For those who have had to replace their bumpers. How well were your body mechanics able to match the existing paint? Does Mazda sell the original paint in pints? I'm particularly worried because I have a montego blue FD, a very complex paint.

 

Dude you'll be fine. Just let the body shop do their job. Their is nothing "complex" about MB paint.

 

Sure there is!
MB can't make up it's mind when to actually be blue, and when it wants to look like green

 

LOL

 

Could you "simplify" it for me then? What is the process exactly? Is it a two-step or three-step paint job. The point of this thread is to educate me on the painting process. By just saying, "you'll be fine" does not help me much, but thanks anyway.


Regards. SH

 

true story:

i bought a FD and the passenger headlight cover was missing. i bought the peice and had to paint it. i didnt paint it myself but i took it to a autobody shop. the paintjob they did was good. although because it was newly painted, it looks much better then the rest of the body. its been a little over a month since i got it and its starting to blend in more =D

EDIT: it was painted montego of course

 

Well sorry I assume that most people in an on line computer forum that revolves around CARS would have basic knowledge of how body work is done. Guess I was wrong.

Ok well they are going to spray it with a primer. Then sand it some, maybe do two or three passes with the primer if they need to get some imperfections out. They will use the paint code that is on the door sill of your car to get the color. They will either mix the paint there or have it delivered from their local paint supply. Then the painter is gonna spray it while it sits on a little stand, then let it bake in a down draft booth so that no dust will get on it. Then if all went well and he knows WTF he is doing and didnt get any major drips or orange peel then he will shoot it with some clear. Then after that fully dries and it still is going his way. It will get some wet sanding and then buffing.
Thats if they do it right the first time.
Is it a large franchise body shop ?

Please tell me your using Earl Shives..

No seriously.
Your car is gonna be fine. The metallic in Montego is so minute you would have to be a complete ******* to screw up the spray lines.
You'll be fine.

Oh yea you didnt want to hear that.
Ok then I hope you'll be fine

 

Of coarse. A newly painted surface is gonna have a hard time blending in with an older painted area.I mean when you shave it looks different then when you dont shave right? Same concept.. Im serious

 

you're right - its a bad assumption.

Anyways.. do you have an idea what goes into the mixing process? what type of metallic additive can best match the factory paint?

Btw, you might want to search the forum for pics of MBs with aftermarket bumpers. You'll be surprised to see how many have of them are matched poorly.


Regards. SH

 

are you making fun of my simple 16 year old mind, i cant keep up with you guys

 

\
Nah I helped you enough.

 

hehe... its funny that you think you've helped me at all.

 

zeliq,

Just go down to the body shop and ask. That way there is no false expectations.

Typically the older the paint job the harder it is to match. Most likely the car will need to be buffed (small layer of paint removed) so the old color can shine through and blend in with the new paint.

hope this helps

 

Thanks for the tips guys. If anyone else has experience matching MB and is familar with the work flow, your comments would be appreciated.


Regards. SH

 

Better get Maco.
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