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COLOR MISMATCH

(Off Shade, Off Color)

The original finish and repair exhibit a noticeable difference in color when viewed under the same lighting conditions.


CAUSE

  1. Original finish has "drifted" from manufacturer's standard.
  2. Old finish weathered and oxidized.
  3. Color over or under reduced.
  4. Improper spray procedures.
  5. Color not properly stirred or shaken.
  6. Improper spray gun set up.
  7. Inaccurate mixing of the color formula.
  8. "Panel" painting instead of blending.
  9. Evaluating color under a light source other than "color corrected" lighting or natural light.
  10. Adjusting a color before it has been sprayed, or adjusting a basecoat before applying clearcoat.

REPAIR

  1. If color is close enough to blend:
    1. prepare adjacent panel(s) for blending, then
    2. blend color into adjacent panels.
  2. If color must be tinted:
    1. tint the color for a blendable match,
    2. prepare adjacent panel(s) for blending, then
    3. respray the repair, blending into the adjacent panel(s).

PREVENTION

  1. Check alternate color selector for variances. Choose the alternate that provides a blendable match.
  2. All color must be viewed under equal gloss; compound or polish the area to be matched.
  3. Thin/reduce according to label direction.
  4. Follow label directions for proper application of color coat.
  5. Stir or shake materials thoroughly to be sure all pigments and metallics are in solution and suspension.
  6. Refer to product label or data sheet for spray gun, fluid nozzle, and air cap recommendations.
  7. Recheck color code, formula number, formula weights before mixing colors.
  8. Spray a test panel prior to application to determine if blending or tinting is necessary.
  9. Always use natural daylight or color corrected lights to make color matching decisions.
  10. All color must be sprayed out for an accurate evaluation. Basecoats must have clearcoat applied. Check color from all angles, face (90 degrees) and side tone (20-60 degrees).
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