Charles's 2.1 SD Manual (formerly Citroenxm's)

[russ92xmsed]

Annoying isn't it. They aren't consistent. I think Paul has a good paint mixer at his halfords.

[citroenxm]

Sorry to learn that Charles, as said, check out the rear panel, I thought it was a very good match..

The lad was a young un too! I put up the massive mix on the blog, Im sure..

[Charles M]

Your paint was perfect Paul.

Such is life (and my luck!)

We will get there!

[xantia_v6]

Typical - the ETW paint I got from Halfords is too light, evidently a very different shade to the one Paul successfully used, so I've ordered the proper colour off the internet. If anyone wants a barely used tin of Meteor Gray, shout!

If it is labeled meteor gray, then it is the early ETW, the later ETW was usually called silex gray.

[Charles M]

Impressive - I ordered Silex gray from Paints4u on Monday at 4pm and it arrived just now. Of course, it's blowing an absolute hoolie at present and is forecast to rain heavily, but getting there.

The driver's mirror though has pretty much shattered all over so is next to useless. Add in the Black XM's ABS still no further forward at the specialist and I am beginning to think my XM ownership is proving to be a trial I can live without.

[russ92xmsed]

With Will's recommendation, I shall be very interested in what you think of Paints4U paint Charles.

[Charles M]

No real recommendation yet, but a trial spray on to the back of my Allard Owners Club magazine envelope revealed it's definitely darker than the Halfords one!

[russ92xmsed]

Well thats a good start I suppose.

[Charles M]

Test patch of new paint on panel above rear quarter light reveals painter is crap but colour match after one clear coat is very good. Paint is high quality, literally as it's so full of VOCs I'm as high as a kite.

[russ92xmsed]

I would say that is a good match. Apply another coat of lacquer and then when it is all cured, rub it down with a bit of rubbing compound or t cut and polish it up.
If your confident and want a very glossy finish and of course can be bothered!!! , use very very fine wet and dry to flat back and then rubbing compound (halfords very good), then T cut, then polish. Should come up nicely.