How can I match my existing paint color?

To match your paint to the exact color of your car, you’ll need to either provide your OEM color code or provide the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Every vehicle has a paint color code, but it is located in different places, depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. Most paint color codes are located on the door jamb of the driver’s side door. Reference your Owner’s manual for the exact location of your paint color code. 

 

How accurate is the paint match?

Eastwood’s OEM select paint has incredible accuracy and is mixed to within ½ of a gram by weight.  The formula is matched to the exact original color from the factory so years of wear from the environment will require that the user blends the paint properly if doing only a partial paint job.  

 

What types of paint do you offer?

Currently, we offer Ready to Spray (RTS): Gallon, Quart, Pint.

 

What is Ready to Spray (RTS) paint?

Eastwood Ready To Spray (RTS) Low VOC Basecoat already has the reducer in the can with the paint. All you have to do is stir or shake the can and then spray. No further mixing or reducing is required and the amount of paint that you purchase is the total sprayable amount that you will have available.  A standard basecoat system would require mixing a 1:1 ratio of basecoat color plus reducer prior to spraying. 

 

What is multi-stage paint?

Some OEM paints are multi-stage paints, meaning multiple coats of different paints may be required to achieve the final desired color. If you color is a multi-stage paint, you will be required to purchase at least one undercoat and one topcoat paint to apply.

 

How much paint do I need?

The quantity of paint depends on how large of an area you are painting. The amount also varies based on the vehicle. We cannot be responsible if you order the incorrect amount of paint.

 

How much does OEM paint cost? 

Costs can vary greatly across the colors due to the popularity and availability of the pigments, pearls and metallics needed to create certain colors.

 

How many coats of Eastwood OEM Select should I apply?

That really depends on a few variables. This paint is designed to provide a sufficient dried film thickness (2 mils) in two to three coats; however that may not always be enough for proper coverage.  Keep in mind that solid colors tend to cover with fewer coats. Pearls and metallic colors may take an additional coat or two. Also worth considering: What color is the primer? Are you painting over "patchwork" (patchwork means there's some factory finish, some new primer, some Bondo)? Generally, we advise shooting two to three medium wet coats, with at least 10 minutes flash time in between each. With metallic colors, a final "fog coat" may be applied to help set an even pattern/flake orientation.

 

Do I need primer, clear coat, etc.?

If you are spraying over bare metal we recommend sanding and applying epoxy primer.  A urethane primer sealer can also be applied over the epoxy if you like but is not required. This can then be followed by a topcoat and clear coat.  If you’re simply scuffing an existing finish, we recommend sanding the surface with 600-800 sandpaper to prep the surface and then you can apply the basecoat directly to the old surface or you can apply primer to the old surface before applying the new basecoat color.

 

Can I use OEM Select Automotive Paint over any primer?

Eastwood's OEM Select paint is designed for use in conjunction with our Epoxy Primer and Urethane Primer systems and you can use our paint over most other manufacturer's primers as well.

 

Do I have to apply a primer before using Eastwood OEM Select paint?

No, you do not have to apply a primer before using OEM Select paint but OEM Select paint should not be applied direct to metal.  It is possible to "scuff and shoot" Eastwood OEM Select paint over a properly prepared old finish if the existing old finish is in good shape (no peeling, flaking, rust or other obvious issues).

 

How long do I have to clearcoat, or put more paint on once I have applied Eastwood OEM Select paint?

After the last coat of OEM Select paint has been applied, the minimum time is 15 minutes at 68F or until the coating has turned a matte finish.  The maximum time from the last coat of OEM Select is 8 hours.  After 8 hours, the basecoat will need to be scuffed and then another coat of basecoat reapplied.  Then apply clearcoat withing the specified window to obtain proper adhesion. 

 

What other products do I need?

Always make sure to use the proper safety gear and have proper ventilation when spraying two component paints. A quality HVLP paint gun, a paint prep solvent for cleaning your project as well as masking mixing supplies are also helpful for a quality finish.

 

HVLP Paint Guns | Safety Equipment | Mixing Equipment | Masking Supplies | Sanding Blocks | Sandpaper | Additional Supplies

 

What is the recommended nozzle size for spraying and is it the same for all the paints?

For the best results, we recommend using a 1.3mm or 1.4mm needle/nozzle set-up. Typically a 1.3mm is used for solid basecoat colors and a larger 1.4mm is used for metallic or pearl basecoat colors.

 

What is the cancellation and return policy on OEM Select paint?

OEM Select is a special made-to-order coating. Once the order is placed, we cannot cancel the order nor can the paint be returned.

 

When will I receive my order?

Since your order of OEM Select is a special made-to-order coating, we will expedite your order as fast as possible. It can take 2-3 business days until the order is made and shipped from Eastwood.

 

What shipping provider is used?

Orders are shipped UPS or Fed-Ex Ground only.  Paints are unable to be shipped overnight.  

 

Where can I have my paint shipped?

OEM Select Paint can be shipped to the contiguous United States and Canada. We are unable to ship internationally or to APO/FPO/Hawaii/Alaska addresses.

 

Still have questions? We’re happy to help. Call our Customer Solutions Team at 800-343-9353.