My paint woes continue

[Argeo]

My paint supplier has failed again. The first batch he gave me was totally the wrong color (went off a scanner) and the second color is a bit dark, though close. Can't blame the guy, I was only buying a small amount so I guess the whole time/Money thing comes into play. The color is slate blue, ah venetian blue, ah definetley greyish blue. Anyone have any tips on lightening up paint? Are there any rules of thumb? Oh, I left the hood with him for matching.

Thanks in advance,

David

[onewhippedpuppy]

Find a new paint guy?

[RickM]

When computer matching I believe they develop the mix formula to the closest database match for the paint they use. I don't think it's as exacting as most people think.

Guys, correct me if I'm wrong here.

[Zeke]

I find that paint is never what I expcet and I end up "adusting" the color myself. I would buy some silver and play around with very small samples keep track of ratios so you can duplicate your efforts when you mix the larger lot. Even still, you probably will never be able to match what you've finally done, so beware of that if you need touch up later.

Sometimes "lightening" a color with a neutral like white is not what you what. The blue you are after may want a LITTLE yellow. In the case of metalics, you would use gold. Just a tiny bit to dirty up the color. On the other hand, you could use pearl to give it an ice blue tint.

As I say, I play around. I only mix up about an inch of paint in one of those little cheap detail guns.

[Argeo]

I was told that scanning is correct 80% of the time. When the original color is under the respray (my situation), it really mucks stuff up. My autobody friend who mixed me some paint in the past with success told me to either try as is or try to lighten. A higher pressure will some times lighten the paint. To actually change the tint, try adding some light silver (which I have) or add a bit of white. Just make sure to not to do the whole thing of paint but rather a small batch incase of error.

Anyways, I try to spray a bit first and hope for the best.

Thanks.

[Zeke]

The only thing I can add is don't mix opaques with metallics unless you want to diminish the metalic effect. You need to tint with silver or pearl, not white. The more the white, the cloudier it will get.

[Kurt B]

You can't match old paints really, and even if you do match an old paint that is faded, they'll fade at different rates, and if they match exactly the day you put them on, the new paint will end up lighter in a matter of months or a year because the paint fades most in that interval.
When you paint, you do the best you can in matching and be done with it or paint the whole thing.

Also note, imperfections, small scratches, pits and other items which are too small to see individually really also affect the overall shade of the area, slightly, when compared to a brand new coat on another panel. You can mistake gloss and perfection with being a different shade.

I wound up painting my car because I completely gave up trying to match the paint. You can't. You can get your own yellow, and a red the guy mixed and mix all day long, and it may match wet, but then not match dry etc.

[Argeo]

Good point kurt. I am planning on having the whole thing painted in 5 years so I guess I should just get it as close as possible and not worry about it.

Thanks everyone.

[xlr8]

Paint fades???

[Argeo]

I don't see a problem though it might be time to get a new emblem. I don't like the fancy, nonstock emblem you have.

[Phil Gilsdorf]

Do any of you guys have a good source for a paint supplier that would mix pints of paint to match porsche colors?