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Retro Steelcase Color Matched

I have a complete 1960s office that I have pieced together from a local surplus depot (University Surplus). I am trying to color match a Tanker book case to my desk, file and chair. Any ideas how to color match? Local auto paint dealer was unable to match to a drawer divider I gave him due to discontinued tints.

Bret Crowley
Hobbyist - Coralville, Iowa
October 2, 2008

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October 9, 2008

You might want to check with some members of a classic car club. They will probably be able to tell you of sources for discontinued paints. If not look in one of the antique car publications (i.e. Hemmings Motor News, Old Cars Weekly [affil link to Amazonaffil links], etc.) for the name of these companies. You might also want to ask at auto body shops that do restoration work (they may however offer to get the paint and do the work for you, not supply you with the source!)

BTW, my personal experience is that the colors do tend to fade/change with age. If all the pieces have not had the same exposure they might be various shades of the color you are trying to match.

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York