Material

Colour mismatch

The colour of the repaired panel does not match the original paint on the adjacent parts — the difference is particularly visible at a certain angle of light or in daylight.

Cause

Colour mixed according to an out-of-date or incorrect formula — colour formulas are updated by manufacturers, and old versions give different results
Wrong choice of hardener or thinner — they affect the final shade and the metallic effect
Incorrect working viscosity during spraying — changes the orientation of the flakes and the final colour
Tinters or base coat not mixed sufficiently before use — a non-homogeneous mixture gives a different colour
Colour not checked on a spray-out card before application
Too many or too few drop coats of base — changes the lightness and the metallic effect
Incorrect spray gun setup — pressure too high or too low affects the final colour tone
Mixing scales uncalibrated or dirty — incorrect tinter ratios
Natural ageing and fading of the original paint — the repaired panel is new while the rest of the car has already faded slightly

Prevention

Always check the colour on a spray-out card before applying it to the panel — in daylight and under artificial light
Use only current formulas from the mixing system
Use the hardeners and thinners recommended for the product in question — they affect the final colour
Check the working viscosity before spraying
Stir and mix the tinters at least twice a day
Calibrate the mixing scales regularly — once a year by a qualified service technician
Keep the scales and mixing equipment clean
On older vehicles, allow for the fading effect — tint the colour to match the faded original
Make a spray-out card and compare it with the original at different angles and in different lighting before painting the whole panel

Repair

Scuff the top coat of the repaired panel
Remix the colour, taking into account the findings from the spray-out card comparison
Check the colour on a spray-out card and, if necessary, correct the formula or tint
Reapply and compare with the original
If the difference is difficult to eliminate — blending into the adjacent panel is recommended for a smooth colour transition