I'm guessing that my van won't see its annual outing to Greece this year so I have decided to do some work reviving the paint where it has deteriorated. One side, and the rear end, probably had the worst exposure to the sun and wind-whipped dust in Greece has become dull and when you look at it really close up, the paint has myriad tiny "scratches" so fine that they look like they may be from washing when dust/sand has built up. Anyway I have tried a variety of polishes and revivers to no avail as when I use them the fine scratches just seem to become more noticeable, so it is time to reach for the spray gun (when I have bought it!).

Does anyone know the RAL number for Frankia standard white paint? The factory kindly sent me the RAL numbers for the grey corner panels and mudguard trim, but I know how many whites there are and I have no idea how to match colours, so I figured that going back to manufacturers choice would be the best starting point. Given that the van comes on either a Fiat (as mine) or Merc chassis they perhaps chose one of the base colours used by one of those manufacturers.

Coach built or PVC?
I don't really think there are any 'standard' colours as they seem to change regularly with new batches and suppliers.
Obviously you have asked Frankia?
Many motor vehicle paint sprayers can now electronically read the specific paint colours on vehicles for a perfect match.

I seem to remember there being a paint code on one of the plates under the bonnet catch on the base van.

Ray.

Given the natural fading that all paintwork suffers Ted's right, a good vehicle paint shop can do a colour spectrum analysis test to determine the exact colour mix required to replicate your paint colour now.


Terry

Even then you will be lucky to get a perfect match, but if it's close you could do a full panel or feather it in on a curve or the like.

As yet I haven't contacted Frankia but I will. I do seem to remember reading somewhere in the past that the colour was stamped on one of the plates. Its a 2007 A-Class and I intend to spray whole panels myself after dipping a toe in the water by spraying the rear garage door, and then the whole rear end panel.

I seem to remember reading this somewhere too! Thanks

Thanks Terry - I don't know of any places that offer this service close by, and to make matters more difficult my wife has SORN'd the van until we know our plans

If its anything like mine its the gelcoat that been affected by the sun (and therefore not paint ?) same thing happens to fibreglass boats


Probably a good idea to get someone who works on restoring fibreglass boats to take a look at it

I think the construction of the panels is metal sheet sandwich on a hard foam middle layer. I don't think the panels are fibreglass