Colour Tolerance on Kitchen Cupboards not matching trim

[scootar123]

Hi, we have a new build house and the kitchen doors do match the trim/edging. It is not even close and most people assume it is a design feature. The builder referred to the company and they've had 3 people out and have now said it is within tolerance and you may not get a perfect match. I understand that, but this is a different colour. I can share photos later if it is helpful. They have offered to replace doors at cost price and to do the edge parts for free. They say this is a widely fitted kitchen and ours is the only complaint - which to me indicates the fault. I have seen two other kitchens the same colour and the colours do match, unlike ours.

I am thinking about small claims court.

Does anyone know what the rules/rights are about this?

Thanks!

 

[slawit]

The first thing I would do is go back to the company that told you it was in tolerance and ask to prove it. It’s all well and good someone saying its ‘in tolerance’ but by who’s yardstick? Was it just their opinion or did they use a set of guidelines laid out by a governing body? Or a fancy electronic measuring device? I’ve been in the paint industry for 30 years and I still don’t know the legal definition of a good paint match.

There are guidelines as to how close a paint match should be in BS document 4800:2011, however this document will cost you buy and interpreting these things can just be a nightmare. You could also try the BCF for help. https://coatings.org.uk/.

I respray kitchen door for a living and buy paint from a specialist manufacturer, if your still struggling message me again and I will speak to the rep from the paint company regarding the guidelines.