Rock Chip Touch Up Paint Matching - Too Dark

[tjanson]

I am working on touching up all the chips on my 406 metallic dark blue '93 240. I got touch up paint from automotivetouchup.com mixed to the paint code. it comes out just a little too dark. I understand that metallic is hard to match in terms of too light or dark. I am considering mailing my fuel door to Dr Color Chip, for them to do a real match, or going to the autobody supply and have them scan it. The NAPA I use for paint seems to just mix the closest match code to the scan when I buy paint for other projects. I tried mixing in some primer to the basecoat to try to lighten it but it didn't seem to work very well. Any advice? Is this just the best I can hope for?

Spot on hood after clear and polishing:

 

[Jack]

Your paint is now 33years old and faded

Good luck having it match

 

[tjanson]

Yeah, that's what I figured. Must be a way to tint for that, however.

 

[Jack]

You will always see it

 

[2manyturbos]

There are 3 distinct color variations for code 406 blue metallic. You can get way closer than that if you send in your fuel door to use to match the paint. There is a more greenish tint 406, a more pure blue version and a very dark blue version. It isn't just the sun fade you are dealing with. 601 signal red has 3 variations. 177 medium grey 3 different variations. 214 graphite 2 variations. Even Polar white code 189 has a couple of variations. That is just how it goes with formulating paint.

 

[tjanson]

A few weeks ago I ordered some silver touchup from the same supplier (in Volvo 130 of course) to use to try tinting the 460 touch up I had. I mixed a drop of the silver with a few drops of 460. I think it's improved, but hard to say without clear and compound. I might try another mix with a little less silver.

 

[tjanson]

Too light now, I think, though it doesn't have clear yet.

 

[Stiggy Pop]

I'd try Dr. Color Chip, the match was perfect for my Viggen when I did it.