# finding the \*perfect\* match

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 26, 1999, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527 "1999-06-26T21:39:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 1999, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527/1 "1999-06-26T21:39:00Z")

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well, I was recently bombarded with some little scratches on my “new” used car (hey- it’s new to me! :)) So, I set out the next day on a touch up paint search. I found _several_ silver/silver-grey colours, but none matched my car. I went ahead and put a little bit of the closest one on the chips to keep them from getting worse, but it almost looks as bad as if I had left them alone. Is there any place I can get the exact colour to match? Should I check at an auto body repair shop? Do they sell touch up paint? I’ve checked out all of the parts stores and supplies stores. Someone help me before I go mad!!! 🙂

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tipi 🙂

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 1999, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527/2 "1999-06-26T23:50:00Z")

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In this case you are stuck with the car dealer.They made that paint.But your car may have faded some by now.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 1999, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527/3 "1999-06-26T23:58:00Z")

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If the chips aren’t too bad, there’s a car wax that has pigment in it to cover small blemishes. It worker really well on my old car.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 1999, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-the-perfect-match/1527/4 "1999-06-27T02:38:00Z")

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Okay, if you open up the hood you should see a metal plate near the wipers with the color code for the car. That is the color it was before. FInd a store that sells it and get a pint.

As it ages It oxigizes and becomes lighter, so get some rubbing compound at Kmart or auto store and you can take off that white-ness. Rub gently.

Also, pearls & reflective colors, are next to impossible to match again.