Auto Technical Reference Library Auto Refinishing: Aftermarket Refinish System Equipment

Topic Index

Variance Chips

Color chips (samples) used to help match paint color variations by selecting an alternate color. These color chips can be ink pigmented or actual spray outs from a spray gun. These chips aid in achieving a precise match on solid, metallic, mica and three stage finishes. The variance chips are usually organized in a book or binder by the coating manufacturer.  The repair facility may have a “home grown” library that can also be an excellent resource.

Sun Gun

When comparing the variance chips to the vehicle, it is necessary to have proper lighting. Sunlight or daylight color corrected bulbs are the best sources of light to use. Also, a portable Sun Gun can be utilized when holding the color chips against the vehicle, when making a color best match color choice. The variant chosen is then entered into the mixing system computer. Repair facilities that don't have a mixing system go through the color check and give the information to the paint store or jobber.