Color Matching

Hear From Our Customers

- “Second time using Blue Door Painters … Very punctual, easy to deal with, and the paint looks great.”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “They had a large and very nice portfolio on the work they had done. They came in with an estimate that was lower than two other estimates that I had received. They came when they were supposed to come, right on the dot, and they worked all day long until around 6, I think. I [...]
  
  —Hester R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “The central office was very flexible about timing, and worked to squeeze in the job before it got too cold. The estimator seemed to completely understand the scope and quality of the job I was looking for, and the painters were extremely hardworking and eager to please.”
  
  —James B.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They’re absolutely superb. The technicians were very clean, neat, and professional. They did excellent work.”
  
  —Wayne M.
  
  Great Falls, VA
- “Quote was quick and easy. Price was competitive and the work was excellent.”
  
  —Jason R.
  
  Bristow, VA
- “I am so satisfied with the job I just had done that I am geting Blue Door to give me a price on some additional interior work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was one of the lowest of about 7 I got, and the whole company exudes an [...]
  
  —Allen H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “They arrived on time and finished job in about 1/2 the time I thought it would take. Great work!”
  
  —Mickie H.
  
  Fairfax, VA
- “They power washed the house and completed all the painting in the same day, and did a fantastic job. They also did a great job of matching the old paint color we already had on certain parts of the house (since we weren’t getting the entire house repainted). Blue Door Painters exceeded our expectations and [...]
  
  —Michael G.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They totally lived up to their high rating. They were exceptionally prompt. They were professional, neat, and efficient. They did a great job cleaning up after themselves, and made sure that we were happy. They were very nice, trustworthy people and we were very comfortable working with them. I am excited for the next opportunity [...]
  
  —Jeff M.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I was impressed by the thoroughness of the project workers AND the cleanup. I would hire Blue Door again without hesitation.”
  
  —William M.
  
  Stafford, VA
- “I’m a bit of a do-it-myself type so I tend to look at projects like these from the perspective of, ‘am I glad I paid someone else do it or do I wish I’d gone ahead and done it myself.’ In this case, I’m glad I paid Blue Door to paint the house and they [...]
  
  —Eric P.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “We already are planning to use them again and again.”
  
  —Michael C.
  
  McClean, VA
- “It was great. They were very easy to work with. They completed the job well.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “They were great and professional. Our neighbors commented on it and asked for referrals. They were very professional and on time. We didn’t have to do any follow up with them when they were on site. The quality was good.”
  
  —James F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I was very pleased with the service and would recommend this company to my friends and neighbors.”
  
  —Rene S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “The replastering is outstanding; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom, and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. I would hire them again in a second (and plan to!).”
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “Blue Door Painters was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. I received the dreaded HOA letter that required painting and repair work to be done to the front of my townhouse. As a single mom, I’m on a limited budget, but I was able to get the work beautifully done by Jeff and [...]
  
  —Kimberley S.
  
  Centreville, VA
- “Excellent. Estimate less than several others. Job done on time and very professionally.”
  
  —Fitzhugh M.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “Blue Door were prompt and courteous. They completed the tasks on time and in budget; additionally, they were responsive when I called and had questions.”
  
  —Larry N.
  
  Annandale, VA
- “Very professional from the estimate to the work! They arrived on time and did an excellent job … Their estimate was right on. No surprises and no hidden charges.”
  
  —Nail A.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I got more than my money’s worth.”
  
  —Susan S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They gave an estimate quickly and did a very good job, and were even understanding when we had to go through some issues with our homeowners association on the proper color of the stain. All in all very professional.”
  
  —Sarah S.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “From the estimate, through the contract, through the final completion and payment, it was an efficient and great process. The crew was punctual, professional, and very good at their work. It was a pleasure working with them. Any questions and they consulted me before proceeding. Overall a good experience. I would definitely recommend this company.”
  
  —Janet H.
  
  Phoenix, VA
- “They were very thorough in their estimate and did exactly what they said they would do. We were very pleased with the results.”
  
  —Lawrence S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “The foreman was conscientious and made it a point to walk with me and inspect the entire job to be sure I was satisfied before leaving.”
  
  —Barbara F.
  
  New Market, VA
- “They were professional at all times from the estimate to completion. Each person I talked to introduced themselves and their role in the project. They were very responsive to changes I requested while on the job. Clean-up went perfectly.”
  
  —Jodie M.
  
  Kensington, MD
- “They were very polite and professional. They took care around the house and appeared to take pride in their work. They cleaned-up after the first day and left the yard free of any ladders/tools/etc. The painting job was done very nicely. No drips or runs. They took care to match the color of our front [...]
  
  —Adam C.
  
  Manassas, VA
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Ian R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “I am so satisfied with the job that I am geting Blue Door give me a price on some additional work. I would hire Blue Door again in a heartbeat — their estimate was low, and the whole company exudes an air of professionalism and competence.”
  
  —Lori C.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “I called them and they responded quickly. They took the time to make sure we were communicating well, and they did what they said they would do and in the time frame we agreed upon.”
  
  —Gwen F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Their work is top notch. They did a very good job and I will bring them back next time I need the outside of my home power washed. The company is very concerned with making sure that the customer is very satisfied with their work.”
  
  —Michael S.
  
  Springfield, VA
- “This company was great. They had a great price. Their willingness to communicate was great. The crew’s attention to detail and willingness to help out was great. They were clean and very polite.”
  
  —Sara C.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- “They brought a portfolio, were very friendly and professional and got back to me with an estimate quickly.”
  
  —Cathy K.
  
  McClean, VA
- “The quality of the work was very precise and very good. They were also very professional.”
  
  —Mark R.
  
  Rockville, MD
- “The replastering job I had done by Blue Dor Painters is outstanding as well; we had chunks of plaster hanging down from the ceiling in our bathroom and now you would never even know it was repaired. The office was also very easy to deal with. Would hire them again in a second (and plan [...]
  
  —Simone C.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “Blue Door Painters provided a quick and convenient estimate in writing, made themselves available to sign the contract and, when our move in date shifted, juggled their schedule to get a crew on site a week early. The work performed was excellent. Work was also performed fast but this did not affect the the quality. [...]
  
  —Stephen B.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “Communication with Blue Door Painters has been excellent; they went above and beyond with follow up both before and after the work was done to the house. The employees in the office are very cordial, which makes dealing with them a breeze. The painters and job foremen were professional and went over the job in [...]
  
  —Stephen J.
  
  Reston, VA
- “Blue Door Painting was professional and punctual in all aspects of the job. The estimator and crew were there when they said they would be there.”
  
  —Daniel H.
  
  Alexandria, VA
- “I have used Blue Door Painters before, and found them to be highly professional and do quality work. I recently had exterior trim replaced and new trim work needed to be painted. I didn’t want to get up on a ladder to do the higher painting, so I called Blue Door. They provided a written [...]
  
  —Geoff G.
  
  Silver Spring, MD
- Blue Door Painters came for an estimate on the same day I emailed them; the work was done within a couple of weeks–exactly when they said it would be. And it was done well.”
  
  —Kati H.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They arrived on time and worked cleanly and efficiently. The office and company reps were attentive and professional, and the project was completed on time.”
  
  —Maddalena L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “It turned out very well. We were very happy with them. They were very professional. They did it on time. Their estimate was a good estimate and it was accurate. They did a good job on the painting.”
  
  —Melissa P.
  
  Clifton, MD
- “This company did what they said they would do, when they would do it; and the end result was excellent. I would recommend them highly.”
  
  —Jennifer L.
  
  Reston, VA
- “I called on Tuesday and explained that I was having a party on Saturday night and had just decided to have the terrace cleaned. They sent someone that afternoon to assess the job and provide an estimate. The work was done on Friday and I was thrilled with the results. They were very accommodating about [...]
  
  —Janis W.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Blue door painters did a fine job completing the work I had requested.”
  
  —Gary D.
  
  Falls Church,VA
- “They were great. They did a good job, and we were happy with these guys. The price was probably average on this job, but for that price they went above and beyond. They were meticulous. The recaulked a lot of things in the bathroom which I didn’t expect.”
  
  —Dennis V.
  
  Cabin John, MD
- “Blue Door was very responsive to inquiries and very quick to give an estimate. Their price was extremely reasonable and the final product was very good. The crew working on the house was very courteous and pleasant and let us know what they were doing and why.”
  
  —Amy F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They left us our extra paint clearly labeled, and were totally enjoyable to work with in every way. Several neighbors on our street saw their van outside and asked for business cards.”
  
  —Adrienne S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door did an excellent job painting my newly installed Pella wood windows. They were easy to contact and communicate with via email and phone. They were quite responsive, and their pricing was excellent. The painters were very professional and courteous. It was clear they were real painters who had many years of experience. They [...]
  
  —Darrell S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “We are VERY pleased with the overall result. “
  
  —Yvonne Z.
  
  Bethesda, MD
- “A pleasure to work with. I arranged for the job during the late winter. It was too cold and damp to paint. Blue Door was very diligent in contacting me as soon as the weather was better. The job was executed flawlessly and very professionally. My wife and I have an infant and the Blue [...]
  
  —Steven F.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They were good at being very specific and detailed about exactly what they would do and would not do (how many doors and windows needed painting, what they could fix and what they could not). The quote I received was also very professional, with details and specifics (number of coats of paint, etc…). Price was [...]
  
  —Sonya S.
  
  Washington, DC
- “They did the job very well. They were very clean. I think they were really professional. They were prompt and came when they said they would. It was easy to get a hold of them.”
  
  —Shelley T.
  
  (Washington, DC)
- “We were so impressed with Blue Door’s price and professionalism that we didn’t bother to find another company to give us a quote, we just went with Blue Door. Blue Door’s crew was professional and pleasant. They came out as soon as possible after the siding was installed and they did excellent work. They even [...]
  
  —Victoria S.
  
  Reston, VA
- “The workers were polite, hard working, cleaned up upon completion and most importantly did an outstanding job painting. My wife and I are completely satisfied and our deck and side porch look better than ever. In addition to the efforts of the workers, Anna from Blue Door Painters office was in touch throughout the process [...]
  
  —Jeff J.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “I had a great experience with this company. Their quote was very reasonable and much lower than others. They were also willing to change colors and fix things to match my vision for the house!”
  
  —Roiwind R.
  
  Washington, DC
- “Blue Door Painters were excellent from start to finish. They were professional, friendly, tidy and did not mind me constanty looking over their shoulders. The painters never cut corners and made sure the job was done right again and again.”
  
  —Amanda S.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “They were awesome. The technicians were very accommodating, clean, and cleaned up well afterwards. They were a lot cheaper than other companies and did a great job.”
  
  —Tracie A.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Blue Door Painters were very punctual, professional and accommodating.”
  
  —Mary Pat F.
  
  Arlington, VA
- “Excellent job. Very professional.”
  
  —Andrew D.
  
  Vienna, VA
- “Blue Doors was the best price/service/value deal by far… Blue Doors will be our first call for our next painting project!”
  
  —Gregor B.
  
  MClean, VA
- “It was great and terrific. They were prompt. They cleaned up after themselves, and they did a very good job. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
  
  —David C.
  
  Washington, DC

Can I Paint My Bedroom the Color the Sky Is Right Now?

Published December 27, 2011 | By Blue Door Painters Staff

Discussion of Design, Color Matching, and Spectrophotometry from a Northern Virginia Painting Contractor

Color is an amazing, and elusive, element of life. Our vision doesn’t necessarily depend on it, and in some ways the information it brings us is superficial: it doesn’t tell us about more than the surface of an object. Yet a world without color is undeniably lacking something, and even people who are relatively ambivalent about color are affected by it.

So the process of choosing the colors that you are going to paint your interior – essentially, the colors that you are going to live among – is one that merits serious consideration. There is much to say about interior design and color matching; how to come up with a color scheme from scratch, how to predict how your colors will look when applied to a large architectural surface, etc. But here we are going to focus on the art and technology of what to do when you start your project already knowing what colors you want.

There are three steps to getting your paint to turn out the perfect color. The first step is to get a physical color sample. The next step is to adjust that color sample so that it is perfectly suited for its intended project. The final step is to use a spectrophotometer to create paint that will turn out that color.

Steps one and two provide the greatest challenge if you are trying to match a color from a natural landscape (i.e., the “color the sky is right now”). Visual artists are well aware that the play of light and color in a natural landscape involves a huge array of hues, tones, and contrast, that can be depicted a variety of ways. The blue of a sky in nature is luminescent – it is actually emitting light – and so translating it into an opaque color involves a substantial challenge. It is also subtly and infinitely variable, so using one paint color to mimic it will likely fall flat. In landscape paintings, artists use startling color juxtapositions – like throwing yellow into a blue sky – to achieve the desired results – but in interior design you have to achieve the effect you want a lot more simply.

So when you pick your color, you want to have your whole composition in mind, and you also want to consider, as always with picking architectural paint colors, how intense or overwhelming the colors will look if applied to large surfaces. With colors from nature, this might take some adjustment. Take a picture of the sky, get the photo printed, and then put it up on the wall and imagine how it will look when painted over the whole surface and when put together with your trim, accent, and furniture colors. Trust your instincts: it may actually be a few shades lighter or grayer that you are truly looking for.

Next, you need to bring your color sample – along with any adjustments you might want to make to it – into a paint store. Walk past the showroom area, past the hardware store, and go up to the service counter in the back. Somewhere near the service counter, there should be a computer plugged into a small, shoebox-sized machine. (Hopefully, there will also be a person back there who knows how to operate it!). The machine is called a spectrophotometer, and what it does is analyze the color of whatever physical sample you submit to it and come up with a pigment formula for mixing that paint color. The paint store employee can then take that code and plug it into their paint mixer, creating a bucket of paint in that color.

The spectrophotometer works by bouncing white light off of your sample and onto a light-sensitive detector, which analyzes the spectrum of reflected light and sends that information to the computer. This method is roughly 90% effective; sometimes the color will be slightly off. This is especially true when working from photos or magazines, which sometimes allow light through or have colors behind that bleed, when working with an extremely small sample (you want it to be at least the size of a quarter), or working with metallic colors. So it is important to check your paint when you are finished to make sure you’ve come up with the right color. Also, if you want to have the color be several shades lighter, darker, grayer, etc., than your sample, tell the store clerk before the paint gets mixed. It is a wise idea to initially mix a small amount of paint, which you can take home and test on your surface, before committing to the full amount.