Existing coatings, dried paint, color chips, Fandecks, and samples from current or discontinued manufacturers.
Custom Color Matching
Custom color matching and replication
We create custom paint colors from physical materials, existing coatings, manufacturer samples, and other references. Each approved color is documented and retained as a physical painted standard so future orders can be checked against the same reference.
$25 per color
Custom-development fee. Paint, samples, shipping, and extensive
finish development are priced separately.
Physical references preferred
Paint, fabric, stone, tile, wood, wallcovering, and other materials.
2–4 business days
Typical development time after the reference material is received.
Standards retained
Approved custom colors are documented for consistent future orders.
What we can work from
ACCEPTED MATERIALS
Color is interpreted through the selected paint product, sheen, and finish. Tell us where the paint will be used so we can develop it in the correct system rather than matching color in isolation.
Textiles, upholstery, rugs, printed papers, and other patterned or solid materials used within the project.
Architectural materials, millwork, cabinetry, flooring, and other surfaces the paint needs to coordinate with.
Useful when no physical reference exists, but treated as a visual interpretation rather than an exact material match.
For the most accurate result:
provide a clean, representative physical sample large enough to
evaluate. Screens, photographs, scans, and printed reproductions can
shift color because of exposure, lighting, ink, and display settings.
Our process
Developed in any base or finish
The same color can appear different in Flat, Eggshell, Super, Metallic, Lime, or Suede. We formulate and review the color in the requested paint or finish whenever possible.
01
Review the reference and project
We confirm the target material, paint product, sheen, substrate, quantity, and intended use before development begins.
02
Formulate and evaluate
Our colorists develop the color by eye, compare it directly with the reference, and make the necessary adjustments.
03
Review a physical result
Custom sample availability varies by finish. We will explain the best approval method before producing project quantities.
04
Approve and retain the standard
Once approved, we retain the formula and a physical painted master associated with the client or project.
05
Produce and reproduce
Project orders and later reorders are checked against the retained physical standard to support color continuity.
Project continuity
A formula is not enough
Every approved custom color is retained with a physical painted reference. When the color is reordered, production can be compared with the actual approved result rather than relying only on a formula recorded months or years earlier.
During construction:
maintain continuity across phases, rooms, and separate orders.
After installation:
simplify maintenance, touch-ups, and future additions.
Across project teams:
identify the approved color by client, firm, or project name.
Pricing and timing
Straightforward custom-color service
Standard color matching is distinct from custom finish development. Colors requiring a new texture, layered process, glaze, reactive effect, or other finish development may require a separate quote.
Development fee
$25 per color
- Paint and shipping are additional.
- Standard minimum is one quart per custom color and product.
- Typical turnaround is 2–4 business days after receipt.
- Flat reference materials can generally be returned with the order.
- Large or fragile materials may require separate return shipping.
Start a custom color
Reach out to a colorist
Send the project details first, or call before mailing a valuable, oversized, fragile, or irreplaceable material.
Mail or deliver references to:
The Paint Laboratory
2405 10th Ave. East
Seattle, WA 98102