How to Match Vehicle Paint Color

Black and red are two common car colors.

Matching vehicle paint color can be a daunting task. With all the subtle variations in color, it can be very difficult to

confidently arrive at the right match. In many cases, matching vehicle paint color is left to a professional auto worker

or mechanic. However, there are some steps you can take to match the color yourself without having to pay extra or

wait longer for a professional to find the perfect match.

Difficulty: Moderate

Determine whether your vehicle color has a specific name or coding. If you bought the car new, the dealer should be able to help you with this, or if you've had the car repainted the repair shop should also know. Finding the specific color number of the vehicle paint makes it much easier to track down a match.
Go to your repair shop and ask about their "standard sample." The standard sample is a paint sample provided by car manufacturers to help match vehicle paint variations within a certain color. Many different variations can exist within a specific vehicle color, depending on the manufacturer.
Take into account the history of your car. A car that has spent years in the sun will experience variations in color from the original paint job. This is especially true for blue and red cars, which are more affected by sunlight. If you have an older car that has spent a lot of time in a sunny or warm climate, you will have a harder time matching your vehicle paint color and will most likely want to seek professional help.
Test out a number of color variations in order to reach the closest match. When blending and experimenting with colors, apply a small amount of paint to a non-visible area of the vehicle and wait to see if the colors match after the paint has dried.
Order a color online if you can't match it yourself. Look for a company that specializes in custom-made color combinations. Provide the company with a the factory paint code in order to help them reach a match.

Instructions