What to bring for an accurate colour match
The better the sample, the better the match. Bring a clean piece of the painted surface if you can, or a photo if the area cannot be removed. A sample about the size of an A5 page is usually enough, but larger pieces help when the colour has faded from sun, sea air or smoke. If the surface is chalky, stained or covered in old varnish, tell us before we mix anything so we can guide you on prep first.
For repaints in Gqeberha, coastal humidity and strong light can change how colour reads on the wall, especially on exterior plaster. In Joburg and Randburg, high dust and dry air can affect sheen and final appearance. We look at the sample in proper light, then work from there.
- Paint chip, flake or off-cut from the same surface if possible
- Photo of the wall, ceiling or trim in daylight
- Room name or area, such as bedroom, shopfront or boundary wall
- Existing product details if you have them, including finish and batch info
How to request a colour matching consultation
You can book a consultation for Korsten in Gqeberha, Walmer, Newton Park, Sandton, Randburg or Bellville. Tell us what you are painting, the size of the area and whether it is interior or exterior. If the work is for a contractor account or a bulk order, mention that too so we can plan quantities and drying times around your schedule.
Send a message through our contact form with your contact details and a short note about the colour you need. If you are unsure of the exact shade, say whether you want a match to an existing painted area, a cleaner version of the same colour, or a new colour close to what you already have. That saves time and avoids unnecessary sample mixes.
- Project address or nearest branch area
- Surface type such as plaster, timber, metal or gypsum board
- Approximate square metres
- Preferred finish, for example matt, eggshell or gloss
What happens during sample pot mixing
Once we have the sample, we assess the colour under the right light and mix a small test pot. This is useful for repaints, patch repairs and colour changes where you need to see the shade before ordering larger volumes. The sample pot lets you check the colour against your room light, tiles, curtains or shop fittings without guessing.
We may suggest a second sample if the original wall has faded unevenly or if the area was painted years ago with a different product line. For exterior work, especially in coastal suburbs, we also factor in heat, UV and moisture so the chosen colour still looks good after a few seasons.
- Test on at least two sections of the wall
- Allow the sample to dry fully before judging it
- View it in morning, midday and evening light
- Check both the match and the finish level
Preparing your surface before the consultation
Surface prep matters as much as the colour itself. If a wall is dusty, flaking or stained with damp marks, the sample can look wrong once applied. Before your booking, clean loose dirt, brush away powdery paint and note any cracks, mould, rust or water damage. If you are not sure what prep is needed, we will talk you through it and recommend the right products for the surface.
For trade jobs and contractor accounts, planning ahead helps. Measure each room or wall carefully, list out patch repairs and tell us if the site has load-shedding interruptions or limited access times. That way we can advise on drying windows and order size. A little prep now saves a lot of rework later.
Choosing the right product for the job
Not every colour needs the same paint type. A colour that works on an interior lounge wall may not suit a boundary wall, ceiling, bathroom or steel gate. We give product recommendations based on use, traffic, moisture and the finish you want. If you are repainting rental units or retail space, we can also help you choose products that are easier to clean and touch up later.
In some cases, we will suggest a tinted undercoat or primer first, especially when covering dark colours, bright shades or patched areas. This helps the final colour sit better and can reduce the number of coats needed.
- Interior walls and ceilings
- Exterior masonry and plaster
- Wood and metal finishes
- Touch-up and maintenance work
Collecting your matched paint and checking the result
Once the mix is ready, collect it from the branch you booked with or arrange the order through our team. When you apply the paint, keep a wet edge and work in good light so you can see the true colour as it goes on. If the first coat looks a little off, dont panic. Paint often dries darker or lighter depending on the surface and sheen.
If the final result needs adjustment, bring back the sample and the leftover paint so we can compare it properly. This is especially useful when matching older colours where sun fade or previous repaint layers have changed the look over time. We would rather sort it out early than leave you guessing.
Need help with a tough repaint?
If your project has peeling paint, damp, powdery plaster or a colour that refuses to match properly, send us the details before you start. Our team can help with repaint troubleshooting, bulk quantity planning and contractor account support. We work with DIY customers and trade clients across Gqeberha, Joburg and Cape Town, so you can get practical advice that fits the job and the budget.
For fast help, send a message through our contact form and include a photo, your nearest area and the size of the job. The more we know upfront, the easier it is to get the shade right first time.
