Frequently Asked Questions – Paint It Digital Color Chips
How do I get the Paint It software?
Go to www.ppgpaintit.com or www.nexaautocolorpaintit.com and begin the color identification and selection process. For more information about this web based application, go to our Paint It overview page.
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Is there a fee for the Paint It tool?
No. The tool is open to any automotive industry professional (distributor, estimator, paint technician, hobbyist, etc.) seeking color identification information for the collision repair industry.
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Do I need any special software to run the Paint It tool?
No. Paint It has been reconfigured using the HTML5 platform technology which is more web friendly, and can be viewed on most of the popular tablet devices.
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What is the best screen resolution to view all color images?
Every lap top or desk top computer is different, therefore the Paint It tool may configure differently on your monitor. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 800 although other resolutions will work as well. The recommended Internet Explorer screen setting is 100%.
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Can the Paint It tool run on my smart phone?
While the Paint It tool has been redesigned to accommodate most tablet devices, and will successfully run on many smart phones, the viewing area of a smart phone is limiting and will not provide the full capabilities the product has to offer.
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Is there an "app" for Paint It?
Paint It is currently a web-based application and will not be available in any of the various app stores. However, a shortcut can be added to your device's home screen by following the instructions below.
ANDROID™ Tablets
APPLE® Tablets
WINDOWS® Tablets
- Open the webpage www.ppgpaintit.com or www.nexaautocolorpaintit.com in your web browser.
- Reduce the size of your browser window so you can see your Desktop behind it.
- Click the icon to the left of the page's URL and hold down the mouse button.
- Drag the icon to your desktop. A shortcut to that page will now be on your desktop.
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How many model years will be available?
The Paint It tool will have both Domestic and Import vehicle information available from 2008 moving forward. The tool will continue to be updated with new model year information as it is received. To manage the color information more efficiently, colors will only be available by specific model year.
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Can I search on several model years at one time?
No. To properly show the image and manage the color information, searches will only be offered by model year.
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Will there be an offer for segments other than collision?
Web based color identification and selection tools are popular and other segments are under consideration.
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Will the Paint It tool be available in languages other than English?
Yes. Change the language setting on your Internet tools / Internet options. The Paint It application is now available in French and Spanish.
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Will the Color Information Books continue to be produced?
Yes. We continue to see value in all our color tools. The Paint It tool complements the annual Color Information books. There are many advantages to the web based color tool: information is available 24/7 and can reach a larger audience of industry professionals; also, with the appropriate password, color formulations are accessible via Online Color.
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Can I see the color variants?
The color image is a representation of the original equipment color standard. The Paint It tool is intended to be a color search and identification tool which provides a visual representation of the exterior body color and compatible non-body colors via a web based software program.
The tool is not a color matching tool and therefore visual color decisions between color images on screen is not recommended. A user’s computer monitor, video card and lighting conditions will vary. The product disclaimer states that the images are intended for representation and identification purposes only.
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Can I find color box locations using this tool?
No. Color box location information is specific to the color chips within a variant deck that supports a particular paint system. The Paint It tool does not support one specific paint system. Since the Paint It tool is a color identification and selection tool, it can be used with all paint systems to find the correct color information.
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How well does the color image represent the vehicle color?
Each color image has been created from a digital scan of an actual painted surface. Using a flat bed scanner, calibrated monitor and graphics software, each image has been visually approved under controlled lighting conditions. Due to computer monitor and lighting condition variations, an attempt to compare a car part, color chips or spray out cards to the images on screen is not recommended.
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How do I search for wheel colors?
Select a model year. The Paint It tool defaults to “search by manufacturer and model“(left side). To search for usage or non-body information, click the “By Usage” tab at the bottom of the page. The search field changes on the left to include manufacturer and usage; the default is exterior. Simply de-select exterior and select wheel. All wheel colors will show on screen for the model year selected.
To refine the search, use the Sort feature (upper right) and Select: Manufacturer and Graph View. Other Sort offers include: Solid / Metallic and Color Family.
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How do I search for multi-tones?
Select a model year. The Paint It tool defaults to “search by manufacturer and model” (left side). Multi-tone is a category under color family. The returned color images will be a combination of exterior / body and non-body multi-tone records. Note: The order of the images is presented in alpha numeric sequence and may not represent the actual location on a vehicle (e.g., the first or top color image may not be the top part of the vehicle).
Changing the search to “By Usage” will result in only exterior multi-tone records being returned. To refine the search, use the Sort feature (upper right) and Select: Manufacturer and Graph View.
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How do I find the compatibility / usage information for a car color?
If you know the Manufacturer Code or Brand code, simply enter in the “Search” box (top, left side). Or, select model year, manufacturer and model. Refine the search by selecting a color family or solid / metallic. Once the correct color image is returned – highlight the image and an information box will appear on the right side.
Confirm the color name, manufacturer, year and manufacturer code. Select “View” under the Usage / Compatibility header. A model box will appear that confirms all models using this color. Correctly select the model and “View”. All compatible information (color image and data) are available for that exterior color.
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Why is there no compatibility information for BMW or Honda colors?
The Domestic Vehicle manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, General Motors) provide usage information for both the exterior and interior, trim, underhood and wheel color. Import Vehicle manufacturers typically provide only the exterior color information. Each manufacturer distributes and manages their information differently. If this data becomes available, the information will be provided in the tool.
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How can I find bumper colors?
The usage category “Trim” will contain information relative to accent, bumper or grille color data if provided by the Vehicle manufacturer.
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When using the Search box, why is there more than one result returned?
The criteria entered in this field are searched against all files within the software product, including color names, brand codes, etc. For example, entering “LK” in the Search box will return the Ford code, LK, Dark Blue in addition to color names that contain “LK” like “silk” or GM code, GLK, Black Diamond. If the user only has partial color information, the open search box feature will return all possibilities.
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How can I find a color formula?
At anytime the user selects and highlights a color image, more information about that image is available (right side). After confirming the correct exterior color or non-body color, select “View” under Formulations (password required). The link will take the user automatically to Online Color Formulations. After entering your e-mail and password, the color information is retained and the user can select the paint system desired.
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