Metallic colours are unusual in that different shades can be produced from the same batch of paint by varying application methods or conditions, For this reason blending basecoat and clear metallics is almost compulsory to ensure a perfect match. For most brands of basecoat exactly the same blending process as solid colours is used.
The basecoat colour may be blended into adjacent panels to achieve a perfect colour match. Spray two or three coats of colour onto the repaired area until covered. Extend the basecoat over a slightly larger area to loose any colour differences. It may be easier to reduce air pressure for these coats, which will help to minimize a dark, rough edge where the aluminium particles stand up from the panel instead of laying flat. Do not apply thinners to blend the basecoat edge.
After leaving the basecoat to dry for 5-10 mins, lacquer can be applied. Lacquering the full panels is usually a lot easier than trying to blend a large area mid-panel.
If the repair must be blended into a part panel, the same requirements as for solid colours must be met. The final coat of lacquer must stay within the area that has been sanded with Scotchbrite or similar abrasive pads,otherwise it will be impossible to compound away the lacquer edge. A light coat of thinners to the lacquer edge will blend the repair into the existing paintwork. When hard, do not aggressively compound the lacquer joint - light compounding produces better results.
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