Painted Fender Flares - Paint Finish vs. Body

[bmpalmerjr]

Hi - I got Lethal Performance Sasquatch painted fender flares a few months ago. It took an extremely long time (multiple months - ordered Jan and recieved Apr/May) but overall happy with the finish and quality. I applied the underground graphics partial coverage PPF to help with rock chips.

My Bronco is Eruption Green. The Eruption Green fender flares paint is obviously newer than the body (2022)... but also, at certain angles, it feels like a different color to me (less glossy). Is this normal? Will painted plastic, combined with the angle of the flares, just not have the same depth of color vs. the metal body?

I will try to capture another picture to share. Should disclose that I'm a perfectionist / OCD

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[Tenski]

Hi - I got Lethal Performance Sasquatch painted fender flares a few months ago. It took an extremely long time (multiple months - ordered Jan and recieved Apr/May) but overall happy with the finish and quality. I applied the underground graphics partial coverage PPF to help with rock chips.

My Bronco is Eruption Green. The Eruption Green fender flares paint is obviously newer than the body (2022)... but also, at certain angles, it feels like a different color to me (less glossy). Is this normal? Will painted plastic, combined with the angle of the flares, just not have the same depth of color vs. the metal body?

I will try to capture another picture to share. Should disclose that I'm a perfectionist / OCD

Painted plastic on fender flares never matches metal body panels identically due to the base material, different surface angles reflecting light differently, and the PPF film reducing gloss..

 

[bmpalmerjr]

Painted plastic on fender flares never matches metal body panels identically due to the base material, different surface angles reflecting light differently, and the PPF film reducing gloss..

Thanks! I figured but needed someone to talk me off the ledge. My painted mirror caps and door handles I have not noticed the difference as much, but also smaller surface area and different angles.

 

[jayMD]

I recently had fender flares, trail sight deletes and grille body color matched. Definitely looks different in various light and at various angles. Other times, though, spot on. Like @Tenski , I attribute it to different materials and the angles.

I was going to consider repainting the grille, as it seemed to be the most guilty of not matching. After a couple weeks, I don't think it would make a difference to do so. Also, I'm probably not looking as closely at it as I was when it was first done. It'll grow on you lol

 

[Tenski]

Thanks! I figured but needed someone to talk me off the ledge. My painted mirror caps and door handles I have not noticed the difference as much, but also smaller surface area and different angles.

Great.

 

[DarthLincoln]

I’m no paint guy, but I don’t think it would matter what the base material is - metal or plastic. What’s more important is probably whether the base primer tone used is the same & sufficient, the mix of the paint, and thickness of the paint & clear layers applied. That’s a lot of variables when you have two separately painted parts, so you’re gonna notice subtle differences, especially with different surface angles. Even from the factory, I’ve seen Hot Pepper Red Ranger and Broncos that look ever so slightly different than mine - tri-coats are more challenging.
Still, it looks pretty good!

 

[Fly by Nite]

I’m no paint guy, but I don’t think it would matter what the base material is - metal or plastic. What’s more important is probably whether the base primer tone used is the same & sufficient, the mix of the paint, and thickness of the paint & clear layers applied. That’s a lot of variables when you have two separately painted parts, so you’re gonna notice subtle differences, especially with different surface angles. Even from the factory, I’ve seen Hot Pepper Red Ranger and Broncos that look ever so slightly different than mine - tri-coats are more challenging.
Still, it looks pretty good!

I'm kinda a paint guy (hobby) and you are correct!
Application variables of metallic paint will affect the outcome. The metallic flakes are 'floating' in the paint layer, so variables such as layer thickness, amount of reducer, angle of surface (horizonal vs vertical), air pressure, and even temperature and humidity can affect how the flakes lay in the paint film.
Finally, viewing angle affects the appearance of the paint.... which is why metallics look so good on a vehicle with lots of body contours!

 

[bmpalmerjr]

Thank you all! I'm reading all of these as "yes variation is to be expected". I suspected some colors are worse than others due to complexity, pros/cons of a standard white/black/grey vs. complexity. This is my first green car (have always wanted one).

Here are some other pictures for reference:

 

[ChrisB351]

Only way to get perfect match is OEM take off flares or have a shop properly match it. Too many variables when dealing with 3rd party painting.

 

[bmpalmerjr]

Only way to get perfect match is OEM take off flares or have a shop properly match it. Too many variables when dealing with 3rd party painting.

Fair... lesson learned. I tried to take it to a local shop before using Lethal Performance and they really did not want to touch it. They were just going on and on about how they wouldn't warranty it since not a smooth surface, etc. etc. Did not inspire confidence

 

[ChrisB351]

Fair... lesson learned. I tried to take it to a local shop before using Lethal Performance and they really did not want to touch it. They were just going on and on about how they wouldn't warranty it since not a smooth surface, etc. etc. Did not inspire confidence

I Found take offs for little over 500 shipped already same color. My painter buddy told me jump on cause labor to sand prep and paint would end up being 2-3x as much and probably not be ecact match.

 

[bmpalmerjr]

I Found take offs for little over 500 shipped already same color. My painter buddy told me jump on cause labor to sand prep and paint would end up being 2-3x as much and probably not be ecact match.

these are Sasquatch width which are not OEM painted so takeoffs were not an option... but hindsight 20/20, I think shorter width factory flares would have been fine/better/etc. I actually like the slight tire poke look anyway.

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