Paint matching?

[Dewey]

As most of you know, my car is not a Subaru color. I am becoming really angry with the HUGE scratch on the side near the gas tank. Can anyone point me in a good direction to a paint matcher around town? I have tried searching on google and the reno yellow book, but everything that comes up seems to be full repainting etc. Has anyone ever had this done in town at a place they would recommend?

P.S. I wasn't sure what tab to put this under. Sorry Scott.

[cody]

Dent Dr.?

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

Dent Dr.?

Isn't that "paintless dent removal", i.e. the exact opposite that he's looking for?

Now to be a little helpful: I think the way the pros do it, is with blending... They match the color as best as possible, then blend it over the existing paint to make it hard/impossible for the human eye to see the difference. I don't think you're going to be able to just get some color matched touch-up paint, unless you've got a paint code for the color on the car. And even then, the pros would blend the color just in case there's a discrepancy in paint batches, and then clear-coat everything.

[cody]

Originally Posted by sperry

Isn't that "paintless dent removal", i.e. the exact opposite that he's looking for? .

I have no idea, hence the question mark. I've only been told they're a cheaper alternative to a body shop.

Originally Posted by sperry

Now to be a little helpful: I think the way the pros do it, is with blending... They match the color as best as possible, then blend it over the existing paint to make it hard/impossible for the human eye to see the difference. I don't think you're going to be able to just get some color matched touch-up paint, unless you've got a paint code for the color on the car. And even then, the pros would blend the color just in case there's a discrepancy in paint batches, and then clear-coat everything.

Not to mention that paint fades with time so even if you had the exact same paint they used to paint your car, it probably wouldn't match any more. Try having yellow paint.

[Dewey]

Originally Posted by sperry

Isn't that "paintless dent removal", i.e. the exact opposite that he's looking for?

Now to be a little helpful: I think the way the pros do it, is with blending... They match the color as best as possible, then blend it over the existing paint to make it hard/impossible for the human eye to see the difference. I don't think you're going to be able to just get some color matched touch-up paint, unless you've got a paint code for the color on the car. And even then, the pros would blend the color just in case there's a discrepancy in paint batches, and then clear-coat everything.

I went to a shop today to get some paint... They used a goofy little device to decipher what color my car is. I guess the closest match is the seashell color from Volvo. They gave me some of that blended with some other silver. It matches my paint fairly well. ESPECIALLY for 10 bucks. Also, this isn't the normal touch up paint, it came in a 6 oz can. Now for the next question... Does anyone have any tips or tutorials on how to touch up paint? It's been a while since I have had to touch up a car. Thanks for anyone's help.

-Chris

[cody]

I think you just want to use a toothpick and start at the bottom and work your way up.

[Dean]

Do a google search...

Clean first!!!

Multiple thin coats. Hobby/model brushes are probably better than a toothpick for your size "scratch".

Maybe even some ultra light sanding between coats.