Match Factory Paint Color

[Arriva2001]

Hi,
I am wondering if there is such a thing as factory matched colors in spray paint? I may need to paint a hood deflector to match my 1995 GTS Teal color, and all of the cans I've found at the local auto parts stores are just slightly 'off.' I'm wondering if paint match colors exist, or how do you go about matching the factory paint?

Is there a universal paint recipe code that can be used to match paint like you can do with house paint?

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Yes, it can be done. There are various numerical and computer matching systems that attempt to compensate for aging AND you can even submit a sample to have a custom spray can color match. The problem with spray can paint is they're a one-part chemistry and results are not stable in terms of durability, a two-part paint system using a catalyst activator is miles better in about every aspect.

The problem with simple numbers matching is, as paint and coatings pigments age, they will change color at differing rates depending on several variables, often within just a few months.

Consult your local body shop, they're pros at color matching and the systems are amazing.

For instance, I had some vehicle panels painted using paint number and computer color matching at a local body shop (it was a Dupont system, I believe) and when I received them the color was notably different but in a few months time of paint curing the difference was undetectable.

I was amazed, felt lucky somehow and felt the effort was worth the trouble in that case.

 

[Arriva2001]

I’ll have to call the local body shop and see what they can do. I’m also wondering if I need a special paint to go on top of what appears to be plastic. I’ve found a special “trim and bumper” paint at autozone, but only in a couple colors.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Yes, consider the item you're painting is the substrate, paints are formulated to work on a particular substrate.

For instance, a plastic bumper would need a paint or additive in the paint (most likely a plasticizer) that allows for the rate of expansion of the substrate. Paints formulated for steel panels will cure harder for chip resistance and are formulated for the lower expansion coefficient of steel.

 

[Arriva2001]

thank you, that makes sense. I know that plastic will flex and expand under the heat during the summer, so I don't want to paint with something that will not adhere well or will crack. I have currently done a vinyl wrap on my hood deflector, and it looks OK, but it's the wrong color and I'd like to have it painted to match. I appreciate your input.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I don't want to paint with something that will not adhere well or will crack.

Yes, and some plastics just won't accept any kind of paint, like HDPE for instance. Or if it can, I'm not aware of how HDPE can be painted successfully.