Nason Auto Paint Color Chart
Nason Auto Paint Color Chart: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfect Paint Matching
So, you've decided to tackle a DIY automotive refinishing project, or maybe you just need a small touch-up for your beloved ride. That's awesome! But before you grab the spray gun, there's one critical tool you absolutely need: the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart. This chart isn't just a collection of colors; it's the key to achieving that seamless, factory-fresh finish.
Navigating the world of automotive paint codes can feel like learning a new language. Luckily, Nason Finishes, a trusted brand developed by Axalta Coating Systems, makes the process straightforward—provided you know how to read their roadmap. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about utilizing the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart to guarantee a perfect color match every single time.
Why the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart is Your Best Friend
When dealing with automotive paint, 'close enough' simply doesn't cut it. Even minor differences in shade, metallic flake density, or tone can stick out like a sore thumb in the sunlight. This is where the reliability of the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart truly shines.
Nason provides high-quality, economical refinishing solutions, making it a favorite among hobbyists and professional shops alike. However, accuracy starts long before the mixing process; it starts with the reference material. Using the official chart ensures you are cross-referencing your vehicle's existing paint code with the exact formulation Nason uses.
Think of the chart as a translator. Your car has a specific OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) code, but the chart translates that code into the corresponding Nason formulation number. This standardization dramatically reduces the risk of expensive errors and mismatched panels.
Decoding the Nason Paint System
The Nason system is designed for efficiency and consistency. To properly utilize the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart, you first need to understand where to find your existing code and which Nason product line you need.
Finding the Right Code: Location, Location, Location
Before you even look at the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart, you must locate your vehicle's factory paint code. This code is crucial because modern vehicles often have multiple variations (shades) of the same color, usually dependent on the manufacturing plant or year.
These codes are generally found in one of a few standard locations. Keep in mind that different manufacturers place their VIN plates and identification stickers in different spots:
- Driver's Side Door Jamb: Look for a sticker or plate containing VIN information; the paint code is usually listed as "C/TR" (Color/Trim) or simply "Paint."
- Under the Hood: Check the firewall or fender wells, particularly near the radiator support.
- Trunk/Hatch Area: Sometimes, the code is located on the spare tire well or under the trunk lid.
- Glove Compartment: Some older domestic vehicles place the code inside the glove box door.
Once you have this alphanumeric code (e.g., WA8624, PXR, NH700M), you can confidently consult the Nason chart for the corresponding Nason formula number.
Understanding Nason's Product Lines
Nason provides several distinct product lines, each tailored to different refinishing needs and budgets. The Nason Auto Paint Color Chart covers formulations for all these systems, ensuring you get the right chemistry along with the right color.
Choosing the correct line is vital, as it determines durability, finish quality, and application method. Here are the main categories:
- Ful-Base: Nason's essential basecoat system, requiring a clearcoat. This is excellent for achieving factory finishes on metallic and pearl colors.
- Ful-Thane: A premium single-stage urethane system, which means the color and the protection are mixed together. Great for solid, non-metallic colors where simplicity is key.
- Ful-Cryl: The classic acrylic enamel system, known for reliability and easy application.
Nason Basecoat and Clearcoat Options Explained
For complex colors, particularly those with deep metallic or pearl effects, you'll typically need the Ful-Base system. The Nason Auto Paint Color Chart will give you the Ful-Base mix code, but you must choose an appropriate clearcoat to protect it.
Always verify the recommended clearcoat based on your application environment and desired gloss level. Using the right combination ensures the color looks right and lasts for years to come.
How to Use the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart Effectively
The chart isn't just for looking up numbers; it's a vital comparison tool. If you are ordering paint online, you will likely use the alphanumeric code you found on your car. However, if you are at a supplier, the physical Nason Auto Paint Color Chart allows for crucial verification.
Here's the pro tip: never rely solely on a formula number without cross-referencing the swatch.
Digital Charts vs. Physical Swatches
In the age of technology, many people turn to digital versions of the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart found on websites or mixing software. While these are convenient, they come with a major caveat: screen resolution and calibration can drastically alter the appearance of a color.
A physical paint chip is almost always the better option for serious matching. Physical chips are actual small samples of the paint, dried and finished. This gives you a true representation of the color, including metallic sparkle and depth.
When using a physical chart, take the chip outside into natural daylight and compare it directly to an unweathered part of your vehicle (like the area under the fuel filler door or inside the door jamb). This comparison is essential for achieving true accuracy.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Colors
Even with the best Nason Auto Paint Color Chart in hand, paint matching can still present challenges. The two biggest culprits are color variance and vehicle weathering.
Color Variants and Chips
As mentioned earlier, many OEM codes have slight variants (e.g., "dark side," "light side," or "redder"). The professional Nason Auto Paint Color Chart often includes these variant chips, labeled accordingly. If your car is 10 years old and the original formula is slightly faded, you might need to choose a slightly lighter or darker variant chip that better matches the current color of your vehicle.
If you suspect severe fading, a professional paint supplier can use a spectrophotometer (a digital color reader) to read the actual color of your faded paint. They can then cross-reference this reading against the Nason color database to find the closest match, even factoring in the age and exposure of your vehicle.
Metallic and Pearl Effect Troubles
When working with Ful-Base metallics, the application technique greatly influences the final shade. If you spray too dry, the color may appear lighter; too wet, and it may look darker. Always follow Nason's technical data sheets precisely. The Nason Auto Paint Color Chart ensures the chemicals are correct, but your technique dictates the visual outcome.
Conclusion: Mastering the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart
The journey to perfect automotive paint is streamlined significantly when you rely on high-quality tools and information. The Nason Auto Paint Color Chart is indispensable, bridging the gap between your car's OEM code and the perfect refinishing formula.
By correctly identifying your vehicle's factory code, understanding the subtle differences between Nason's product lines (Ful-Base, Ful-Thane), and utilizing physical paint swatches for comparison, you can tackle any touch-up or respray with confidence. Take your time, verify your codes, and trust the chart—your car will thank you for the flawless finish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nason Paint
- What is the main difference between Nason Ful-Base and Ful-Thane?
- Ful-Base is a basecoat that requires a separate clearcoat application, ideal for metallic and pearl colors. Ful-Thane is a single-stage system (color and gloss combined) primarily used for solid, non-metallic colors.
- Where can I find an official Nason Auto Paint Color Chart?
- Official charts are typically available through authorized Nason/Axalta distributors and professional automotive paint suppliers. For online orders, you usually input the OEM code directly into their mixing software database.
- How does vehicle weathering affect the use of the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart?
- Weathering causes paint to fade, making the original factory color code slightly inaccurate for a perfect match. You should compare the chart swatch to an area of your vehicle that hasn't been exposed to sunlight (like the door jamb) to get the best match, or utilize a spectrophotometer reading of the faded area.
- Is Nason paint the same quality as other Axalta brands?
- Nason is designed to be Axalta's value or economy line. While it provides excellent coverage and durability, it is generally considered a more budget-friendly option compared to premium Axalta lines like Cromax or Spies Hecker, but still offers reliable performance for refinishing jobs.
- Do I need a separate clearcoat when using the Nason Auto Paint Color Chart codes?
- If the code corresponds to the Ful-Base system, yes, you absolutely need to apply a separate clearcoat for protection, durability, and gloss. If the code is for the Ful-Thane (single-stage) system, a clearcoat is optional but usually not required.
Nason Auto Paint Color Chart
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