Matching car paint colors is not an easy task. The variations are so many and so subtle that it usually takes a professional to be able to match the colors perfectly. There are, however, some things you can do to help with the process while reducing your expenses and your waiting time.
Find out whether there is a specific name or coding for the paint color of your car. This is usually available from the dealer (if you bought your car new) or your repair shop (if you had your car repainted or fixed at some point). Having the specific color number of the paint will make it easier to find the appropriate match in order to make repairs.
Talk to your repair shop about its "standard sample." This is a paint sample provided by car manufacturers to help shops match the different variations for each color (up to 25 variations, depending on the car manufacturer).
Look for fast-drying paint. The rule indicates that paint that dries faster retains more of the color that you see when you first apply it. Slow-drying paint often gets darker as it dries, which makes it harder to match to the original color of the car.
Consider how old your car is and where it has been before you try to match paint color. Sunlight affects paint considerably, especially in the case of blue and red vehicles. If you live in a warm climate or if your car is more than 4 years old, you probably will have a hard time matching the colors yourself and will need the assistance of a professional.
Experiment with mixes and variations for a while before you come up with the right combination. Always apply a small amount of paint to a non-visible area first to see whether the colors match after drying. Insist that the repair shop does the same or choose to have the car fully painted.
Order online. If everything else fails and you cannot find the right color match for your car, look online for companies that offer custom-made color combinations you can order over the Internet. You will need to provide the original factory paint code number and other details for the mix to be made.
