Halfords Rattle Can Paint problems

[philipy]

I just went in to Halfords to get a can of Rover Brooklands Green ( my standard loco colour), which I've done many times before with no problem.
However, Halfords have now changed things beyond all recognition. For a start there is a rack full of identical bright orange labeled cans with just different colour caps, but the same cap for several different actual shades. Then there are no names on the can, just numbers, and they tell you to wade through a thick book to find the colour reference for your car. Problem is that they don't list manufacturers/models, just colour references and it appears to be only for current vehicles. I gave up and walked out!
Also, I'm told they have changed paint suppliers, so who knows what the compatibility might be like??

[Peter Butler]

That's a real shame as I select colours at random just from the cap colour, so if they have discontinued that I have no way of knowing.
I also use Hycote, which is a good quality paint but in limited range of colours.
Perhaps if you search the 'net it could give you the details for your colour?

[philipy]

Yes, I use Hycote as well, but their can is only half the size of the old Halfords one and I can only get it online so that adds postage.

[ge_rik]

I've had the same problem. When I came to paint my de Winton, I popped along to my local Halfords and was horrified to find no Rover Brooklands Green - in fact no Rover colours at all! I found they do have a Land Rover Brooklands Green listed but it's a totally different (darker) shade of green. I went back and bought a can of their lighter green (Code S7-080) and used that, but it's not the same shade (Ruston Proctor on left = Brooklands Green / de Winton on right = S7-080). It's bluer.

IMG_20240902_184755_821.jpg (2.12 MiB) Viewed 55577 times

I too have now invested in Hycote, but as you say it's twice the price.

So annoying!

Rik

[georgesheppard]

The quality is similar but they don't make paints for older car colours anymore. If you google for the three letter paint code, you can stick that in the search bar and it will link you to the right colour can if they stock it.

eg

HAE/HMM (brooklands green) isn't available https://www.halfords.com/search?q=HMM
CDM Mulberry Red 1999-2000 > https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paint ... 50955.html

Brooklands Green was my go to also, I've switched to buying Hycote in bulk. The good news is the colour match between halfords and hycote is good.

[philipy]

Brooklands Green was my go to also, I've switched to buying Hycote in bulk. The good news is the colour match between halfords and hycote is good.

Yes, I bought some Hycote for my Quarry Hunslet and was happy with the colour, but since I was near our nearest Halfords this afternoon I thought I'd get a bit for stock.

[Andrew]

Oh that's a real blow - and I still haven't got over losing Wilko...

Maybe it'll hasten my long-pondered purchase of an airbrush...

[gilfachphil]

I have reckoned Halfords to be quite expensive for rattle cans, added to which the nearest branch is about 22 miles away.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274908120652 ... 5178891502

I have a can of this waiting to be used on Bakewell, it seemed a reasonable price since delivery was free. Lots of colours available.

When I needed touch up paint for my Silver Lady Anna I used this.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274908120652 ... 5178891502

This was a very reasonable way to get Hycote Filler primer as again the nearest branch of Motorworld is over 20 miles away

Hycote Filler Primer 400ml (Pack of 3) from Amazon, sent from Motorworld , free delivery, for £20
Phil