Paint Matching in Tyne and Wear

Every car has a manufacturer colour code, but two cars with the same code can look slightly different. Sun, weather, polish and age all change paint, so a repair needs more than a code and a tin.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn paint matching is part of our paintwork service. This page explains how it works from the customer side and what to expect.

How a colour is identified

We start with the vehicle's colour code, usually found on a plate or label in the vehicle. That gives a starting formula for the paint mix.

• The code from the car's identification plate
• A look at the paint in good light
• Comparison against the existing finish
• Adjustments to the mix for fade
• Test panels before painting the car

Why the code is only a starting point

Paint on a car that has been outside for years has shifted slightly. The same formula applied fresh will look a touch different.

To deal with that, the mix is tweaked and the new paint is blended into the surrounding panel so the eye never sees a hard edge.

What makes some colours difficult

Solid colours are the most forgiving. Metallic and pearl finishes depend on how the flakes lie in the paint, which changes with spray technique. Three-stage colours and some reds are known for being hard to match.

How much preparation and blending is needed affects the cost. We explain it at the estimate.

What you can do

Tell us if the car has been resprayed before, as that changes the starting point. Having the car clean when you bring it in makes colour assessment easier.

Be realistic: on an older car, a perfect match from every angle is not always possible, but a good blend is.

Ask to see the colour on a test panel or in daylight before the car is painted if you are unsure. Matching is a judgement call, and we would rather you were happy with the blend than find out afterwards.