Color Matching Questions

Are VMR Paints paints offered a perfect or an exact match to my motorcycles original color?

You will never achieve a "perfect or exact match" unless you use the exact paint from the exact can with the same equipment and conditions the OEM was painted with. VMR Paints is the only company in the U.S. who has successfully matched some of the most difficult colors. We sell many colors to many custom bike shops, body shops, online customers as well as dealerships.

How can I be sure the color will match the original OEM color?

We invest a lot on a variety of premium basecoat, midcoat paints and OEM preserves parts. Our paint technicians use a high-tech scanner to read the color pigments on preserved OEM parts. This information is entered in a database that allow us the reproduce the exact color .
The process is much different when it comes to matching candies. These color are very difficult to match because of the outdated finishes applied many years ago. Scanner can not read candy finishes, because of the depth of the metallic finish. To properly obtain the correct finish, our paint technician must spend many hours on one color alone. Not to mention the wasted cost in basecoat and candy paint. The process requires good old fashion trial and error. First we must determine the basecoat color and that works with the candy color. Perform any spray out tests and compare to OEM stock parts we purchase in a preserved unfaded condition

Is this the same original OEM paint used on the earlier model bikes?

No, the candy paints used back then are a lacquer base applied as a single-stage application. Honda never sold any of their paints to the public or industrial market. One private business did however market a 3 oz. touch-up custom mixed paint in small touch-up amounts for re-sell. Note: the touch-up cans were custom mixed from OEM parts purchased from Honda factories and is NOT the original paint used on Honda bikes.

VMR Paints uses premium urethane basecoat 2-stage colors that feature low build, fewer coats, are easy to apply, and touch ups are easier than ever. Due to their unique chemical make-up they may be top coated with either an acrylic lacquer or urethane enamel.

How many coats will it take to achieve the proper color?

The number of coats will vary depending on the color, airflow and tip adjustment. It's always recommended to do a sprayout test first. In most cases, it may takes 2-3 coats as an average.

What is meant by a Sprayout Test?

Before you proceed with the applications, prep a piece of metal sheet or extra part with primer Count the number of coats you will need to apply the achieve the proper color. Use this sprayout test to adjust all your setting on the air flow, regulars and spray pattern on gun.

Can the average handyman painter apply the candy process with professional results?

Yes, with basic painting skills our premium basecoat paints are easily applied and require fewer build up.

Are these paints chemical resistant to gas and oil?

Yes, the paints are chemical resistant . These paints provide the same finish applied to automobiles. All VMR Paint requires a clear coat that seals the finish and provide the protection for many years.

What is Flash Time?

This is a amount of time in between coats. This prevents solvents from being trapped in the paint causing problems such as solvent pop, sand scratch swelling, and a low gloss for topcoats to mention a few.

Can I take the product code number from the can to my local paint shop and have this paint reproduced?

No, the code number associated with each of our products are for VMR Paints reference only. This is used to identify the mixing formula that is entered into our system. These codes have absolutely no value to any outside paint distributing company.

I seen on the Internet a list of paint codes, are these codes legit?

No, any vintage codes related to motorcycles are most likely the product code number issued by Lubritech Corp in the early 1970's. These number have absolutely zero meaning in the automotive and motorcycle paint industry. All our paint is careful custom mix to match the preserved OEM colors. We purchase hundreds of OEM parts in excellent condition each year.