paint matching..

[Hamer Dave]

Are there known formulas for specific paint colors? Just wondering, thinking they must exist out there. Anyone have this info? Will need to touch up some guitars, and would be cool to know I can use the right color. At least, what it once was before fade, and nitro aging. Chao!

[duncans]

One of our local auto repair suppliers has some kind of analizer that reads(scans) the paint and is able to match it very good.

He's done that on a limited edition paint set for a Harley when we couldn't get the paint from Harley.

I don't know if that's an option for you or not.

[Steve Haynie]

You might get the paint code to match a base coat, but if you have a clear top coat that has ambered over time you have to compensate for that, preferably with a lightly tinted clear coat.

[Punkavenger]

virtually impossible situation if you want an exact match .... tints and paints have changed so much over the years that even if you found a formula it wouldn't come out right.

You could have an automotive paint store match the color but you have to be willing to pay the price and buy more than you need ... I think a pint is the smallest size available. (plus find a place that will match the color, they don't all do that)

Thats why you see all these badly touched up guitars!

Stew Mac, I think it is, sells some basic Fender and Gibson colors ... that might be the easiest route but still not guaranteed to match considering age, paint batch variation etc.

[Hamer Dave]

yep! I understand all these complications. I did think about that color scanner thingy. Thanks everyone!

[Steve Haynie]

A color scanner would pick up the combination of the clear color and the wood underneath.