How close does computer paint matching get?

Md, is there some possibility that you have a problem making good choices for providers of goods and services?

The original paint was 1960s era semi-gloss enamel, if it’s relevant.

The inside which I asked them to match should have never been exposed to the sun, as it was protected by electrical components from the sun and rain.

Judging by my number of my threads, yeah it’s a problem. I also have a whole long sob story about how it took three mechanics to fix the heat on my car, and the third one botched it which eventually resulted in the heat going out again, as well as the water pump and radiator.

I didn’t say anything about the parts, the agreement was part “A” could be fixed, “B” he would use as a template for fabricating a replacement (although he said he’d return it, he might have needed to disassemble it to replicate it). I wasn’t able to tell that the first was also a fabrication until I took a screw out at home and saw that the hole had been drilled a little bit off and then corrected, so I assumed the first actually couldn’t have been bent back into shape. He did a good job on fabrication anyway.

I did email him politely informing him of the problem on the excuse that I just wanted to know what happened, so to give him a chance to make an offer if he wants. Antiques are a new hobby of mine and I’m starting to understand the amount of work, money, and issues involved.

Maybe this should be the topic of your next thread. I’ve had that problem at times. Usually because I’m placing convenience or price above quality. When I want something done right I know it’s going to take some extra effort on my part to find the right guy for the job.

We color matched something and the results were pretty much perfect.
The guy who did it (though kind of surly and un-nice) did a good job. He dabbed a bit on some paper, let it dry and compared it to the sample right there in the shop before we bought the paint.

We might have simply been lucky.

I don’t think you need to make excuses when dealing with results you aren’t happy with. It’s perfectly acceptable to simply say that you are not happy with the results. You don’t have to rant and rave or ask for your money back but certainly the person who has done the work needs to know clearly that the outcome is not what you expected. Otherwise they will go along assuming they are doing an ok job when in fact they’re not.

I found a service that will hand-match paint. I was thinking about having this done and supplying the paint myself so there’s not another screw-up when I get my signs repainted. How much does a pint cover, and do I need to also buy clear-coat, or is that just for cars or a stock item for any color? Does automotive paint go bad once it’s open or is it like house paint where it will be good for years if you stir it up?

So, the OP rejected the paint because of how it looked in the can. How did it look when applied to the surface?

I didn’t reject the paint based on the way it was in the can. The finished job was way off.

Anyway, I found a service that guarantees they can get the paint the correct color by hand matching. I was thinking about buying paint from them and then finding someone locally to do the actual painting. Do I have to order clearcoat at the same time as basecoat, or will anything (like the guy I hire to paint it presumably has lying around) work. Or is clearcoat only for cars, and not antique signs.