DrTynanol

Hey I recently bought a aspec front and rear lip thats needs repainting. Instead of taking it to a shop I was thinking of trying to paint it myself since iv found a few DIY threads. Thing is, im trying to find out where i would be able to find the correct color to match my nighthawk black pearl 05 tl. And im trying to figure out if I would be able to get away with just ordinary black paint?

Can i use black for the lips or where would i be able to find the exact color code?

Thanks

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

NBP (Nighthawk Black Pearl) is a pearl black with blue, green and purple flake, regular black will not match up at all.

I'm pretty sure the exact paint code can be found in the VIN, please correct me someone if that's wrong.

Nick216

I would never ever try to match pearl paint myself. I cant even match the touch up paint

Jesstzn

Go to www.paintscratch.com .. if I remember right they can mix up rattle cans for you .

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

I never realized NBP has green and purple flakes.... and I own a NBP

Are you sure there's purple and green flakes in it? Because all I can see are blue flakes.

Also Tynanol I HIGHLY recommend you taking it to a professional to get painted. It doesn't matter how many DIY videos you watch, you will never be able to get the paint to match up with the rest of your car. You'll either have lots of orange peel or a rough textured paint job.

Just take a look at your NBP factory paint job. Pay attention to how smooth, clear, glossy, mirror-like reflection it has. Trying to replicate that is pretty damn hard for a first timer. Don't even think about using a spray paint can.

Jesstzn

Maybe your paint needs polished out You would be surprised what minor oxidization in the clear will hide.

GKinColo08TL

That pearl paint is a four step process I believe. primer, base coat, pearl coat and clear coat...if you want it to match get it done professionally and even then there isn't any guarantee it will but you have a much better chance of it.

Bankz

I say take the lips to a body shop

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

The lip kit will need to go to a body shop to be professionally painted. Its even difficult for them to match the paint, but they will be able to get it pretty damn close. It will look horrible if you try to rattle can it yourself.

DrTynanol

I have heard of paint shops that can mix up ur color code. Is it worth getting the front painted professionally even if its going to get beat up on the road? Considering im a current student and my funds are pretty low, im willing to take the chance and try it myself honestly. I just need to find a shop that can mix me the correct code

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

Get some quotes to see how much most shops will charge to paint it for you. My guess would be around $150 mark. I would either do it right or don't do it at all. I can almost guarantee that you will have a horrible outcome if you do it yourself.

Do you have a paint gun? Do you have experience painting?

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

+1 to take it to the bodyshop

DrTynanol

I did some finger painting back in preschool if thats worth anything?



lol..ok no i dont, ya I think im gonna leave it to the pro's.

Ride It Low

I got a rattle can and touch up paint at autozone. but I haven't had a chance to try it out, due to the cold weather and the rain.

Scottwax

Of course you might also be surprised with how soft and sticky some NPB paints are. I've had a few that I detailed that the polish wouldn't wipe off of. Usually have to resort to either Meguiars #205 or Optimum G-P-S, same as with newer Subaru's.

To the OP, get it down right, odds are you won't be able to get it to look right on your own. Paint is the last thing you want to cheap out on.

anthracitecl

iTrader: (7)

Undying is right. I spotted some greenish blue and purple hue on my nbp before.

TL Luver

iTrader: (2)

I just got m rear type s aspec professionaly painted nbp for $200 with repair!.. don't get me wrong I know that's a damn good deal and no one else can probably get it for that but it's possible I had never even been to that shop before...

& like someone else stated it's hard enough for the paint shop to get it to look good I've had a professional paint shop mess up a pearl paint job on one of my other cars before...

splew

Get it painted professionally. Like others have said, Nighthawk Black Pearl is a 3 stage paint. It consists of a base coat of black, a mid coat of blue/green pearl, and a top coat of clear. Simply painting it black or using a single stage rattle can will not look right. Period.

Trust me, my old car was NBP. When it got rear ended, the body shop re-painted the rear bumper, but for some reason they just did the black base and clear coat. They forgot the pearl. It looked like a bag of smashed assholes. As soon as you parked the car in the sun you could instantly see the paint mismatch.

Again, just get it professionally done. You'll regret it otherwise.

I hate cars

I've owned the car since it was new and have never noticed anything but blue in the paint. I wish plain black without the pearl was available.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

maybe its just me, but I dunno why there's so much hype about pearls in paint. For something classic like black I like a nice deep solid black, no pearls needed. on a very sunny day, the pearl are quite noticeable on my NBP

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

you get what you pay for. so better just let the shop do it for you for a fee.