Painting Options (Poll Inside)

[No_Dominion]

I'm curious to know what the general consensus is regarding the best method of getting a piece painted regarding accurate color matching for our vehicles' exteriors. The two options I have to decide between are:

1. Take piece to professional painter and have them attempt to paint match.

2. Purchase paint from a supplier that is supposedly matched to OEM (i.e. paintscratch.com or other competitors) and supply professional painter with that paint.

If there is a third, better option, I'm all ears.

And please feel free to share any stories, experiences you might have had with this. I'm looking into purchasing a front lip and possibly some Aero skirts in the future; figured it would be easier to get the research out of the way now.

Cheers!

[inTgr8r]

#2 won't work because you are responsible when it doesn't match & the painter is off the hook

Just find a reputable painter that stands behind his work.

[No_Dominion]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

#2 won't work because you are responsible when it doesn't match & the painter is off the hook

Just find a reputable painter that stands behind his work.

Thanks for the quick response.

Couple of follow-up questions:

Do you need to leave the vehicle or a piece with the painters in order to insure an accurate match?

Any idea what an average cost would be for painting something the size of an Mstache or another similarly sized front lip?

Thanks

[inTgr8r]

It's a good idea to leave a painted piece for them to match.
The gas flap is an easy piece to remove.

[No_Dominion]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

It's a good idea to leave a painted piece for them to match.
The gas flap is an easy piece to remove.

Okay, thanks. Better to do it correctly the first time, it would seem.

[Shipkiller]

As someone who has had to replace his entire left side of the car, I can tell you this:

Do your research on painters in the area. Use reviews, talk to several BMW/Porsche/Lambo/Ferrari independent shops and get their options, they know..... Go to a local Cars&Coffee and ask questions... Find a GOOD one that does custom work and let the do the job.

It is always cheaper to take the parts over to the painter instead of doing the work on the car. You also get a better product. The shop actually likes this way better. Taking a good piece with the stuff you need painted helps the shop do a proper color match.

BMW paint is going to be expensive... My hood was at the painters all week being redone... Just the cost of the paint was $170.00. But now it is PERFECT....

[No_Dominion]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

As someone who has had to replace his entire left side of the car, I can tell you this:

Do your research on painters in the area. Use reviews, talk to several BMW/Porsche/Lambo/Ferrari independent shops and get their options, they know..... Go to a local Cars&Coffee and ask questions... Find a GOOD one that does custom work and let the do the job.

It is always cheaper to take the parts over to the painter instead of doing the work on the car. You also get a better product. The shop actually likes this way better. Taking a good piece with the stuff you need painted helps the shop do a proper color match.

BMW paint is going to be expensive... My hood was at the painters all week being redone... Just the cost of the paint was $170.00. But now it is PERFECT....

Good advice, I'll definitely do some comparison shopping, see who feels most comfortable with the job and has good reviews.

[3002 tii]

Think it also depends on the size. If it's a tow hook cover or reflectors, match is less of an issue. If it's a bumper or panel than yes match is concern.

[BruceJ]

Ive had two body parts on mine repainted. Very happy with the match. Ditto on shipkillers comments about do your homework. Im in the sticks so no others to seek out. I just visited shops until I found a knowledgable painter who was proud enough to take the time to show off his work. You can tell when you talk to them if they luv what they do or not. Not 100% but usually works.
Good luck