A mismatched fender reminded me how paint formulas used to be more than just data points.

Back in the day, we'd adjust tints based on the light in the shop and the car's age, a skill passed down from older techs. Nowadays, the system spits out a code and we follow it blindly, which led to a glaring mismatch on a classic red Corvette restoration. It's frustrating how reliant we've become on technology that doesn't account for real-world variables like fading or batch differences. I miss the hands-on problem-solving that made each job unique. (Maybe I'm just an old timer clinging to the past.)

2 comments

2 Comments

verawalker3h ago

Idk, maybe the old way had just as many mistakes we just don't remember. A paint code at least gives a consistent starting point.

jakep243h ago

How about blending the old and new methods? Like @verawalker said, start with the code, but always do a spray-out card and adjust for fade under natural light.