paint selection process, I also came across several innovative, modern alternatives to traditional in-store color matching. These advanced tools proved particularly useful when my objective was to meticulously coordinate colors across various rooms and even different paint brands.
Digital Color Matching Tools: Through my extensive research, I identified several highly beneficial digital resources:
- Dedicated paint manufacturer apps that allow you to virtually visualize colors directly within your own living space using augmented reality.
- Sophisticated online color-matching tools that can suggest equivalent shades across a multitude of different paint brands.
- User-friendly smartphone applications that utilize your phone’s camera to scan and accurately identify colors in your immediate environment.
My experience with these digital tools was a mix of enlightening and slightly varied. While the Benjamin Moore color visualization app certainly aided me in previewing colors in my space and narrowing down options, I found that digital representations were not always sufficiently accurate for making definitive, final decisions. However, these tools were undeniably invaluable for initial planning, exploring a wide range of options, and effectively streamlining the preliminary selection process.
Professional Color Consultation: One valuable option I hadn’t initially considered was engaging the services of an independent color consultant. After grappling with some particularly challenging color decisions, I learned that many interior designers and color specialists offer dedicated color consultation services. These expert services typically include:
- Professional and highly accurate color matching abilities across multiple different paint brands.
- The creation of bespoke, custom color palettes meticulously tailored for your entire home, ensuring harmony and flow.
- Thorough lighting analysis to guarantee the most accurate and pleasing color selection for each unique space.
- Personalized recommendations thoughtfully based on your home’s architectural style, existing decor, and your personal aesthetic preferences.
While diligently exploring these diverse alternatives, I concluded that the most effective and satisfying approach often involves strategically combining multiple resources. For my most critical and high-visibility rooms, such as the master bedroom and main living area, we ultimately opted for genuine Benjamin Moore paint sourced directly from an authorized retailer. For other spaces, however, we successfully utilized a combination of Home Depot matches and digital tools to pinpoint the right colors while staying comfortably within my budget.
The overarching lesson derived from my comprehensive experience is that paint matching doesn’t have to be an exclusive, either/or decision. You possess the flexibility to strategically leverage different paint sources and services, basing your choices on each room’s individual importance, its level of visibility, and your specific budgetary considerations. For example, while we judiciously used expertly matched paint in my guest rooms, we consciously chose to invest in authentic Benjamin Moore paint for my open-concept living areas, where absolute color consistency and premium finish were of paramount importance.
Conclusion: Your Path to Perfect Paint Colors
If you, like me, have utterly fallen in love with a specific Benjamin Moore color—such as the magnificent Hale Navy I raved about in my previous blog—you’re undoubtedly wondering if it’s possible to recapture that magic using Home Depot’s convenient services. The good news is, yes, it often is, but with a few crucial considerations to keep firmly in mind. While Home Depot’s cutting-edge color-matching technology is exceptionally capable, subtle differences in proprietary paint bases, pigment formulations, and ultimate finishes mean that an exact, indistinguishable match may not always be achievable. Think of it as a very close cousin, rather than an identical twin.
That being said, with a little diligent preparation—such as bringing in a pristine, physical sample and, most importantly, thoroughly testing the matched color in your actual space under various lighting conditions—you can very often achieve a result you’ll absolutely adore, all without the premium price tag typically associated with Benjamin Moore’s products. For those projects where absolute color fidelity and uncompromising quality are non-negotiable, a visit to a dedicated Benjamin Moore store remains your best bet. However, for the vast majority of home painting projects, Home Depot’s color-matching service presents a highly viable, cost-effective, and remarkably close alternative.
Have you embarked on a paint color matching adventure before? I’m genuinely eager to hear about your personal experiences, tips, or to answer any lingering questions you might have—please feel free to drop them in the comments section below! Let’s collaboratively ensure your next paint project is a resounding success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Benjamin Moore Colors at Home Depot
How Much Does It Cost to Color Match at Home Depot?
The actual color matching service itself at Home Depot is completely free of charge. You only pay for the paint you ultimately purchase. This can translate into significant savings when compared to Benjamin Moore’s prices, especially when you’re undertaking larger projects that involve painting multiple rooms. For instance, while a gallon of Benjamin Moore paint might typically cost $50-75+ or more, I found that comparable matched colors in Behr Premium Plus Ultra were available for approximately $35-45 per gallon, offering a substantial budget advantage.
How Long Does the Paint Matching Process Typically Take at Home Depot?
From my personal experience, the core color-matching process—where the sample is scanned and the formula is generated—usually takes a quick 5-10 minutes once you are actively working with a paint department associate. However, I strongly recommend allocating a bit of extra time, particularly if you plan your visit during peak hours such as weekends or weekday evenings, when the store can be busier. When I had my Hale Navy matched, the entire process, including the scanning, formula creation, and paint mixing, typically took me about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
What’s the Best Home Depot Paint Brand for Matching Benjamin Moore Colors?
In my experience, Behr Premium Plus Ultra consistently provides the closest and most satisfying matches for Benjamin Moore colors, particularly when dealing with complex or deep shades like Hale Navy. The superior quality of Behr Premium Plus Ultra’s base paint plays a crucial role in achieving a more accurate color match and generally offers significantly better coverage compared to Home Depot’s more budget-focused paint lines, making it a highly recommended choice for demanding projects.
Can Home Depot Match Discontinued Benjamin Moore Colors?
Yes, Home Depot can indeed match discontinued Benjamin Moore colors, provided you bring in a physical sample of the color. This is one of the distinct advantages of their spectrophotometer technology. When I needed to match a specific discontinued Benjamin Moore gray from my previous home, I simply brought in a clean, painted piece of drywall. The store was successfully able to create an excellent, very close match from this sample, demonstrating the versatility of their service.
Will Home Depot Match the Exact Sheen of My Benjamin Moore Paint?
Home Depot’s paint department can match the color formula into any of the sheens they offer (e.g., flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss). However, it’s important to understand that sheen levels can vary perceptibly between different paint brands. For example, a Benjamin Moore eggshell finish might have a slightly different level of reflectivity or smoothness compared to a Home Depot brand’s eggshell finish. When I was matching my Hale Navy, I found that I sometimes needed to make slight adjustments to the chosen sheen level to achieve the precise look and feel I desired, as the perceived color can be heavily influenced by the sheen.