Johnstone's Paint: Colour Matching Little Greene Made Easy

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts and home decor aficionados! Ever found yourself staring at a Little Greene paint chart, completely smitten with a particular shade, but maybe leaning towards Johnstone's Paint for your project? Well, you're not alone! The good news is, you absolutely can achieve a fantastic Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene! Today, we're going to dive deep into how to make this happen, covering everything from the basics to some insider tips and tricks. Let's get started, shall we?

Why Colour Match Little Greene with Johnstone's Paint?

Alright, so why bother with a Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene in the first place? Why not just stick with Little Greene, you ask? Well, there are a few compelling reasons. Firstly, cost. Little Greene paints are renowned for their quality and beautiful pigments, but that often comes with a higher price tag. Johnstone's Paint, on the other hand, offers excellent quality at a more accessible price point. This means you can get that gorgeous Little Greene colour you've been eyeing without breaking the bank. Secondly, availability. While Little Greene is widely available, Johnstone's Paint might be more readily accessible in your local area, making it a convenient choice. Finally, personal preference. You might simply prefer the finish or the specific range offered by Johnstone's. Whatever the reason, the ability to get a Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene opens up a world of possibilities for your decorating projects!

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: achieving a perfect match. It's important to understand that colour matching, even with the best technology, isn't always a 100% guarantee. Variables such as the lighting in your space, the underlying surface, and the finish of the paint can all affect how the colour appears. However, with the right approach, you can get incredibly close, and the results will be stunning. This is where a good colour matching service comes into play. Most Johnstone's Paint retailers will offer a colour matching service, utilizing advanced technology to scan your chosen Little Greene colour and create a close approximation in a Johnstone's Paint formula. But more on that later. Stick around guys, because the really good stuff is just ahead!

The Colour Matching Process: Step-by-Step Guide

So, how does the Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene process actually work? Let's break it down step-by-step to demystify it for you. This will help you guys feel more confident and in control when you head to the paint store.

  1. Choosing Your Little Greene Colour: This is the fun part! Browse those Little Greene colour charts or visit their website and select the colour that has captured your heart. Note the name and code of the colour. This information will be crucial for the matching process. Make sure to consider the lighting in the room where you'll be using the paint. The same colour can look drastically different under natural light, artificial light, or a combination of both. Think about the mood you want to create and how the colour will interact with your existing furnishings and decor. Remember that colours can appear warmer or cooler depending on the other colours present in the space. Consider getting a sample pot of the Little Greene colour you like so that you can test it on a small area of your wall and observe how the light affects it at different times of the day.
  2. Visiting a Johnstone's Paint Retailer: Locate your nearest Johnstone's Paint stockist that offers a colour matching service. Call ahead to confirm that they have the necessary equipment and expertise. Most Johnstone's retailers will be happy to help, but it's always wise to check beforehand. Some larger stores will have dedicated colour matching specialists, while others may have trained staff who can assist. Be sure to bring your Little Greene colour information (the name and code). Some retailers may also allow you to bring a physical sample of the Little Greene paint, such as a paint chip or a piece of painted material, to aid in the matching process. Be prepared to discuss your project with the staff, including the surface you'll be painting and the desired finish (matt, eggshell, etc.).
  3. The Colour Scan: This is where the magic happens! The retailer will use a colour matching machine (often a spectrophotometer) to analyze your Little Greene colour. This machine reads the colour and provides information to the computer system, which then formulates a Johnstone's Paint equivalent. It works by measuring the wavelengths of light reflected from the colour sample. The machine compares the light wavelengths to a database of colours, and this information helps the machine to identify the closest match. Depending on the equipment, they might scan a paint chip, a physical sample, or even use the Little Greene colour code you provide. This process is generally very accurate, but remember that the final result may vary slightly.
  4. Mixing and Tinting: Based on the scan, the retailer's machine will generate a specific formula for your Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene. The formula includes the correct base paint and the precise mix of colourants needed to achieve the closest possible match. The paint will then be mixed, tinted, and ready for you to take home and use on your project. The paint will be mixed using automated machines to ensure accuracy and consistency. It's crucial to confirm the colour before you leave the store. Ask to see a test patch and check the colour in different lighting conditions to make sure that you are happy. You may want to purchase a small sample pot to test the colour at home before committing to a larger quantity of paint.
  5. Testing and Application: Before painting the entire area, always test the Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene on a small, inconspicuous patch of your wall. Apply two coats of paint, allowing sufficient drying time between coats, to ensure the truest colour representation. Observe the colour in different lighting conditions throughout the day. If you are satisfied with the match, you're good to go! If the colour seems slightly off, you can always ask the retailer to adjust the formula, but remember that minor variations are often unavoidable. When painting, use the recommended tools and techniques for the best results. Proper preparation is key! Clean and prime the surface before painting.

Tips for a Successful Colour Match

Alright, let's talk about some pro tips to help you nail that Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene and create a beautiful and cohesive look in your home. These little nuggets of wisdom will ensure your project goes smoothly and gives you the results you've always dreamed of!

  • Bring a physical sample: If possible, take a physical sample of the Little Greene colour with you to the Johnstone's retailer. This could be a paint chip, a piece of painted material, or even a sample pot. The colour matching machine can often get a more accurate reading from a physical sample than just a colour code. A physical sample is helpful for the colour matching machine to measure and compare the colours. However, make sure to consider that different materials reflect light differently, which can have an impact on the perceived colour.
  • Consider the finish: Remember that the finish of the paint (matt, eggshell, gloss, etc.) can affect the way the colour appears. Little Greene and Johnstone's offer different finishes, so try to match the finish as closely as possible to the original. A gloss finish will reflect more light, making the colour appear brighter, whereas a matt finish will absorb light, making the colour appear softer.
  • Check the lighting: As mentioned earlier, lighting is everything! The colour will look different in different rooms and at different times of the day. Test the paint in your space under various lighting conditions before committing to the whole project. Natural light will render colours differently than artificial light. Take the time to consider how the colour will look in your space throughout the day. Use different light sources, such as incandescent, fluorescent, and LED bulbs, to see how the colour appears under varying light. It’s also wise to check the colour in both daylight and evening light.
  • Get a sample pot: Before you buy a whole tin of paint, always get a sample pot of the Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene and test it on a small area of your wall. This will allow you to see how the colour looks in your space and under your lighting conditions before you commit to painting the entire room. Try painting a small square on each wall of the room. Observe the colour at different times of the day and with different lighting.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for adjustments: If the initial match isn't quite right, don't be afraid to ask the retailer to tweak the formula. Minor adjustments can often make a big difference. Discuss your concerns with the retailer and explain what you don't like about the match. They may be able to make slight adjustments to the formula to get a closer match. Remember that it's okay to make sure the paint is perfect!
  • Prepare your surface: The surface you're painting on will also affect the final colour. Ensure your walls are clean, smooth, and properly primed before painting for the best results. Properly preparing the surface by cleaning and priming can ensure an even finish. This is especially important for dark colours or when painting over existing colours. Any imperfections on the surface will be more noticeable with a dark or bold colour, so taking the time to prepare the surface will make a big difference in the finished result.
  • Embrace slight variations: Sometimes, a perfect match just isn't achievable. Don't let minor variations drive you crazy! The key is to get as close as possible and create a harmonious look in your home. If the match is very close, the slight differences won't be noticeable unless you put the original and the match side-by-side. The key is to be realistic about what can be achieved and focus on the overall result.

Troubleshooting: Common Colour Matching Issues

Okay guys, let's address some common issues you might encounter while colour matching Johnstone's Paint Little Greene. Understanding these issues can help you prepare and avoid any disappointment.

  • The Colour Doesn't Look the Same: This is the most common issue. The colour might appear slightly different due to lighting, finish, or variations in the pigments. Before you paint the entire space, test the paint in different areas and under various lighting conditions. If the colour still doesn't match, you can try asking the retailer to adjust the formula. Make sure to consider that the colour may appear different on different surfaces.
  • The Match is Too Dark or Light: This is often due to the limitations of the colour matching machine or the specific pigments used. Ask the retailer to add or reduce the tinting to adjust the match. It's essential to understand that matching colours perfectly can be challenging, but it can be done with careful adjustments.
  • The Finish is Different: The finish of the paint will affect the final appearance of the colour. If the original Little Greene paint has a different finish than the Johnstone's paint, it will be hard to achieve a perfect match. Try to choose a Johnstone's paint with a similar finish (e.g., matt, eggshell, or gloss) as the Little Greene paint. When choosing the finish, you should also take into account the surface you're painting. A matt finish will hide imperfections, whereas a gloss finish will highlight them.
  • The Colour Appears to Flash: This can happen when the match is not accurate, or when using lower-quality paints. It causes the colour to appear different at different viewing angles. To avoid this, use a good quality paint and always test the colour before you paint a large area. Applying multiple coats of paint can also help avoid the issue.
  • The Paint Doesn't Cover Well: This is a common issue when the base colour of the Johnstone's paint is different from the Little Greene paint. This may require multiple coats of paint to cover the original colour. Properly preparing your surface with a primer can improve the coverage of the paint. The correct paint application can also help achieve the best coverage.

Conclusion: Achieving Your Dream Colour Match

So, there you have it! Getting a Johnstone's Paint colour match Little Greene is completely achievable with the right approach and a little patience. Remember to consider the lighting, the finish, and the surface you're painting. Bring a sample if you can, and always test the colour before committing to the entire room. By following these tips and understanding the process, you'll be well on your way to transforming your home with the perfect colour match, all while saving some money and getting the convenience of using Johnstone's Paint. Have fun with your decorating project, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful space! Good luck, guys!

I hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy painting!