paint match problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
paint match problem
My painter has been trying for weeks and weeks to match my paint but just can't. The big problem is that California only allows water based paint now. My panels are probably as close as he can get but looks too light and blending might not help. My paint is the Monterey red. Any ideas?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
The painter I am using is a well recommended one from this forum. Already have $400 invested. I don't have a problem going with another painter but have no idea if I will end up with the same results. Anyone get their Monterey red painted in so Cal, Riverside/Corona area?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 809
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
Sometimes you have to "bite the bullet" and move on, money spent or not. This should not be an issue IF you find the right shop, FWIW. Good luck, i'm sure that someone will chime in for a painter near you!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,485
Likes: 713
From: Sausalito CA
Tri coat paint can be difficult to match.
And with red there could be a sun fade issue.
If you have a great painter...just do your research on this color. Note I believe the right colored primer is also important in obtaining a match w/ this color.
A "butt" match may be near impossible so you may have to blend or zone paint to fool the eye. Also, flex additive can alter the color.
Watch that too much paint is not applied to the panels.....you may have to sand off some coats if the non-matching colors are being piled on.
So...change painters, escalate color match issue to paint manufacturer, blend, let current painter continue, complete repaint, sell car and replace.
That's the one benefit of the color black.
And with red there could be a sun fade issue.
If you have a great painter...just do your research on this color. Note I believe the right colored primer is also important in obtaining a match w/ this color.
A "butt" match may be near impossible so you may have to blend or zone paint to fool the eye. Also, flex additive can alter the color.
Watch that too much paint is not applied to the panels.....you may have to sand off some coats if the non-matching colors are being piled on.
So...change painters, escalate color match issue to paint manufacturer, blend, let current painter continue, complete repaint, sell car and replace.
That's the one benefit of the color black.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
My current painter is giving it another shot. He's been working hard to match it so I can't fault him for effort. He's been trying multiple mixes for 7 weeks.
What is odd is that the new paint is lighter not darker. Usually to the old paint is faded, but in this case the new paint looks faded. Also, the new paint doesn't have a deep red metallic look to it. Looks shallow. I don't have to get a perfect match, but it is too far off for even a blend to work.
The car is looking awesome, just need to get the paint squared away.
What is odd is that the new paint is lighter not darker. Usually to the old paint is faded, but in this case the new paint looks faded. Also, the new paint doesn't have a deep red metallic look to it. Looks shallow. I don't have to get a perfect match, but it is too far off for even a blend to work.
The car is looking awesome, just need to get the paint squared away.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,878
Likes: 0
From: Sioux Falls South Dakota
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
I am guessing your painter is using a red tinted sealer? If he used white or gray that would cause a brighter hue to it. Can he tint the sealer a little deeper tone? Also try another manufacturers paint. Does he have any variant chips to refer to? Just trying to help, I spray cars everyday.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
Diamond, unfortunately I have no idea. I know he has tried multiple suppliers and different "formulas". I gave him my gas lid as a sample to color match. I mounted the panels last weekend. All of the tests were too light. Any suggestion you have I would be happy to pass on.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
The car is 5 years old, but usually the new paint is darker because the old has faded. It is reversed in my case. Also, I did a test square using tri-stage touch up paint and it is so close to my original I can't tell the difference. The touchup paint was going to be for some interior pieces but I went carbon fiber instead.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Pete Santini is in Orange county...Westminster or that area...he is one of the best anywhere...has been in many magazine articles on paint...Leno, Foose etc....
He did my Trans Am in the early 80's...it still looks great. Google "Pete Santini" and "Paint"...there will be a million hits.
He did my Trans Am in the early 80's...it still looks great. Google "Pete Santini" and "Paint"...there will be a million hits.
Last edited by cclive; Sep 21, 2011 at 09:25 PM.