Good colour information is one of the keys to success in any refinish business and leading paint supplier Standox takes this very seriously. It offers a range of colour tools to support bodyshop professionals and a dedicated colour helpline. However, it is not just the professionals that consult the colour line as some recently released examples from Standox marketing show.

Standox brand specialist, Jodie Henly says, "Our colour line has had some pretty odd requests, someone once called wanting colour suggestions for repainting their kitchen sink. Members of the public have also contacted us to colour match kitchen utensils and a business owner wanted to match their car fleet to the colour of their staff uniforms. Of course, these types of calls are quite unusual, and we always try to help if we can.  "She adds, "We sometimes receive calls from individuals looking to match the colour of their classic or vintage vehicle, something we specialise in, but most calls are from bodyshops and refinishers who need help with colour formulas."

With the advent of the Standox online colour search facility and the recently launched mobile web application, it is now easier than ever for refinishers to find the formulations they need online. Jodie Henly says, "Over the past few years we have seen a marked reduction in the number of enquiries the colour line receives. However, there are still quite a few bodyshops and Smart repair centres who don't have access to the internet for various reasons." This means the Standox colour line is maintained as an important refinisher resource and currently takes approximately 15 to 20 calls a day as well as handling emails from the Ireland, the UK and other countries. OEMs don't always give out formulas to refinishers, which is one of the reasons they come to us for help."

The Standox colour line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and the number is, 0044 1438 734 714/5/6. For more information on Standox colour tools and services contact your local distributor or visit www.standox.co.uk.