Mismatching paint

[andypryce]

Hopefully someone can help me on this one please. How do you get paint to match on a 96 X300? I can obviously get the paint code and order it from various places, but the problem it never quite matches the 16 year old paint on the car. I could get a respray I suppose, but the paintwork over all is still in very good condition. I remember similar problem on my old XJ40, and never managed to crack it. I guess professionals use a spectrometer to get an exact match (?), is there any way a humble DIYer can do something similar?

Cheers,

andyp.

[XjRestorations]

Hi Andy,

Paint matching is very tricky.
The pros blend - so panel to panel is not generaly painted.
Paint is sold in a variety of shades. Paint code CFE fro random example will have shade 1,2,3 etc - each slightly lighter.
If you found your local paint suppliers - they may be able to help with a better match.
What area are you looking to paint?
Generally, an area twice the size that is needed would be painted for a localized blow in. A couple of light coats focusing on the repaired area, and then a few larger area dustings to blend the colour over. With metallics - the full panel is then usually given a clear coat lacquer.

Does this help at all?!
All the best,
Keith

[andypryce]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for rapid response, yes that helps. At present only area of concern is bubbling over rear wheelarch, paint not broken yet, but one of those that if ignored will suddenly get worse! I think a trip to a paintshop is in order, we have some good ones locally in Liverpool. Will pay them a visit. Cheers.

andy