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If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of trying to match paint to a specific colour then this post is for you.
We’ve all done it when we’re decorating – we find the perfect shade we want on our walls from an object we’ve seen out and about. You try taking a photo of it but it doesn’t quite look the same on your screen. Maybe you buy a swatch and take it to your local DIY paint scanner. And then the machine won’t recognise it.
Introducing paint and colour experts Datacolor. They’ve created a brilliant digital colour matching device, the ColorReader EZ which, when used in conjunction with the app, seamlessly matches colours to paint brands with pinpoint accuracy. Amazing, right?
I put it through its paces on how to identify colour on the go!
How to scan a colour into the ColorReader app.
Scanning a colour couldn’t be easier. Open up the app, place the ColorReader EZ device onto a flat surface of the colour you like and press the button. Within seconds, the device will have read your chosen colour and the app gives you the top three paint matches from leading paint brands.
Can’t I just use my phone for colour matching?
Have you ever noticed how different the colours in an image taken on your phone can look compared to reality? That’s because the colours used in our phones are programmed according to each brand. And that’s without taking into account the interference of ambient light the camera picks up along the way.
The ColorReader EZ device cleverly cuts out any ambient light meaning what it scans through to your phone is the most accurate result you can get. I often find colour inspiration in magazines and this couldn’t be easier.
How do I choose the right paint colours for the room I’m decorating?
I was especially impressed with this functionality in the app. It can actually advise you on the best coordinating colours to use alongside your existing scheme. Scan other elements such as doorframes or a colour leading into an adjacent room and it’ll present you with “Coordinate Colour” options. No more confusing decisions to make.
Create a Custom Colour Palette
If you visit a place and fall in love with the colour scheme there, you can scan and store them to create a custom colour palette in the app. This is brilliant if you’re travelling abroad and need a quick capture to save for later. I’m creating my own for the subtle Nordic shades I’m using around the house. There’s always some decorating still to do here…
If that doesn’t take all the stress out of choosing the right paint colour for your next DIY project, I don’t know what will…
Choose from three different devices ranging from the EZ (perfect for DIYers) up to the ColorReader Pro, all of which you can buy online.