The quick way to a perfect color match.

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Content.

What is color, anyway? 4

Effect particles in the automotive industry 6

Causes of color fluctuations 8

Metamerism 9

From the OEM color to the Standox mixing formula 10

Competence in color 12

Genius means quick and effective color identification 14

The quick and reliable way to finding the right formulation 16

Accurately identifying colors 18

Correcting formulations using the Colormix fan 19

Color and effect blending techniques 20

Professional refinishing using professional products 22

Training 22

Outlook 23

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Every refinisher knows that there isno such thing as “simply white„ or“simply red„. Today,s incrediblevariety of colors and nuances makes finding the right shade a realchallenge.

As late as in the early seventies, some7000 colors were enough to handlemost repair jobs. Today Standox aloneoffers more than 60 000 shades andrising. Assuming that 6–7 new colors areintroduced by each auto maker everyyear, up to 1000 new shades are addedannually. Add to this their – in some cases numerous – variants. All this hasmade identifying the right color and the accurate mixing formula an increasinglycomplex task for refinishers.

Luckily the steady growth in the numberof mixing formulas has also promotedthe development and improvement ofsuitable working aids. Yet the refinisher’sexpertise remains paramount – professio-nal refinishers know that a perfect colormatch is key to full customer satisfaction.

In this Standothek, you find everythingyou need to know about efficient coloridentification, tinting and blending in.

Finding the right color.

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What is color, anyway?

The first step is understanding whatcolor actually is. Color is actually aproperty of light that results fromreflection.

This means that color is a subjective im-pression that is perceived through theeye. To make this happen, three thingsare necessary: · light,· a surface that reflects the light,· a receptor that absorbs the reflected

light, e.g. our eye.

The color of a surface is perceived be-cause it reflects only those components of the entire color spectrum of light thatcorrespond to the color of the object. For instance, this means a red surface only reflects the light in this wavelength,while the rest is absorbed. Black and white are exceptions to this. In case of

a white surface, the entire color spectrumof the light is reflected and we see white.In case of black surfaces, the light isabsorbed and the eye perceives black.

This phenomenon is due to the basicstructure of light. Light is electromagneticradiation of various wavelengths. A prismcan break down the range of light visibleto the human eye into the colors of therainbow, the so called spectrum of colors.Being above and below the visible lightspectrum, respectively, ultraviolet light andinfrared light cannot be perceived by thehuman eye.

Light shines on a red surface. The red compo-

nents of the color spectrum are reflected while

the residual light is absorbed.

Color perception with neutral sunlight.

Light shines on a white surface. The entire color

spectrum is reflected.

Light shines on a black surface. The entire color

spectrum is absorbed.

Color spectrum with normal daylight. Color spectrum with warm artificial light.

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Absorption.When light hits an object, parts of thecolor spectrum are reflected and othersare absorbed.

Additive color mixing.The addition of light of different wave-lengths. For instance, equal shares of redand green light yield yellow light (theprinciple behind color TV).

Color.Physically and anatomically dependentsensory impression.

Infrared (IR).Light with a wavelength of > 800 nm.

Light.Electromagnetic radiation in the wave-length range of 400 nm (blue) to 800 nm(red).

Metamerism.The appearance of two colors under thesame light source. A different light sourcemay yield other color impressions.

Primary colors.Red, blue and yellow (see “Subtractivecolor mixing“).

Reflection.Where light waves rebound from a surface.

Secondary colors.The secondary colors are the three colorsproduced by mixing two primary colors,i.e. green, violet, orange.

Spectral colors.All the colors perceptible by the humaneye, with an electromagnetic wavelengthrange from 400 nm (blue) and 800 nm (red).

Subtractive color mixing.All other colors can be obtained bymixing the primary colors red, blue andyellow.

Ultraviolet (UV).Light with a wavelength below 400 nm.

Wavelength.The wavelength of an electromagneticbeam determines whether colors are visible or not. The distance between twoadjacent wave peaks is indicated in nm.

The A to Z of color.

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Effect colors are shades that includemetallic, pearlescent pigments andother effect particles in addition tocolor pigments. If a color shade con-tains only color pigments, it is calleda solid color shade.

Effect particles with a wide variety ofeffects are used in the field of automotivecoating. This is why the refinisher has toadapt the color shade to the type andquantity of effect particles used. Manyvarieties are possible from an iridescentcolor change via metallic glitter throughto a fine pearlescent shimmer. When refi-nishing a “one off“ vehicle with Exclusive

Line or in show car designs there are far more color options than in OEM refinishing.

As the variety of effect particles continuesto grow, more and more possibilities arise tomodify and design a car at the refinishinglevel. Matt finishes are the latest trendspotted in automotive OEM coating.

For the manufacturers, color is an im-portant and relatively low-cost means by which they can differentiate their cars from the competition and project a specific image.

Effect particles in the automotive industry.

Pigments as effect particles.

As a general rule, effect particles arecategorised as aluminium and pearle-scent pigments.

The basis of all color effects is the inter-action of light and material.

The effects arise from:· reflection· absorption· scatter· transmission

Reflection of aluminium pigments: light is reflected.

Reflection of pearlescent pigments: light is broken.

An example from the Exclusive Line: the “Red Rocket„ flip-flop

finish.

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Aluminium pigments.Aluminium pigments are the oldest effectparticles known and used in the automo-tive industry. They consist of small, flakyparticles that give the paint its metalliccharacter and flip. The kind of reflectiondepends on the particle size and surfaceroughness.Silver dollar aluminium has a smooth sur-face and reflects the light in a directedway; colors shine more brilliantly. The textured surface of cornflake alumi-nium scatters the light, making colorsappear paler.

Special effects (e.g. Exclusive Line).The so-called flip-flop pigments are cha-racterised by a change of color or flow.They also consist of covered flakes. Thesehave several transparent layers whichshine in a spectrum of different colorsdepending on the viewing and reflectionangle. The light is reflected as by a mir-ror.

The core of these flakes is opaque. Thiscore has several optical layers whosethickness is precisely controlled during themanufacturing process. This makes it pos-sible to achieve the irisdescent coloreffect. These colors have a very highbrilliance and saturation.

Pearlescent pigments.Pearlescent pigments have been usedsince the 1980’s. They contain naturalglimmer flakes which are covered byvarious metal oxides. Different metal oxides produce different color effects.Thin flakes with various diameters andsmooth surface provide for a greateffect.

The spectrum of pearlescent pigments isdue to interference, transmission andabsorption. The flakes themselves aremostly transparent and break the light sothat the color changes. Lightness anddarkness depend on the viewing angle.In order to obtain a perfect refinishingresult, the pigments must be aligned inparallel.

The most common effect particles.

Silver dollar aluminium.

Cornflake aluminium.

Pearlescent pigments.

Xirallic®. Example of flip-flop finish Exclusive Line

“Miami Mint„.

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Color fluctuations may occur in spiteof state-of-the-art testing methodsand processes in OEM coating.

There are numerous reasons for colorfluctuations in the OEM coating ofmodern vehicles· different production paramaters within

auto maker’s worldwide manufacturingnetworks,

· different application procedures,· changing paints suppliers and chemical

processes.

Different production sites.The various models of a car maker aremanufactured in different locations. Eventhough the specific color parameters aremandatory throughout a car maker’s

manufacturing network, a certain amountof color fluctuation is inevitable for anumber of reasons. Apart from the loca-tion-specific application equipment andtechniques, these also include flash-offtimes and drying parameters correspond-ing to the local climate.

Application methods.Variations in application often ensue fromlocal production conditions. The resultsvary depending on the coating method –manually, coating robot, electrostatic.

Paint suppliers/paint chemistry.Each paint manufacturer has its own formulas. When a paint manufacturer is replaced, it may soon occur that a “silver“ shows clear color fluctuations

due to different formulas or chemicals(conventional/waterbased paint/powdercoating). The color shades are alsoinfluenced by the clearcoats used.

Causes of color fluctuations.

Manual finishing.

Mechanical finishing by robot.

Electrostatic finishing with bell.

Pneumatic robot coating.

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TIP.For testing purposes, Standox recom-mends daylight lamps or fluorescentlamps, e.g. Osram L58W/32-965 orPhilipps T1-D 58 W/965.

Color shade difference in artifical light.

Color shade in daylight.

Metamerism is the effect of a colorshade changing under different lightsources.

Sometimes the color of a repaired vehiclelooks perfect in daylight, but shows twodistinct colors (OEM and refinished)under different light sources, such as streetlighting. This is known as metamerism.

Metamerism occurs because it is possibleto mix the same color using different pig-ments. For example: a green color can be based on a purely green pigment,while the same green can be mixed fromblue and yellow pigments.

Metamerism can be avoided by usingonly those pigments in refinishing whichare used in automotive OEM coating too.The Standox color shade formulas meetthese requirements.

Before approval, the formulas are testedin the laboratory under various light sour-ces. If any adjustment is required,Standox recommends the use of themixing bases used in the mixing formula.

Metamerism.

The type of application of effect colors is veryimportant for an optimum result because theeffect particles have a very different orientation.

Disordered distribution of the effect pigments. Parallel orientation of the effect pigments.

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From the OEM color to the Standox mixing formula.Color designers have to meet nume-rous technical requirements andhigh demands in the development ofnew colors for automotive OEM coating.

For example, new colors have to:· match the vehicle shape and harmonise

with it or underline it.· integrate with the manufacturer’s

existing range of colors.· meet certain pigment requirements.· meet technical demands (e.g. light

resistance).· comply with cost budget.· be suitable for OEM coating.· allow for repairs.· convey individuality (image).· be in line with current fashion trends.

Each new color formula is a challengefor the Standox experts. In spite of acomprehensive formula archive, a pro-prietary formula must be developed foreach new color so that the shade can bereproduced precisely.

Aggressive environmental influences, e.g.from UV radiation, will alter even themost stable color over time.Nevertheless, the paint formulation mustmatch the OEM paint precisely.

This is why the colors are physically andenvironmentally tested by experts everyday.

A wide range of mixing paints is

available in the Standox mixing

system.

New color shades are tested for stability and

resistance. This so-called “Florida weathering

test„ takes up to 3 years.

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Analysis under the microscope to determine the

effect particles of a paint.

Size comparison: pearlescent pigment on a

human hair under an electron microscope.

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Competence in color.The Standox Color Tools at a glance.

Standowin.Standowin puts extensive color shadeinformation onto your PC screen.

Standofleet Color Box.The stable metal box includes all Euro-pean and Asian commercial vehicle OEMcoating colors and international fleetcolors.

Color Poster.Standox Color Posters offer highly visiblehelp when tinting colors.

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Color Box basic edition OEM.The indispendable basic edition of theStandox Color Box collects all OEMcolors from the European and Asian carbrands on convenient swatch fans.

Standox Color Box.The stable metal box includes all Euro-pean and Asian OEM coating colors andtheir variants.

Online formula search.Your local Standox website provides you withcurrent color information 24 hours a day. www.standox.com

Genius.The Genius color measuring device quicklyhelps you measure colors and tintsdirectly from the vehicle body.

Colormix fan.Standox Colormix fans come in veryhandy when it comes to tinting your Standohyd colors.

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The surface of the color to be measuredmust be clean. Clean the entire area withdegreasing agent and polish the area tobe measured with a suitable polish inorder to remove all contaminations.

The color should be measured in thedamaged area. After the successful measurement, the data is processedusing the Standowin software.

Safe and quick color measuring.

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Genius means quick and effectivecolor identification.

Genius enables you to measurecolors reliably and effectively direct-ly from the vehicle body.

If you want to identify colors quickly, safely and efficiently, look no further thanGenius, the electronic color measuringdevice. In the future, automotive manu-facturers may abolish color coding alto-gether. This would make it much more dif-ficult for independent bodyshops to iden-tify colors the traditional way.

Genius is a convenient and reliable mea-suring device enabling you to identify allrelevant pieces of color information onthe spot.

Genius identifies the color directly fromthe polished vehicle body near thedamaged area. Solid and effect shadesare identified reliably. The results of this three-angle measuring deviceare very accurate. Genius stores the measured data which is converted intoready-to-use mixing formulas on your PC using Standowin software.

Genius performs particularly well when itcomes to difficult colors, e.g. fluctuationsin OEM coating, rare colors or those withmany variants. Genius makes it easy forbodyshops to identify all these colors andmixing formulations.

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The quick and reliable way to finding the right formulation.There are different ways to identifythe right mixing formulation.Standox offers a variety of aids tomake your searches more effectiveand efficient.

Color Boxes.For every paints system, Standox offers acompilation of all OEM colors and theirvariants. The commercial vehicle colorsinclude fleet liveries, too. The large chipsare coated with actual Standox paints toenable a precise color comparison. Therelevant color code is printed on the backof the chip.

Standowin.Standowin offers many functions to facili-tate your daily work. The Standowin soft-ware gives you access to all currentcolor formulas. You can search for theformula by color code or based on theGenius measuring results.

When you use Genius, Standowin analy-ses the measured data and suggeststhose formulas from the database whichbest match the measured shade. After the selection of the right basic formula,the mixing formula is corrected automati-cally on the basis of the measured data. This data can be transmitted directly to aconnected electronic scales with a preciseindication of quantity. Customer-specificformulas or nuances identified can be stored for future reference. In addition tothe color formula search, Standowin’s“Color Information“ section offers additio-nal brand-specific information includingthe color of add-on parts or the positionof codes.

Formula search via Internet.To find the right color online, consult your national Standox website. At“Formulations Online“ you find currentcolor information and formulations.

Color Hotline.Of course it may happen that you cannotidentify the right color in spite of perfectequipment and correct application of thecolor tools. In this case, the Standox ColorHotline will help you quickly and reliably.

Standowin helps you find all relevant information

about colors with just a few clicks. This also

includes add-on colors and color documentation

(e.g. Standohyd fans).

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BROWN YELLOW BLUE GREEN GREY RED

BR GE BL GN GR R

BR+ GE+ BL+ GN+ GR+ R+

BR- GE- BL- GN- GR- R-

BR.D GE.H BL.D GN.D GR.D R.D

BR.D+ GE.H+ BL.D+ GN.D+ GR.D+ R.D+

BR.D- GE.H- BL.D- GN.D- GR.D- R.D-

BR.H GE.D BL.H GN.H GR.H R.H

BR.H+ GE.D+ BL.H+ GN.H+ GR.H+ R.H+

BR.H- GE.D- BL.H- GN.H- GR.H- R.H-

BR.GB GE.GB BL.GB GN.GB GR.GB R.GB

BR.GB+ GE.GB+ BL.GB+ GN.GB+ GR.GB+ R.GB+

BR.GB- GE.GB- BL.GB- GN.GB- GR.GB- R.GB-

BR.FN GE.FN BL.FN GN.FN GR.FN R.FN

BR.FN+ GE.FN+ BL.FN+ GN.FN+ GR.FN+ R.FN+

BR.FN- GE.FN- BL.FN- GN.FN- GR.FN- R.FN-

DARK PALE LIGHT BRIGHT COARSE FINE MATT

D F H L GB FN MATT

D+ F+ H+ L+ GB+ FN+

D- F- H- L- GB- FN-

Service formulas can be recognized by the “S!“which is put in front of the variant description.Examples:

S! RS! GNS! BL.DS! GE.FN

Variant indication.

Useful additional information is provided on the Standowin CD.

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Accurately identifying colors.Every refinishing job starts with identifying the right color shade.

Identify the code.The color code number details are often hard to find aseach car maker places the type plates in a differentposition. With the help of the color code, you can identi-fy the right color (see also information box below).

Polish the paint surface.Clean and polish the area next to the damage.

Visual comparison.Take the Color Box fan to the vehicle and compare thecolor swatch of the fan with the area next to the damagein order to identify the right shade. It is important tocompare it close to the damaged area because evennew factory-finished cars show inconsistencies in theircolor on different parts of the paintwork.

Problems with the color code number.It is not uncommon to find that · color code numbers are missing,

incomplete or wrong. · that the manufacturer has changed

the code numbers (e.g. to include contrasting colors for add-on parts orinterior colors in the code).

In this case you have various options toidentify the right color:· Use the additional information provided

by Standowin’s “Color Information“.· For updated information, use the

Internet color search from Standox.· Measure the color with the Genius

device.

If you still have not identified the rightcolor, you can always call the StandoxColoristics expert who will be glad tohelp you. TIP.

Repeat the procedure in various lighting conditions(to prevent metamerism). Also look at the swatchfrom different angles.

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TIPS.· Always label color samples

correctly and store them.· Store the data in Standowin.

Sometimes colors turn out to bedifferent in spite of the correctprocedure. In these cases, you haveto tint with the help of Standox.

There are a number of useful rules andtips for tinting. If you know them andapply them in the right way, tinting is noproblem at all.

Color samples are very important for thetinting process. Important working aidsinclude the mixing fan and color posterswith Ostwald ’s color circle and tintingtools.

Correcting formulations using the Colormix fan.

The effective and efficient way tospray sample panels.

The procedure is simple: take the paintmixed for your next job and the samplepanels into the spray booth in which arefinishing job is to be performed.

Do the refinishing job first and allow it toflash off. During this time, spray the samplepanels (1x normal, 1x finishing pass) in a protected corner. Dry both paint coats(the job and the samples) together.

If the color of the sample panel is correct,you can start on the job right away.

Produce sample panels.It would be best to spray two sample panels as usualwith the identified color. For the second panel, you addhalf a spray pass (finishing pass) to the wet basecoatfilm. After drying, the clearcoat is applied. The finishingpass makes the effect pigments deposit at the surface tomake the color appear lighter.

The colors should be checked from several angles indaylight (northern light) or under daylight lamps toassess the changing (flip) effect of metallic and pearle-scent color shades.

TIPS.· If possible, use only those mixing

paints for tinting which are includedin the color formulation.

· Observe the rules of complementarycolors and partner colors accordingto Ostwald ’s color circle. It says thatcomplementary colors are notrecommended for tinting, becausethey tend to refract each other andresult in achromatic, “dirty“ mixtures.

· Add a maximum of 10% of themixing paint for correction.

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In some cases, the result is not asexpected in spite of careful tintingand optimum bodyshop conditions.

Large uninterrupted surfaces (e.g. wing,door, side) are a challenge for the refinish-er, in particular if there are no creases oradd-on parts or if there is only littledistance between the new and the oldpaint coat. In these cases, a solution may

be provided by the blending techniquewhich is also accepted by insurance com-panies. This allows you to avoid differen-ces in the flip of special effect paints.

Color and effect blending techniques.

Accurately identifying colors/cost aspects.In order to ensure efficiency and effecti-veness for the refinisher and the customeralike, it is becoming more and moreimportant to observe all relevent factorsin the cost calculation for the customer. These factors can have an influenceon the pricing and the refinishing workrequired:

1 Is it a multi-coat paintwork, e.g. three-coat system?

2 Does the color have any particularities, such as a tinted clearcoat?

3 Is a special substrate color/filler requi-red?

4 Has the vehicle been resprayed or received a special finish?

To avoid misunderstandings with thecustomer and unexpected problemsduring the work, these questions shouldbe answered by the refinisher beforecalculating the labour and materialrequired for the refinishing job.

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Blending in within one vehicle part.

Apply the basecoat only to the area where filler

was applied.

Fade out the edges. Apply clearcoat to the complete part. Make sure

that the clearcoat application is thin in the area

next to the adjacent part.

Apply clearcoat to the complete part. Make sure

that the clearcoat application is thin in the area

next to the adjacent part.

Apply the basecoat to the new part/area where

the filler was applied. In case of major color diffe-

rences, blend in to about 10 cm of the adjacent

part.

Blend in to the adjacent part.

Three-coat pearlescent system. Two-coat system.

Clearcoat

Pearlescent basecoat(only pearlescent

pigment)

Solid color

FillerPrimerCED

Blending in into adjacent panel.

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Standox is one of world,s leadingmanufacturers of automotive refinish-ing paints, offering innovative andenvironmentally compatible productsystems for modern bodyshops.

The quality of a refinish depends on theright paint. Standox offers sound productsystems for every field of application thatensure a perfect refinish. Standox pro-ducts meet the environmental require-ments of the EU and ensure user-friendli-ness and great efficiency. Standox sup-plies its customers with a broad range ofcustomised products that is constantlysupplemented and improved.

Standox products are frequently recom-mended by automotive manufacturersfor guarantee and warranty work,because Standox has more approvalsthan other paints manufacturers.

Numerous tools and technical trainingshelp meet the customer ’s requirementseven better.

Professional refinishing using professional products.

Increasingly complex colors and top-quality materials make the refinisher’swork more and more difficult. This is whyStandox offers a special Coloristics seminarfor refinishers – in addition to many othertraining courses. In this dedicated colorcourse, you learn everything about colorand paint in theory and practise.

Further information is available fromyour technical advisor.

Training.

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The automotive and paints indus-tries are subject to changing trends,too, even though things do not change as fast here as they do infashion.

There are always new, extraordinarycolors or effects. Paints manufacturersand refinishers have to be adaptableand react quickly.

Currently, there are various trends andtendencies which are set to grow inimportance. Tomorrow's colors are white,orange and metallic shades of all kinds,like copper, bronze or platinum.Altogether, a trend towards more color-ful options is predicted. The era of silverseems to be over.

New technologies are emerging at thesame time, including the so-called tricoats(three-coat build-up, with transparenteffect coat over the basecoat) or tintedclearcoats (colored, tinted clearcoat).These trends come from Asia and theUSA, where they are more common. Andso-called liquid metal shades that makethe car body look as if it were made ofbare steel or chrome, are the focus ofthe car maker’s designers, too. Specialseries are already being produced.Another persistent trend is matt clearcoatapplied to add-on parts or the entire car.The velvety look of the surface invitesyou to touch it and gives the colors acompletely new look. Again, paintsmakers and refinishers must be preparedand provide solutions if and when suchtrends conquer the streets.

Standox has faced these challenges andoffers the required solutions. Good advice,useful tools and targeted training onvarious topics support the refinisher.

The art of refinishing with its creativepotential and colorful variety remains amajor factor in the enduring attractive-ness of the automobile. As competentprofessionals, refinishers know their craftand how to handle the interaction ofcolor and material that makes our carsstand out as new, individual, perfect oreven exclusive.

Standox supports them with all meansavailable, ensuring continued excellencein “The Art of Refinishing”.

Outlook.

Mattpaints.

White Pearl.

Liquid Metal.

Tinted clearcoat.

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