OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Tint formula for Galmet Avocado Green

***UPDATE: Please read the last post to this thread, some new info has been posted. (updated 21/12/12)***
Hi All.
While I was trying to track down some Galmet Avocado Green Hammered finish paint, which although not identical, is said to have been used by many for Victa 18 restorations, I was sent a tint formula to create it because Galmet Avocado Green Hammered Finish is a discontinued color. I debated whether or not to post the tint formula before I tried it myself but decided I would in case it may be of use to someone. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find a single tin of the genuine factory tinted paint but this meant I never did have the chance to try the tint formula. I'll leave it to you to decide whether to try it, as I present this in good faith as it was presented to me by someone who works for the company that distributes Galmet paint.

The tint formula to create 1L of Galmet Avocado Green Hammer Finish uses 1L of Galmet Gunmetal color Hammered Metal finish paint as a base. Then add either a Dulux or Wattyl tint as shown below to create 1L of Avocado Green:
For Dulux tints, use 27 units of SS
For Wattyl tints, use 1Y+7 units of D

To create 4L of Avocado Green start with 4L of Galmet Gunmetal color Hammered metal finish paint as a base. Then add either a Dulux or Wattyl tint as shown below to create 4L of Avocado green:
For Dulux Tints, use 1Y+44 units of SS
For Wattyl Tints, use 4Y+28 units of D

As the paint isn't cheap, its up to you if you want to take the chance to try the tint formula. I believe 1L of Galmet Hammered Finish paint is somewhere around $37 and 4L around $99 if you shop around. This is for the stock color of Gunmetal before you pay to tint it. I think they do a 500ml tin but I don't have a tint formula for that.
The paint is said to be suitable for brush, roller or spraying (thinner required for spraying). Coverage listed at 12 square metres per lire. Etch primer req'd for aluminium or galvinised steel.

Cheers.

Hi sawain1, and thanks mate for posting the formula. This may help someone doing a Victa 18 Special and trying hard to source some Galmet Avocado.....Paint colour is such a hard thing to decide on, as very few machines exist that are in mint original finish to compare against...and as far as I am aware Galmet was about as close to the original as one could get.
Most large auto paint retailers have a computer generated matching system in place these days, that can match almost any colour and give you the formula...maybe that is how your formula came about....I hope someone tries it and posts how it turns out.

Hi Deejay,
Yeah I'm not 100% sure on exactly what the original color is meant to be but have read on the Vintage Mowers site that Hammer finish Avocado Green is pretty close. I have seen a color ad out of The Australian Womens Weekly from the time the Victa 18's were sold and the color of the mower in the illustration seems to be similar to this avocado green. Whether or not that's I good guide I don't know!
The tint formula came from a chemist at the company that makes Galmet paint so hopefully is correct to what the factory tinted product used to be.

Hi sawain1, mate, if the formula came from the Galmet chemist, it should be perfect.
Thanks once again for posting it.

Apparently... According to Solver... Who now own Wattyl...

"Wattyl does not recommend the use of Wattyl tinters into other paint companies products, including Galmet�s Hammer Finish."

But I plan to try it anyway.

Hi Comatose, yes mate, definitely worth a try. I think if that formula didn't work, we would have heard by now.
Please let us know how it goes.

Researched it,spoke to galmet,they released the formula got it made TWICE for clarity.And am not nor ever will be happy with this colour.It doesnt flow well in any ratio its hammer pattina is very weak and colour match is no where near the countless original smaples ive matched it with. The code has been changed in slight variations over the last 50 years and it seems many shops mixed their own paint to increase supply.so with this and over the various models,batch changes and the like it will never be as it was.The best way to get this colour is to get it matched. A fellow I know has some old stock in spray and the colour shade is massivly different with his being almost a perfect match to samples. I actually mixed phoenix and galmet in trial and came up with a very good match. Anyways this is my experience only,maybee another might have better luck? Just be wary if you want accuracy as its an expensive exersie if it doesnt meet your expectations .

Thanks Mal, for the update to this thread...that info is invaluable for a restorer trying to get as close to the original finish as possible. I have placed an update to the first post in this thread. As this thread dates originally from 2009....I will now close it. If any member has anything to add, please PM a moderator.