How do you match factory paint?
 

Is there a fail-proof way to match the original factory paint of a GSL-SE? For instance, say I get a Gunmetal grey GSL-SE and want it changed to a Metalic blue one, is there some code that will give me a perfect match for the original color?

My searching has turned up a lot of custom paint information, and how to get it done when you figure out what you want. But if I'm dead set on keep the car in a stock color I haven't found any good way to do that (or I'm making this too complicated). I have the color names from the 84/85 brochures so if that's all I need I'm set.

Cheers!

i think you will need a paint code. then the shop can look up how to mix it.

Depends on the shop, and what paint system they use, too.

Starting from the factory color code (K8, in my case), I had my car re-painted - - but the finished repaint ended up visibly lighter than the original factory paint.

http://www.rotorhead.ca/articles/200...5/paint-codes/

All you really need is a paint code.
Most shops should be able to search a code from the colors name, but just in case: lookup the paint code with the link above.


As DivinDriver said, sometimes a fresh repaint wont be perfectly identical to an original factory painted car...
Thats just because even if the paint mixture is spot on, the primer/sealers may not be exactly the same as mazda used and they can slightly alter the color of the basecoat.

As long as youre using a color that was available on your RX-7, I wouldnt worry about anything else!
Nothin like some fresh paint! :)