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Oldboy - Those pics are awesome!!!!
I maybe "old", but I knew I wasn't seeing things when I opened my door next to that Tesla.
Thanks! I think we have a winner! EDIT: The correct/exact Tesla color match to Mini anthracite is: STEEL GRAY METALLIC (PMNG) Disregard the Tesla color: Midnight Silver Metallic, Although it's a beautiful color, IMO - it is way too dark and more bluish gray than the SGM.
Cut to the chase and scroll down to post #39 and further down to post #47 (2nd photo in the comment).
... I'm just gonna stick with the Tamiya because already got it and all I have left to do are the stalks.
I agree.
I think the TS-38 will be a suitable indiscernible match for the stalks or any small parts. You already know if you spray it moderately , it will give you that matte/satin finish.
Here is a pic of a quick (un-primed) test I sprayed on my door pocket (in place on the car ). Slightly sunny overcast....*Note: the top left & right edge of the door pocket. With the right amount of application the Tamiya TS-38 is nearly an indiscernible match to the armrest pull.
Sorry, I'm late to the party on this. automotivetouchup.com lists the Tesla color. $27.00 per aerosol can. I haven't use them yet but they seem to get a lot of love on NAM.
Almost done with the stalks, will be adding a couple more clear coats today, these are junkyard spares I got to experiment with and won't know how I like the look until installed, didn't do a full replication of the icons and went minimal instead, it's a bit fiddly working with the transfer decals, sorry for the lousy quick pics...
Downtube in the shot for comparison.
Noticed in Richard Everitt's instructional video that he used BMW A22 for his anthracite so I ordered a small 1/2 oz. of that to test but it hasn't got here yet.
If on FB and member of R53OC you can see a good few examples of refinished stalks:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/154538898666141/search/?q=stalks
These are the ones that Richard Everitt did with the BMW A22 paint:
@Oldboy Speedwell Where did you order the BMW paint? I'm thinking that might be a better match than Tesla.
The match isn't really critical for me. My car currently has no anthracite. My interior is Alloy Patina which I really don't like at all. Finding all 5 dash pieces new will be challenging and very expensive. I thought I'd found a used set on one of the online used parts sites but while the ad lists it as anthracite the photos show it to be alloy. And it's almost certain that any used set would require some amount of touchup. So I'm thinking of painting the dash, door inserts, and assorted other stalks etc. Even though the negates the need for an exact match to the factory color, I would like it to be as close as possible.
Here is another "hard line" test comparison pic of the top edge of my door pocket between the - original factory anthracite (left) and the Tamiya TS-38 (right)....
IMO the Tamiya is a very nice color match for the matte finished interior accents....I'm just having a little trouble convincing myself that it is a suitable match to the gloss door inserts...
Excellent paint though.
@Oldboy Speedwell Where did you order the BMW paint? I'm thinking that might be a better match than Tesla.
The match isn't really critical for me. My car currently has no anthracite. My interior is Alloy Patina which I really don't like at all. Finding all 5 dash pieces new will be challenging and very expensive. I thought I'd found a used set on one of the online used parts sites but while the ad lists it as anthracite the photos show it to be alloy. And it's almost certain that any used set would require some amount of touchup. So I'm thinking of painting the dash, door inserts, and assorted other stalks etc. Even though the negates the need for an exact match to the factory color, I would like it to be as close as possible.
Got a quickie from ebay, supposedly Valspar paint, there are many different options available as to supplier but I just wanted a small sample to test.
:
Originally Posted by Here2Go
Here is another "hard line" test comparison pic of the top edge of my door pocket between the - original factory anthracite (left) and the Tamiya TS-38 (right)....
IMO the Tamiya is a very nice color match for the matte finished interior accents....I'm just having a little trouble convincing myself that it is a suitable match to the gloss door inserts...
Excellent paint though.
Yeah man, the difference between the gloss and matte factory pieces is pretty distinct and glaringly different, dunno why they did that but here we are LOL
Thanks for adding another pic!
Doing my stalks is the first time I used a clearcoat on top of the Tamiya, stuck with the same brand and it did seem to darken the TS-38 a bit.
@Oldboy Speedwell I think you did a pretty darn decent job on those stalks! I can almost imagine how nail biting it may have been apply those tiny decals as well.
Just dropped another $35 for a 12oz can of Tesla Steel Gray Metallic this morning. Although, I was dead-set on ordering a spray can of Midnight Silver Metallic, I couldn't rely on a website(s) that didn't appear to match the right color code (i.e:PMNG = "MSM") in relation to the swatch(es) they showed.
Not surprising - Apparently Tesla has discontinued, altered or changed the name,several times, of their "dark metallic" paint since 2015 -2022.
I've been reading how confusing, frustrating and difficult it has been for the Tesla community trying to discern the proper paint color/match for their cars..
Originally Posted by Oldboy Speedwell
... and it did seem to darken the TS-38 a bit.
EDIT: Whoops! - Didn't catch that last snippet 'till now. I haven't even tried to clearcoat my test since it's been so humid here lately... You are right....and .IME - clear can make a significant difference in color/hue.
I'll preface my question by stating that I have never seen an anthracite interior in-person. It's difficult to judge color and sheen from photos, particularly those of automotive interiors.
With that out of the way, my question: Is it possible that the observed difference in the color of the glossy and less glossy parts of anthracite doors is down to the difference in sheen? I've chosen anthracite-ing my interior as my first winter project. It would be great to avoid finding two base coat colors for the different parts of the doors, using only the clear to distinguish them.
To your first point - You are right. Cameras, PC/laptop monitors are not equally calibrated.
In my very best hope not to confuse you (or the matter),...From my observation and purchasing several different versions of "anthracite" there does seem to be a distinguishable difference in color between the matte (i.e: downtubes) and gloss(i:e: door & dash) finishes.
Clearcoating the Tamiya (although slightly darkened a bit), in and of itself, did not offer much contrast other than sheen. Nonetheless - although a bit expensive; might look great in all TS-38 gloss and matte finishes.
Here is a 3 point comparison. _Top (Nexis point) = original Door insert anthracite & original Mini matte finish anthracite armrest tube. _Bottom = Top pocket edge - original Mini anthracite (left) & Tamiya TS-38 Clearcoated (right).
BTW: The photo above is not a greyscale photo...It is the real outdoor comparison under partly sunny/cloudy conditions. Although it appears the slight blue-ish tint did not photograph well under partial cloud cover.
Top edge of door pocket. After a quick clear coat: OE Mini anthracite(left), Tamiya TS-38(right). (Nevermind the sloppiness...I'll be stripping and refinishing the door inserts regardless.)
With that being said (in my experimental comparison); I am convinced the Mini anthracite interiors are based in 2 slightly different colors/shades. However, (IMO), Tamiya TS -38 does seem to be the seemingly indistinguishable closest match to the matte finish components.
I was going to wait until I did my Tesla Steel Grey Metallic before posting again (but to Oldboy's point) - I just decided to clearcoat my Tamiya sprayed door pocket edge (as a color change test) until I could offer convincing or substantiated results. Point being; my Tesla SGM order will not arrive for another 2weeks according to automotivetouchup.com
FWIW
Last edited by Here2Go; Aug 20, 2022 at 03:10 PM.
Reason: "SGM"
Thanks @Here2Go , for taking the time to post that. Very helpful. I look forward to seeing your results with the Tesla color and OBS's with the BMW color. I probably won't begin gathering materials for my color conversion until late September so I have the advantage of observing the experiments of others.
Well the wait is over and the eagle has landed.
After 15 business days,(22 total), since my order; I finally received my can of Tesla Steel Gray Metallic (PMNG) from automotivetouchup.com.
It seemed like a long wait but the payoff was well worth it my Mini counterparts.
See for your self: I think the results speak for themselves
The Tesla Steel Gray Metallic, IMO (without a doubt) is an absolute perfect match to to the Mini Anthracite door inserts.
Although I remain pretty convinced that Tamiya - TS38 is an acceptable match for the small "anthracite" interior components (i.e.: down tubes, ashtray etc...).
Mini gloss anthracite --> Tesla Steel Gray Metallic with gloss clear
Mini matte anthracite --> Tamiya TS38 with matte(???) clear
Gloss bits: dash pieces and oval door inserts
Matte bits: downtubes and door armrests
Does that seem right?
With all the paints I've tested - Yes. I think you got it right.
The only question I have (not to belabor the matter) is the dash seems to match either of those 2wo .
I really think it's just a trick if lighting. I haven't pulled a dash panel off to compare under good lighting conditions. I am rather apprehensive - My dash is in perfect condition...
Either way; I'm moving forward to refinishing my door inserts with Steel Gray and gloss lacquer.
BTW: Credit where credit is due = @Oldboy Speedwell lead us in the right direction with his observation to SGM. So, thank you Oldboy!
My apologies in advance...
It's certainly not my intention to (once again) mess with everyone's head on this issue of "anthracite". @dmath you brought up a good question. So I did a "dry test" comparison by spraying a note card with SGM without clear and went back out to my Mini.
Talk about a mind ****? My Mini ash tray / Steel Gray Metallic matte (no clear), finish comparison. Outdoors under very cloudy skies.
Interior comparison of Tesla Steel Gray Metallic gloss finish (Left) and my matte Anthracite down tube (Right).
The down tubes (and other bits), may have a satin clear applied from the factory.
a side note: I believe the pinkish highlights are an artifact of my reflection while photographing.
The one thing I should mention; is the substrate (card stock) on which I did my test spray, in addition to the humid conditions.
As a result; I think the test spray (4-5 passes) might appear a bit grainy in the photos.
Color and hue of the Tesla SGM may be the result of applying gloss clear or matte/satin clear to match the Mini anthracite's factry finish.
@Here2Go I was going to reply to your previous message and then saw the latest as well. You are very thorough.
If the different shades of Mini anthracite are indeed the result of different top coats, that's good news, in my opinion. Fewer different products needed and, as I recall, the Tamiya paint is more expensive. So I'll be happy to stick with the Automotive Touchup product for everything, if appropriate. Either way, I need to find a good satin clear.
My car currently has the awful (just my opinion) Alloy Patina finish on the dash and door inserts. The door armrest area is a lighter, silver color. Is it possible that your armrests are similar to mine rather than anthracite? Could you compare your ashtray to the armrest?
Because I don't currently have any anthracite, I don't need to worry much about an exact match. I want to get as close as I can to the anthracite color scheme but it doesn't need to get to spectroscopy levels of match.
....If the different shades of Mini anthracite are indeed the result of different top coats, that's good news, in my opinion. Fewer different products needed and, as I recall, the Tamiya paint is more expensive. So I'll be happy to stick with the Automotive Touchup product for everything, if appropriate. Either way, I need to find a good satin clear.
My car currently has the awful (just my opinion) Alloy Patina finish on the dash and door inserts. The door armrest area is a lighter, silver color. Is it possible that your armrests are similar to mine rather than anthracite? Could you compare your ashtray to the armrest?
Funny I should've recently come across the original ashtray stashed away in a box with original Mini parts. It was the first thing we removed when we got home from the dealership.
Really kinda helped in comparison tests. The sun finally showed itself. So now there is a fair balance of muted light & shadow to aid in comparison.
...ashtray finish against the downtube.
With the sun now making a appearance - it is a little easier to detect the slight blue sparkle in the factory anthracite...
Well, IMO - these recent photos convince me that the factory anthracite paint is pretty much all the same. With the exception of top coat = clear vs satin/matte applied to the different interior components.
I am "almost" kinda leaning toward eliminating the Tamiya out of the equation. I say "almost" because I really do like the slight contrast in color/hue that the Tamiya TS-38 offers.
As for "satin" clear (or any other for that matter), I've honestly preferred Krylon. One may scoff at the fact that is associated with an "artsy/craftsy" bs top coat...but it is my favorite for more reasons than I care to list here (without getting in to an unnecessary debate over "vs 2k").
Well, there you have it. Hope it helped.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention @dmath !
Thanks! Based on the latest photos, I'm almost certain I'll use Steel Gray Metallic for all of the anthracite parts. I just did a search for Krylon clears and found one of their products called CoverMaxx which is available in both satin and gloss versions. Reviews seem good. I'll start gathering materials in 2 or 3 weeks and get started painting after I take my car off the road for winter.
I have no other anthracite original parts, but I am very happy with the finish and quality of the Tamiya paint that I used on my speaker grilles. Much better color than the stock bright silver! You guys have really dug in - awesome job!
Double post: 'also posted on the "what did you do to your Mini today?" thread.
Refinished and painted both door inserts this weekend.
A light coat of Sandable primer applied to seal and ensure no factory substrate "plastic" was exposed.
Painted - no clear coat yet applied. Photo taken under shade
Comparison - Top - door card: Refinished/re-painted door insert. Bottom - door card: Original factory Mini anthracite door insert (not yet refinished)
Installed after 10hrs cure... Refinished /painted door insert: 4) coats paint, 4) coats clear gloss.
Both door inserts turned out beautiful and the paint is a perfect match!
I couldn't be happier
I'll wait until next weekend before proceeding with rubbing compound and final polish.
Not only is it a great match for the factory color but it's an impressive paint job. The clouds are reflected so clearly. Looks fantastic.
It appears that your lower speaker grills are anthracite but that the small speaker/door pull trim is silver. Is that right or is the lighting playing tricks on me?
Not only is it a great match for the factory color but it's an impressive paint job. The clouds are reflected so clearly. Looks fantastic.
It appears that your lower speaker grills are anthracite but that the small speaker/door pull trim is silver. Is that right or is the lighting playing tricks on me?
Thanks!
I am so very pleased that the color is a dead-on match and the paint laid down so well.
I don't relish the thought of having to strip and mask that whole insert again!
The tweeter door pull facia/trim is also factory anthracite.
It was very sunny yesterday when I snapped that final picture.