Expert Tips for Colour Matching Auto Paint
For those looking to spruce up their car or van with a new paint job, finding the perfect colour match can sometimes be daunting, even for the most experienced auto body technician. Matching auto body paint to your vehicle’s exact colour can be a challenging process, so the team at IPS Paint Supplies would like to share the steps you can take to ensure a good match:
Matching Your Auto Paint to the Vehicle’s Exact Colour
Start by obtaining the paint code – this is a unique code that identifies the colour of your vehicle. You can find this code on a sticker located in the driver’s side door jamb, on the firewall under the hood, or in the glove box. Make sure you have the correct paint code for your vehicle’s exact colour.
Then you need to choose the right paint: auto body paint is available in several different types, including acrylic enamel, acrylic urethane, and water-based paint. Choose the type of paint that matches the existing paint on your vehicle and is compatible with your vehicle’s surface.
Before applying the paint to your vehicle, it’s important to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure a good match. Apply the paint to the test area and allow it to dry completely before comparing it to the existing paint.
To ensure a good match, you should also use high-quality paint and materials, including sandpaper, masking tape, and primer.
Matching auto body paint to your vehicle’s exact colour can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort to ensure a seamless and professional-looking repair.
Importantly, applying auto body paint requires skill and experience. If you are not familiar with the application process, it’s best to hire a professional auto body shop to do the job for you.
What is a Colour Matching Service?
Car paint colour matching service is a complex process that requires skill, experience, and specialized equipment. It is best to have the job done by a professional auto body shop to ensure a perfect match and a professional-looking repair.
If you still want to have a go at repainting your vehicle yourself, IPS Paint Supplies offers a professional colour matching service from our depots in Cardiff and Swansea. This service involves the process of identifying the exact colour of the existing paint on your vehicle and matching it with a new paint colour to ensure a seamless and professional-looking repair.
The following are the steps typically involved in our car paint colour matching service:
Colour identification: The first step is to identify the existing colour of your vehicle’s paint. The colour identification is done using a colour spectrophotometer or a colour matching chart.
Mixing the paint: Once the colour has been identified, the paint is mixed to match the existing colour of the vehicle’s paint. This is done by using a computerized mixing system that measures and mixes the paint to the exact specifications of the identified colour.
Test spray: Before the new paint is applied to the vehicle, a test spray is done on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure a good match.
Applying Auto Paint
Before the new paint can be applied, the surface of the vehicle must be properly cleaned and prepared. This includes washing, sanding, and priming the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.
Once the colour match has been confirmed, the new paint should be applied to the vehicle using professional painting equipment, such as a spray gun, to ensure a smooth and even application. After the paint has been applied, it should be allowed to dry and then finished with a clear coat to protect and enhance the colour.
IPS Paint Supplies
For advice and guidance on anything related to auto paint or colour matching, call into our shops in Cardiff or Swansea where our teams are on hand to help. Alternatively, call us on the numbers below:
Swansea: 01792 784078
Cardiff: 02920 022461