Paint Match, am I being dramatic?

[Rick#7]

I can see the color difference in every shot you posted, if it were me I would not be satisfied with that match. I understand metallic grays are very difficult to get a perfect match, but a competent shop can do better than that, and they would also blend the match into the hood and fenders to make any difference in the metallic less noticable. Done properly, you would not see the difference with the new part.

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[waltrs]

I reopened my claim with USAA. It bothered me more and more every time I saw it lol. The rose-tinted glasses of having my car fixed made it hard for me to be unsatisfied with anything; but now I am getting it fixed. Hopefully USAA can get another shop to do it.

 

[MiamiGT350]

I reopened my claim with USAA. It bothered me more and more every time I saw it lol. The rose-tinted glasses of having my car fixed made it hard for me to be unsatisfied with anything; but now I am getting it fixed. Hopefully USAA can get another shop to do it.

I have USAA as well. I expect they will be more than happy to have it fixed to your satisfaction.

 

[bankyf]

I'd take that back. There is no reason it shouldn't be a perfect match with todays color matching technology paint shops have. And if they tell you that the plastic holds the color differently than metal then ask them why the back bumper matches.
I've had 3 bumpers painted over the years and all of them matched perfectly.

Color matching is only half of the battle. Some of these multi stage paints can be a perfect match to factory, but look different when sprayed depending on temperature it was sprayed, distance of the gun from the surface, humidity, etc. If you look close enough, especially with pearl and metallic colors, it isn't uncommon for front/rear bumpers to not be a perfect match on many cars from the factory. Pearl white is one of the worst that I have noticed. With all of that being said, I would not be satisfied with the OP's match, but he may be in for quite an adventure getting a perfect match at a production/insurance body shop.

 

[willymo72]

good luck, hoping it gets matched better with the 2nd shop

 

[Park]

Check your VIN you might be silver bullet, but the front end is iconic silver. I discovered this while buying touch up paint.
They are close but no cigar.

 

[ay1820]

It only took a glance at your first pic for me to see that the bumper was too light. Glad to hear that you are not accepting it as is, it would only irritate you more an more with time.

 

[Rapid Red]

I'd take that back. There is no reason it shouldn't be a perfect match with todays color matching technology paint shops have. And if they tell you that the plastic holds the color differently than metal then ask them why the back bumper matches.
I've had 3 bumpers painted over the years and all of them matched perfectly.

That is exactly correct...

 

[Ock]

No. id do same.

 

[Arknsawchuck]

Color matching is only half of the battle. Some of these multi stage paints can be a perfect match to factory, but look different when sprayed depending on temperature it was sprayed, distance of the gun from the surface, humidity, etc. If you look close enough, especially with pearl and metallic colors, it isn't uncommon for front/rear bumpers to not be a perfect match on many cars from the factory. Pearl white is one of the worst that I have noticed. With all of that being said, I would not be satisfied with the OP's match, but he may be in for quite an adventure getting a perfect match at a production/insurance body shop.

Depending upon the paint and bodyshop they may not get an "exact" match but it should definitely be better than what they got. I've had a ruby red done and even under a paint light I can't tell the difference from the factory. And ruby red is not an easy paint to do.

 

[WItoTX]

I am usually the guy that says it's fine, move on. But even I can see it in the photos, which means real life is much more noticable.

I think I would wash the car by hand, wax it, see how it looks, then figure out how to proceed. I'm sure there is some color change with the sun beating on it, but man all the other paint is also going to change. It's not like UV light just stops affecting paint.

Good luck, sorry you have to deal with this.

 

[#1ford]

They can do better a good painter can adjust his air pressure to lighten or darkened and do a spray out and check the match before painting ! What you want and deserve is a undetectable repair!!! It can be done !!!!!!!!!

 

[Gnatsum21]

Color is off. That would drive me nuts. If the car was an old beater, who cares, but a brand new car? wtf?

 

[waltrs]

hey all, thanks for the traction and advice. called USAA, they told me they wont step in until i give the shop a chance to fix it themselves. completely understandable. i called the shop to ask when is best for them, they told me swing by this week.. and the painter was audibly upset. so i am looking forward to that conversation today lol. hopefully when i come by, they understand that i am not being picky.. it genuinely isnt acceptable.

i will update the thread later after i discuss with the shop.

anyone have advice on what to expect or look out for? i figured a USAA shop would be more professional, but you know what they say about assuming...

 

[waltrs]

Update:

Went back to the shop, the technician I spoke with attempted to persuade me out of pursuing corrective action; said they will never be able to get it perfect. Tried showing me other vehicles in their lot with mismatched panels. I told him I understand where he is coming from, but that does not dismiss the fact that I am not happy with the repairs. He begrudgingly told me that the shop is super busy right now, and they cannot fit me in until January.

Reported the interaction to USAA, asking them to either refer me to a different shop or lay out my options for me. Might be time to wrap it lol.

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