Need a Pantone color to match an automotive paint color

[maryr18]

I am working with a product manufacturer that requires a Pantone color code. It needs to closely match  a certain color of automotive paint. I have the automotive paint code. Is there a way to find a match without having to purchase a Pantone color guide book?  (It’s a little pricey to find just one color) I’m looking for a website with conversions maybe, or a way to use illustrator to find the Pantone swatch. My problem with finding a color match with illustrator is that the swatches are of course flat and the paint is lacquered. Difficult to compare visually.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks for your ideas!

Mary

[Jacob Bugge]

Mary,

You may get the Pantone Color Manager, which is free when you use the serial number in your printed swatches book if you have one, (on the second or third page) and then choose the library you need.

Or you may download the free 30 day trial of the Pantone Color Manager and add the libraries from there, see how here:

http://www.pantone.com/help/?t=activating-PANTONE-Color-Manager-in-%27trial-mode%27

https://www.pantone.com/help/?t=How-to-Export-PANTONE-Libraries-from-PANTONE-Color-Manager

[jdanek · Accepted solution]

If you are friendly with a local print shop, you could ask them to show you their Pantone Coated Solid color swatch book.  You say you have the paint code.  Do you have access to the vehicle?  I would use the swatch book and determine the color by comparing to the actual vehicle ( in good light ).

[maryr18]

I think comparing my paint visually with a screen printer’s chart is going to be the best.  The link from “lambiloom” was helpfu. Thanks for your responses.

[lambiloon]

Hi please check the following website hope that helps you....thanks

Find a Pantone Color | Quick Online Color Tool