Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 3
Types of Matching Paints
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Types of Matching Paints
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Auto body repair And Spray painting
Class: Senior Secondary 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Theme: Auto-Body Spray Painting
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Students should be ableto;Identify the factory painton the auto-body. Identify and determine which color to be used. Matched paints colour to obtain new colour
This section provides a detailed explanation of the key concepts required to understand and perform paint matching. 2.
1. Importance of Paint Matching Paint matching is essential for: Seamless Repair: To ensure the repaired area blends perfectly with the existing paintwork, making the repair virtually undetectable.
Aesthetic Appeal: Maintaining the vehicle's original appearance and value. Poorly matched paint significantly depreciates a vehicle's value.
Customer Satisfaction: Delivering professional results that meet client expectations. 2.
2. Identifying Factory Paint on an Auto-body (Performance Objective 1) The first step in paint matching is identifying the original factory paint colour. This is typically done using the manufacturer's paint code.
Location of Paint Code: Paint codes are usually found on a sticker or metal plate within the vehicle.
Common locations include: Driver's Side Door Jamb: Often on a sticker affixed to the door or the door frame.
Under the Bonnet (Hood): On the firewall, inner fender, or radiator support.
Boot Lid/Trunk Area: Sometimes in the spare tyre well or under the boot carpet.
Glove Compartment: On a sticker inside.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Plate: The paint code might be listed alongside the VI
N. Manufacturer's Paint Code Structure: These codes are alphanumeric and unique to each manufacturer and colour.
Example 1 (Honda): NH-700M (Alabaster Silver Metallic). "NH" indicates Honda, "700" is the specific colour code, and "M" denotes Metallic.
Example 2 (Toyota): 040 (Super White). A simple three-digit code.
Example 3 (Mercedes-Benz): 197 (Obsidian Black Metallic).
Example 4 (Peugeot): EWP (Bianca White).
Example 5 (Ford): ZJ (Deep Impact Blue).
Using the Paint Code: Once the paint code is identified, it is entered into a paint mixing system (computerised or manual formula book) which provides the exact formula (proportions of different toners) required to mix the original factory colour. 2.
3. Factors Influencing Colour Matching (Performance Objective 2) Even with the correct paint code, several factors can make direct application of the mixed paint result in a mismatch. These factors must be considered to determine the correct colour to be used.
Ageing and Fading: Original paint fades over time due to exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), environmental pollutants, and weather elements (rain, dust). This is particularly noticeable in Nigeria's harsh tropical climate. The new paint, even if mixed to the original code, will appear brighter and fresher than the faded existing paint.
Original Paint Type: Solid Colours: Consist of a single pigment. Easier to match but still prone to fading.
Metallic Colours: Contain small metallic flakes (usually aluminium) that reflect light, giving a sparkle effect. Matching metallic paint is challenging as the flake orientation and size affect the final appearance. Spray gun technique (distance, speed, overlap) significantly impacts the metallic effect.
Pearl/Mica Colours: Contain mica particles that create a depth of colour and can shift hue depending on the viewing angle. Extremely difficult to match due to their complex light refraction properties.
Xirallic Colours: Similar to pearl, using synthetic pearl pigments for a unique sparkle.
Previous Repairs: If the vehicle has been repainted before, the current paint may not be the factory original, or the quality of the previous repair might vary.
Temperature and Humidity: Environmental conditions during painting can affect the drying time and final appearance of the paint.
Application Technique: The spray gun settings, air pressure, distance from the panel, and number of coats all influence the final colour and metallic/pearl effect. 2.
4. Methods for Determining Matched Paint Colours (Performance Objective 2 & 3) Given the influencing factors, direct application of the factory code often requires adjustment. This adjustment process is called "tinting" or "toning." Visual Inspection and Colour Swatches/Cards: Process: After mixing the paint according to the factory code, a "spray-out card" or test panel is prepared. This card is sprayed with the mixed paint under the same conditions as the actual repair.
Comparison: The dried spray-out card is then held next to the vehicle's original paint in good lighting (preferably natural daylight) to assess the match. Different angles should be checked, especially for metallic and pearl finishes. * Colour Variants: code often requires adjustment. This adjustment process is called "tinting" or "toning." Visual Inspection and Colour Swatches/Cards: Process: After mixing the paint according to the factory code, a "spray-out card" or test panel is prepared. This card is sprayed with the mixed paint under the same conditions as the actual repair.
Comparison: The dried spray-out card is then held next to the vehicle's original paint in good lighting (preferably natural daylight) to assess the match. Different angles should be checked, especially for metallic and pearl finishes.
Colour Variants: Paint manufacturers often provide "colour variants" for each paint code. These are slightly different formulations for the same code, accounting for minor variations in factory batches or different assembly plants. Technicians compare the existing paint against these variant chips to find the closest match before tinting.
Spectrophotometer: Concept: A digital device that "reads" the colour of the existing paint on the vehicle. It measures the light reflected from the surface across different wavelengths.
Functionality: The spectrophotometer then suggests a paint formula from its database that is the closest match, often providing a starting point for tinting. This is a highly accurate method but requires specialised equipment not always available in smaller Nigerian workshops. Tinting and Toning (Matching Paints Colour to Obtain New Colour - Performance Objective 3): Concept: This is the art and science of adding small amounts of concentrated pigments (toners) to the base mixed colour to adjust its hue, saturation, and lightness until it precisely matches the existing paint.
Understanding Colour Properties: Hue: The pure colour (e.g., red, blue, green).
Lightness (Value): How light or dark a colour is (e.g., adding black to darken, white to lighten).
Saturation (Chroma): The intensity or purity of a colour (e.g., adding complementary colour or grey to desaturate).
Basic Colour Theory for Tinting: Darkening: Add black or a dark version of the base colour (e.g., a darker blue to a light blue).
Lightening: Add white or a lighter version of the base colour.
Shifting Hue: To make red more orange: Add yellow.
To make blue more green: Add yellow.
To make blue more violet: Add red.
To make green more yellow: Add yellow.
Reducing Saturation (Dulling): Add a small amount of the complementary colour (e.g., a tiny bit of green to dull red, or red to dull green). Grey can also be used.
Tinting Process:
1. Start with the paint mixed to the closest variant of the factory code.
2. Prepare a spray-out card and let it dry.
3. Compare carefully with the existing vehicle paint under various lighting conditions.
4. Identify the mismatch (too dark, too light, too yellow, too red, etc.).
5. Add a very small amount of the appropriate toner to the bulk paint. Stir thoroughly.
6. Prepare a new spray-out card and compare again.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until an exact match is achieved.
8. Crucial Rule: Always add toners in extremely small increments. It's easier to add more than to remove excess. Worked
Example: Matching a Faded Blue Metallic Paint Scenario: A Honda Civic (popular in Nigeria) has a rear fender dent that needs repainting. The car is 8 years old, and the original paint code is B-507P (Arctic Blue Pearl). The existing paint on the car has noticeably faded due to years of sun exposure in Lagos.
Steps:
1. Identify Factory Paint: Locate the paint code sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Confirm "B-507P" (Arctic Blue Pearl).
2. Initial Mix: Access the paint mixing system for B-507
P. Mix a batch according to the standard formula.
Note: The formula will specify proportions of various toners like blue, white, black, red, and pearl pigments.
3. Prepare Spray-out Card: Spray a test panel (spray-out card) with the freshly mixed paint. Ensure the application technique (gun distance, pressure, coats) mimics the intended application on the car. Allow the spray-out card to dry completely.
4. Initial Visual Comparison (Determine Which Colour to Use): Hold the dried spray-out card next to an undamaged section of paint mixing system for B-507
P. Mix a batch according to the standard formula.
Note: The formula will specify proportions of various toners like blue, white, black, red, and pearl pigments.
3. Prepare Spray-out Card: Spray a test panel (spray-out card) with the freshly mixed paint. Ensure the application technique (gun distance, pressure, coats) mimics the intended application on the car. Allow the spray-out card to dry completely.
4. Initial Visual Comparison (Determine Which Colour to Use): Hold the dried spray-out card next to an undamaged section of the car's original paint (e.g., the adjacent door). Observe under natural daylight.
Observation: The new paint on the spray-out card appears noticeably brighter, slightly more vibrant, and perhaps a touch "too blue" compared to the faded, slightly duller existing paint on the car. The existing paint may have a subtle yellowish cast due to oxidation.
5. Tinting/Toning (Matching New Colour to Obtain New Colour): Problem Identification: The new paint is too bright (lightness issue) and slightly too "pure blue" (hue/saturation issue) compared to the faded original.
Strategy: To darken/dull slightly: Add a very minute amount of black toner. Black will reduce lightness and slightly desaturate the colour. To counter the "too blue" and match the faded yellowish cast: Add an extremely tiny amount of yellow toner or a very small amount of a desaturating toner (like a neutral grey or a complementary orange/brown if available in the system). For faded blue, often a slight shift towards green-blue or a warmer undertone is needed.
Execution: Add 0.1g of black toner to 100g of the mixed paint. Stir thoroughly. Spray a new spray-out card. Let it dry. Compare again. The paint now looks closer but might still be slightly off. If it's still too blue, add 0.05g of yellow toner. Stir. Spray another spray-out card. Continue this iterative process, adding minute amounts of toners (e.g., a touch more black, a tiny bit of red to shift to violet if needed) until the spray-out card perfectly matches the faded vehicle paint from all angles. * Record Formula: Once the perfect match is achieved, record the exact amounts of each toner added to the original formula. This becomes the "custom variant" formula for this specific repair. This section outlines practical activities for teachers to deliver the lesson and for students to engage actively. 3.
1. Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 minutes): Begin by displaying images of vehicles with poorly matched paint repairs and professionally matched repairs. Discuss the visual impact and perceived quality. Briefly explain the objectives of the lesson and its relevance in the Nigerian auto repair industry (e.g., Tokunbo cars, common accident repairs).
Concept Explanation (25 minutes): Identify Factory Paint: Show a car door panel or a large image/diagram of various car models highlighting typical paint code locations (door jamb, under bonnet, boot). Explain the structure of paint codes using the provided examples (Honda NH-700M, Toyota 040, Mercedes 197).
Activity:* Have students identify the paint code location on provided diagrams or actual car parts if available.
Factors Influencing Match: Discuss reasons why original paint fades (UV, pollution, age, common in Nigerian climate). Explain different paint types (solid, metallic, pearl) and why metallic/pearl are harder to match (flake orientation). Use visual aids like paint samples if available.
Methods of Matching: Explain the "spray-out card" technique. Demonstrate how to prepare one. Introduce the concept of colour variants. Briefly explain a spectrophotometer as an advanced tool.
Focus on Tinting: Explain hue, lightness, saturation. Demonstrate basic colour mixing with primary colours (e.g., poster paints) to achieve secondary and tertiary colours. Explain how to adjust these properties by adding specific toners.
Demonstration (20 minutes): Practical Paint Code Identification: If a vehicle is available, guide students to locate the paint code on different parts. Otherwise, use detailed images.
Simulated Tinting: If actual paint and toners are unavailable, use coloured liquids (e.g., water with food colouring) or poster paints to demonstrate the principle of tinting. Prepare a "base colour" (e.g., light blue). Show how adding a tiny drop of black darkens it. Show how adding a tiny drop of yellow shifts the hue to a greener blue. Emphasise adding very small amounts.
Question and Answer Session (5 minutes): Address student questions and clarify any misunderstandings. 3.
2. Student Activities: Group Discussion (5 minutes): In small groups, students discuss why a brand-new paint with the correct factory code might not match an old car's faded paint. Paint Code Identification Practice (10 minutes): Students are provided with diagrams or pictures of different car models. They identify and mark the probable locations of the paint code.
Colour Mixing Exercise (15 minutes): Using provided primary coloured poster paints (red, yellow, blue, white, black), students attempt to mix secondary colours (orange, green, purple) and then try to adjust the lightness (add white/black) or hue of a given colour (e.g., make green more yellowish). This hands-on activity reinforces tinting principles.
Observation and Comparison (10 minutes): Students examine provided paint samples (e.g., a faded panel and a freshly sprayed panel of the same original colour) and identify the differences, discussing how they would approach matching the faded panel.
Professional Auto Body and Spray Painting Shops: This skill is the cornerstone of any successful auto body repair business in Nigeria. Technicians are constantly required to match paint for accident repairs, fender benders, or full resprays. A perfect match enhances the quality of work, commands better prices, and builds customer trust and referrals. Many independent "panel beaters" and spray painters across Nigeria rely heavily on this skill for their livelihood. Vehicle Resale Value and Asset Preservation: In Nigeria, the aesthetic condition of a vehicle significantly impacts its market value. A vehicle with poorly matched paintwork after a repair will fetch a lower price. Mastering paint matching directly contributes to preserving the investment value of vehicles for individuals and businesses (e.g., fleet owners, car dealers dealing in Tokunbo cars). It ensures that a repaired vehicle looks as close to its original factory finish as possible.
Customisation and Restoration Projects: Beyond standard repairs, paint matching skills are vital for customisation projects (e.g., unique paint jobs, two-tone schemes) and the restoration of vintage cars, which is a niche but growing market in Nigeria. Technicians might need to replicate old, discontinued colours or create unique shades, requiring advanced tinting abilities.