Does New Body Paint Lighten?

timmerk · October 8, 2008

I recently smashed the side of my new truck with a trailer and had to take it to a body shop. They replaced the whole side panel of the bed, and did a great job.. for the most part. The only problem is the paint is not the same color, even though they kept claiming they could match it perfectly. They painted it yesterday in cold and cloudy weather and baked it on. I pick it up today and I can tell it's not matched. The new paint is darker. While most people wouldn't notice while driving by it, anyone who looks at my truck from the side on purpose would notice.

So, I know I'm reaching here, but any chance that the paint will lighten over the next 30-90 days? (I mention 30-90 days because they said not to get a car wash for the first 30 days, and not to wax it within the first 90 days.)

They do offer lifetime warranty and claim they will repaint it for free if I'm not happy with it, but I feel guilty having them repaint the whole side again. Should I have them do it right away, or wait a few months first?

Thanks!

ajcain79 · October 8, 2008

I don't know if the paint would lighten as it cures or not. But, if it doesn't, I would not accept a non-matching paint job. You paid for a matching paint job, not one that's pretty close. You have no reason to feel guilty. Be tactful with the body shop and they should resolve your issues. If they don't...

2000DV4.8 · October 8, 2008

I'd bring up the issue as soon as possible, but don't be a dick about it. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to work with you to fix it.

pm26 · October 8, 2008

All color paints will in general fade somewhat over period of time. What color is your truck? Some colors are very difficult to match exactly - examples are gold and light blue and green metallic metallic colors, silver, etc. It is for this reason that they often repaint the entire side of the vehicle when only one part, like front fender, or side of the bed, is damaged.

Solid colors like maroon, black, white, dark blue, etc. are easier to match perfectly.

03blackz71 · October 8, 2008

If it is a NNBS truck that has a dark paint then you are seeing how the factory paint is thinner. You see the primer through the paint and it looks lighter. So when they repainted it they probably did a heavier coat of the color and it is deeper because you can't see the primer like the stock paint. It sucks!!! my truck has this issue with the thin paint.

66nova · October 8, 2008

I recently smashed the side of my new truck with a trailer and had to take it to a body shop. They replaced the whole side panel of the bed, and did a great job.. for the most part. The only problem is the paint is not the same color, even though they kept claiming they could match it perfectly. They painted it yesterday in cold and cloudy weather and baked it on. I pick it up today and I can tell it's not matched. The new paint is darker. While most people wouldn't notice while driving by it, anyone who looks at my truck from the side on purpose would notice.

So, I know I'm reaching here, but any chance that the paint will lighten over the next 30-90 days? (I mention 30-90 days because they said not to get a car wash for the first 30 days, and not to wax it within the first 90 days.)

They do offer lifetime warranty and claim they will repaint it for free if I'm not happy with it, but I feel guilty having them repaint the whole side again. Should I have them do it right away, or wait a few months first?

Thanks!

I would not expect any miracles here. Most of the time if it does not match now, its not going to later. Often times what happens is the shop puts a higher quality paint job then the factory and it will look darker/deeper. I would say something about it now (agreed don't be a prick about it, but don't come off unconfident either). Atleast make sure it is noted that way you can always come back later and say see it didn't change. Sorry man, good luck.

Zembonez · October 8, 2008

The paint is the color that it will always be. If they missed the mix, make them paint it again... pure and simple. It is very possible to match ANY color paint with modern formula variations. On some really tricky colors it is necessary to blend an adjacent panel but a competent painter can make a repair "go away". Paint may fade over time, but so will the rest of the paint and it will ALWAYS not match.

Don't accept a mediocre repair.

tobias · October 8, 2008

The paint is the color that it will always be. If they missed the mix, make them paint it again... pure and simple. It is very possible to match ANY color paint with modern formula variations. On some really tricky colors it is necessary to blend an adjacent panel but a competent painter can make a repair "go away". Paint may fade over time, but so will the rest of the paint and it will ALWAYS not match.

Don't accept a mediocre repair.

+ EVER!

timmerk · October 8, 2008

Thanks guys, yeah I think I'll have them repaint it again, or at least blend up to the front. The truck color is "Steel Gray Metallic" and is a 2008. If they do repaint it, will they have to remove the over-the-rail Line-X? How do they remove it - by sanding?

Thanks

Zembonez · October 8, 2008

Thanks guys, yeah I think I'll have them repaint it again, or at least blend up to the front. The truck color is "Steel Gray Metallic" and is a 2008. If they do repaint it, will they have to remove the over-the-rail Line-X? How do they remove it - by sanding?

Thanks

If it's just a little off, I'd have them blend the cab corner and rear door. Chances of a good looking match are better. How does it look at the tailgate?

VMax2007 · October 8, 2008

Thanks guys, yeah I think I'll have them repaint it again, or at least blend up to the front. The truck color is "Steel Gray Metallic" and is a 2008. If they do repaint it, will they have to remove the over-the-rail Line-X? How do they remove it - by sanding?

Thanks

My trucks is Steel Gray Metallic and when it had 800 miles on it, a car wash track busted and I got shoved into the dryer plenum. It dented my right front fender. I got a new fender and the dealer had to feather the paint into the door and the hood. It is a PERFECT match. Trust me, I have a keen eye and I cannot tell it was ever touched. So, it can be matched!!!

timmerk · October 9, 2008

If it's just a little off, I'd have them blend the cab corner and rear door. Chances of a good looking match are better. How does it look at the tailgate?

Not good. You can see the color difference pretty well looking at the rear of the truck (tailgate vs new corner above light).

timmerk · October 9, 2008

Also, would it be possible to paint the side again without removing the over the rails Line-X? Or would they have to sand it off?

Zembonez · October 10, 2008

Also, would it be possible to paint the side again without removing the over the rails Line-X? Or would they have to sand it off?

They might just mask it at the edge. I'd have them remove it. If they don't want to make this all match, get your insurance company involved. They can actually back charge them for the job if not done right. Go in with a nice guy attitude but be prepared to get nasty in needed. It'd be nice if they cooperated without that but you aren't there for a fancy family social.