Painting in stages?

[Willshook]

with modern paints, is it possible to paint in stages over a year or so?

I know matching used to be a Big Deal, but the paint shop guys here told me that with modern paints they don't really fade, and the match is perfect even between batches.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Willshook

with modern paints, is it possible to paint in stages over a year or so?

I know matching used to be a Big Deal, but the paint shop guys here told me that with modern paints they don't really fade, and the match is perfect even between batches.

IMO, nether of those statements are correct. I work for a friend that has been painting for 40 something years. Even when we get the paint in multiple cans, we always box (mix together) all the containers so the color is consistent. It is best to buy as much paint as needed all at one time. As long as it is sealed there is really no problem storing it.

[LS short box]

I would get all parts done with any body work, priming and then all block sanding. Then store them and paint all at one time or over a short period of time. If you using a solid color you can paint them apart. Metallics need to be painted assembled to the body.

[Willshook]

I can't have the truck down for that long, so it's going to be some form of "as I go" and I'll just have to live with it.

thanks for all the answers!

[72c20customcamper]

Depending on the color even a few days could cause slight color variations . Humidity temps and air pressure will always vary. Metallics are the worst for this as mixing the paint can be a problem not mix it enough at the first paint can cause more metallic in the subsequent coats . Best bet is to buy all your paint at one time and as been said box the paint if you have more than one gallon . Use the same base color primer . I did my truck over the course of the summer and I can see variations in the color most people don’t but I do .