Our strata has a list of approved paint colours - can I use any brand or do I have to use the exact one they specify?

Most Metro Vancouver strata colour palettes specify colours by name and code from a particular paint manufacturer, but you are generally not required to use that exact brand as long as you match the colour accurately. Paint stores across Vancouver can colour-match virtually any shade using spectrophotometer technology, so if your strata specifies a Sherwin-Williams colour but you prefer Benjamin Moore or Dulux, a paint retailer can mix a precise match. However, there are some important caveats. If your strata bylaws specifically mandate a brand — which is uncommon but does happen in some luxury buildings in Coal Harbour or West Vancouver — you must comply. Also, the finish matters as much as the colour. If your strata specifies eggshell or satin, using a flat or high-gloss finish in the same colour could still be considered non-compliant. For exterior-facing surfaces or limited common property, stratas are typically stricter and may require the exact specified product for warranty and maintenance consistency. When in doubt, bring a physical colour chip from the strata's approved palette to your paint store and have them do a spectrophotometer match rather than relying on a colour name alone, as the same colour name can look slightly different across brands. Before purchasing paint, confirm with your strata manager whether the approved list specifies brand requirements or just colour codes, and keep your paint receipts as proof of compliance in case questions arise.

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