Carry out mix and match colour activities for automotive vehicles

This standard is about the ability to identify, mix and match vehicle paint colours, including the use of tinters and the preparation of colour test cards.

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P2.1 the vehicle manufacturer's technical data

P2.2 material manufacturer's technical data

P2.3 colour libraries

P2.4 spectrometer

P2.5 work instructions

P3 prepare, check and adjust all the equipment required, following manufacturer's instructions, prior to use

P4 prepare all the refinishing systems and materials required following health and safety requirements and using:

P4.1 materials which conform to the specification required

P4.2 the manufacturer's approved method

P4.3 the manufacturer's approved equipment

P5 mix, compare and adjust colour tones and effects correctly using suitable mixing and matching techniques

P6 estimate the appropriate amount of mix material

P7 select an appropriate refinishing technique

P8 ensure all refinishing systems and materials prepared meet the specification required for colour and viscosity prior to application

P9 apply refinishing systems and materials to colour test cards using approved equipment and following:

P9.1 the manufacturer's instructions

P9.2 the correct application techniques for managing colour and tone variables

P9.3 health and safety requirements

P10 dry all colour test cards before checking colour following health and safety requirements and using:

P10.1 the manufacturer's technical data

P10.2 the manufacturer's approved equipment

P11 ensure the colour produced:

P11.1 meets the material manufacturer's technical data

P11.2 meets the customer's requirements

P11.3 is a blendable match to the existing colour

P12 dispose of waste materials to conform with legal, environmental  and workplace requirements

P13 leave tools, equipment and work environment in a clean and serviceable condition, as appropriate

P14 complete all mixing and matching activities within the agreed timescale and to an agreed quality control process

P15 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant person(s) 

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K5.1 the referral of problems

K5.2 reporting delays to the completion of work

K6 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress

K7 the relationship between time, cost and productivity

K8 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s) 

K9 how to prepare, check, adjust and use all the equipment required for mixing and matching vehicle paint colours

K10 how spraying equipment adjustments can alter colour

K11 spray gun faults, their cause and their rectification

K12 the properties of refinishing systems and materials and the factors affecting their use

K13 how to find, interpret and use sources of information relevant to the mixing and matching of vehicle paint colours

K14 the principles of colour theory and the effects of light

K15 how to compare, mix, test and adjust colour tones and effects, including metallic, mica and other specialist effects

K16 the consequences of adding too much tinter and the process for correcting and adjusting it

K17 the implications of combining different manufacturer’s paint products throughout the refinishing process

K18 the factors affecting colour variation and tone, including the effects of metamerism

K19 how to dry test panels and colour test cards and the importance of doing so

K20 how to identify the causes of, and rectify, colour mismatch

K21 how to assess and evaluate the need for blending techniques to achieve an acceptable colour match

K22 the importance and implications of correctly preparing the existing finish for colour matching and checking the match using the correct light source

K23 how to identify the paint substrate and the importance of doing so

K24 how to dispose of waste materials in compliance with any environmental requirements/legislation and workplace procedures

K25 how to work safely avoiding damage to vehicles, personal injury and injury to colleagues

K26 the importance of following manufacturer's instructions and using their approved methods of working (including use of refinishing systems, materials and equipment)

K27 the consequences of failing to follow manufacturer’s instructions

K28 the varied range of technology used within the mixing and matching process

K29 the advantages of creating and storing your own colour library

K30 the implications of not following an agreed quality control process

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1

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30 Mar 2026

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Current

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Original

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IMI Ltd

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ARPO13

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Cosmetic Refinishing Technician (Automotive), Cosmetic Senior Refinishing Technician (Automotive), Engineering, Senior Automotive Paint Technician, Vehicle Trades, Lead Senior Paint Technician

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5233

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Mix; match; paint; colour; automotive; vehicle

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