Collision Repair Training | Australia
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Collision Repair Training | Australia
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Current Events/News: Advantage Online: 2003 Archives
OVERLOOKED ITEMS THAT MAY LEAD TO A COLOR MATCH PROBLEM
August 18, 2003 -The color match of the refinished panels is one of the first inspections a vehicle owner makes following collision repairs. Achieving an acceptable color match has become more difficult over the years. This is due to the increased complexity of basecoat/clearcoat and multi-stage finishes. Adding to the challenge of an acceptable color match is increased customer expectations. What is so different about the finishes used by vehicle makers today? Plenty. For starters, the techniques used by the vehicle maker to apply the finish have changed. The high volume of vehicles that the vehicle maker produces, as well as multiple facilities that use the same color code on multiple vehicles, can lead to differences in the appearance of the color, although the paint code will remain the same. Also, the translucency of the basecoats allows for undercoats and primers to show through the topcoat, giving the color a different effect. New shapes of metallic flake, as well as new pearls and toners, also make it difficult to understand what effect the toner will have on a color when tinting. For more reasons than ever before, the definition of a "correct color match" depends on the light source that is used during the refinishing process. Simulating The Sun The majority of the time, the vehicle will be outside under natural light when viewed by the vehicle owner. Therefore it makes perfect sense to compare the color under the light in which it will be seen most of the time (see Figure 1). Since it may be impractical to check a color match outdoors due to weather or other factors, it may be necessary to simulate the sun as close as possible indoors. Comparing a color chip or sprayout panel to the vehicle under non-corrected light will only ensure a color match under that same non-corrected light (see Figure 2). Most fluorescent spraybooth light bulbs can be changed to simulate sunlight by using a bulb with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) rating of 85-92%. There are also hand-held lamps available that simulate sunlight (see Figure 3). These work well when comparing variant decks and sprayout panels in the repair facility while the vehicle is being repaired, enabling the refinisher to be confident that the color will be blendable when it is in the spraybooth. Verifying that the color will match while the vehicle is in the metal shop can increase painter confidence in the match while in the spraybooth. Sprayouts And Let-Down Panels When making sprayouts of the color, it is essential to start with a similar color of undercoat as the original finish (see Figure 4). If the part is being replaced, featheredge down to the bare substrate to verify the original undercoat color. Also, check the color with the vehicle after each coat of basecoat is applied. This will identify the estimated number of coats of basecoat that will have to be applied to the vehicle to match the original finish. If the color has to be tinted, only use colors in the formula. Using colors that are not in the formula may cause a color to look different under different lighting. This is called metamerism. On multi-stage finishes, be sure that an acceptable match of the basecoat color is achieved before making a let-down panel. If the basecoat is not a correct match, it will be nearly impossible to predict the numbers of midcoat that will have to be applied. Keep A Sprayout Catalog Another good practice is to catalog a sprayout panel of every vehicle that is refinished. On the sprayout, record the vehicle year, make and model, work order number, paint code, date, customer name, panels that were refinished, and which variant was used and whether any tinting was necessary. This will help ensure a color match if the customer returns following another collision. The catalog can also be used to compare similar vehicles with the same color code. It is like making a variant deck of all of the colors that the facility has used. Conclusion A few simple steps can increase the chance of a blendable color match. One of the best steps is verifying the color under simulated sunlight before the vehicle is in the spraybooth. One of the methods of doing this is using a portable light source that simulates the sun. Also, be sure to use the correct color of undercoat on the sprayout panel. More information on tinting and blending colors is covered in the I-CAR Refinishing Program 3 - Color Theory, Application And Tinting & Blending. Watch for it in your area. |
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