OEM BMW paint for restoration?

[bmwstephen]

^ I wouldn't be that anal because I might as well have them gut the car to the bare frame if I were to choose that route.

my main concern is if they can get the proper mix that pretty much matches the OEM color.

[nmlss2006]

There is something that you're probably aware of, but noone has mentioned so far: the OE paint on all E30s was solvent based. The first BMW to get water based paint was the Z3, others followed after 1996. Therefore, if you want to be anal about it, it is not presently possible to repaint the car as it was from the factory. This is a shame, in some ways, because the non-cleared solvent paints have a resilience which is simply not there in modern stuff. Yes, they do oxidise but a mild polish will bring back colour and shine effectively time and time again.
You're therefore left with a modern, catalysed-clear-over-base choice for regulatory reasons. My suggestion is as follows: talk to the owner and ask them to provide you with the best quality paint they *regularly use*. I can assure you that the quality of the result will be much safer that way than any other way - and if they're a good paint shop, they should actually be able to obtain better-than-OE results. Of course, they will charge an absolutely offensive amount of money, but that's the effect of US insurance.

[bmwstephen]

some high end painters will only use OEM paints, while paint shops like maaco or another indi uses Dupont Chroma. Maaco and a few indipendent ones reassured me that they can mix dupont chroma paint to OEM style. Is that true or are they just trying to sell me? Essentially they told me that as long as they can obtain the paint code from my chassis, they can mix and match it to spec

[dirtysix]

Just use any of the big brands.
Dupont, Spies Hekter, PPG ect.
They are all as good as each other.

[sixsixii]

jeez, some fucking thread. Bump, because i'm interested in this discussion...

Glasurit is probably the best brand of paint to use, but I haven't yet researched it well enough to be sure. Additional (constructive) input to the discussion would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Atreus]

jeez, some fucking thread. Bump, because i'm interested in this discussion...

[sixsixii]

My point is, if you don't know what a good paint to use is then you probably don't have very much experience painting. If you don't have very much experience painting then I wouldn't expect a perfect paint job first try.

I see this may be a wrong forum to be asking about paint.

No, I do not have experience shooting paint. A local shop will be doing the body work and paint.

I'll rephrase my question: I'm looking for more information on factory brand (OEM) paint or suggestions on a proven equivalent. For example, paint used at Maaco is not equivalent to oem paint. Thanks.

[87e30]

That's why I'm asking what others have used with success.

My point is, if you don't know what a good paint to use is then you probably don't have very much experience painting. If you don't have very much experience painting then I wouldn't expect a perfect paint job first try.

[george graves]

Then maybe you should rephrase your question.

[sixsixii]

Eastwood.com has a range of products for guys like you. They have paints that match all sorts of metal finishes. Really popular with the hot rod crowd.
It's what I used on my m30 swap. Quick and easy. Pricey, but good paint and looks the part.


Don't expect any rattle can paint to last 10 years under the hood of a car - not unless this is a museum car - or a show car. Besides - there is a good chance you won't own the car in 10 years. Sorry, don't mean to squash your OCD pipe dreams.

BTW OP, do you have an older brother named Japandrew?

Restoration was not the right word to use. But please, I did not come here for insults and immature replies. Rattle can paint? OCD? Japandrew? Seriously now, I'm not looking for any eye openers or condecending remarks of greater wisdom. This is not my first or last project car, and it's not some perfect stock show car (Japandrew). Whether or not I will keep the car 10+ is irrelevant to my question about quality paint.

Have fun with your m30.

[george graves]

Eastwood.com has a range of products for guys like you. They have paints that match all sorts of metal finishes. Really popular with the hot rod crowd.
It's what I used on my m30 swap. Quick and easy. Pricey, but good paint and looks the part.



Don't expect any rattle can paint to last 10 years under the hood of a car - not unless this is a museum car - or a show car. Besides - there is a good chance you won't own the car in 10 years. Sorry, don't mean to squash your OCD pipe dreams.

BTW OP, do you have an older brother named Japandrew?

[sixsixii]

water based is a relatively new thing
Glasurit sands like a pane of glass one it hardens.

Can you elaborate on that? Sounds line you have experience with Glasurit.

[der affe]

I belive the following were used by BMW for various cars:
Glasurit
Sikkens
Dupont
Herbert Standox

I belive some were water based, which I don't think wil be the best quality. Was Glasurit water based? Does anybody have experience with any of these paints?

water based is a relatively new thing
Glasurit sands like a pane of glass one it hardens.

[sixsixii]

I am getting my paint from paintscratch.com

what brand do they sell? I have been on their site only briefly and did not see any indication as to the brand of paint.

[almostM]

I am getting my paint from paintscratch.com