A customer's comment about my paint match changed how I check colors now

Had a guy bring his 2018 Ford F-150 back last month because he said the driver's door I painted looked "off" in the sunlight. I was sure I nailed it (even checked under the shop lights). He pointed out it had a slight green tint compared to the factory shade. I felt stupid at first, but then I asked around and an old timer told me to always check paint matches outside at different times of day, not just under fluorescents. Now I take the panel out to the parking lot for a minute before I clear it. Has anyone else had a customer notice a mismatch you totally missed yourself?

2 comments

2 Comments

williamprice28d ago

My 2010 Silverado taught me the same lesson about 6 years ago. I painted the passenger rear door and thought it was dead on under the fluorescents, then my wife pointed out it looked almost purple in the afternoon sun. I honestly used to think the old guys were just being dramatic about natural light, but now I literally walk every panel outside and look at it from three different angles before I even think about clearing it. It's annoying having to walk back and forth but it's saved me from a few redos already. That green tint on the Ford is a real pain too, I've noticed it shows up in certain light on those lighter silver Fords more than you'd expect.

knight.oscar27d agoMost Upvoted

Used to roll my eyes at guys who took their paint outside to check it. Thought it was overkill, just showboating. Then I matched a silver bumper under shop lights and watched it turn straight green the next morning. Lesson learned, never again.