Achieve the right colour first time with these key steps

Achieving the right colour first time is essential for bodyshops to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For both the bodyshop manager and the vehicle owner, the colour match quality of any repair is the ultimate test of a refinish product, and PPG excels in this area.

The science of colour is really the core of our business and we know that the ability to reproduce the original colour is the thing that Bodyshops strive for most when refinishing a vehicle

Below are ten key tips that ensure bodyshop success when colour mataching.

 

10. Track repair orders / jobs

  • Add, edit and manage repair order information.
  • Use job costing reports.
  • Record as much information about the colour that is available.

 

9. Interface key systems

Use the Paintshop Interface utility (previously known as Roco) by linking PAINTMANAGER® software with the bodyshop management system. This will eliminate added key strokes and improve efficiency in scheduling / closing jobs.

 

8. Locate the correct OE code

Currently, PPG provides information on where to find the OE code on the vehicle to be repaired, but an alternative workflow will be available in 2015 for PPG customers.

Paint It – a future innovation for EMEA, includes:

  • A new approach to colour identification and selection providing a visual representation of automotive colours onscreen.
  • The ability to filter the colours by motor manufacturer, year and model to see all of the potential colours for the vehicle to be repaired.

 

7. Identify the colour variant early

  • Always polish an area close to the repair site to get the cleanest view of the colour needed.
  • Use RAPIDMATCH™ X-5 spectrophotometer for speed and accuracy, taking advantage of the thousands of colours in the PaintManager software database and the latest workflow.
  • For accurate variant identification, use the sprayed variant tools.

 

6. Use the suggested spectral grey / greyscale

  • PaintManager software recommends the undercoat grey shade for each formulation.
  • Take advantage of spectral grey spray-out cards.
  • Align primer and colour to get the best colour match results, minimize material usage and improve process time.

 

5. Mix what you need, right

  • Mix levels achieved with minimum mix warnings in PaintManager software.
  • Use the PaintManager software visual pour screen with tolerance bars.
  • If over-pours occur, use the re-calculate feature.
  • Painter accuracy reports offer opportunities for training.

 

4. Mix everything over the scale

Mix primers, colour and clears over the scale.

 

3. Internet. Internet. Internet.

  • Use one installation of PaintManager software for integration from the front office to the mixing room.
  • Rely on monthly updates for the most recent formulations, reflectance date and program enhancements.

 

2. Stay current

Ensure all colour tools have been updated:

  • Colour variant systems (chip updates are in place).
  • PaintManager software is installed, if not using it on the Internet.
  • COLORMOBILE® software for up-to-date colour information on the go.

 

1. Measure and manage performance.

Take advantage of over 40 business management reports via the PaintManger report viewer utility:

  • Manage labor hours, paint and materials information.
  • Easily access key financial and operational performance indicators.
  • Understand what colours are being mixed and highlight training needs and waste to improve efficiency.

 

PPG Logo, Bulls Eye Logo, PaintManager and ColorMobile are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. RapidMatch and Bringing Innovation to the Surface are trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2014 PPG Industries. All rights reserved.