I’m more than a little confused with regard to Ducati paint codes. Firstly if there is a paint code system in the UK (presumably this is how paint shop sprayers identify the correct base / top coat etc) would it be able to identify an Italian colour. If there is an Italian paint code where is it found and how is it translated into the UK recognised code. Perhaps it has always been the sprayers skill to colour match but I have been asked for the Ducati code but not sure how to find it. I have found that different UK paint manufacturers seem to have their own codes. !!!???
https://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-gb/colours.php I can't help you with the codes but these guys have the correct paints
RAL 3001 is someone closest match, however I'd be it's changed over the years so is really down to the beholder.
I asked my local Ducati dealer for some paint codes for some magnesium bits I wanted re done. Their reply was Ducati don’t release paint codes.
Good thread on paint codes here too: http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/showthread.php?7498-Paint-Codes
Both ICI and Lechler, who are Italian, have paint swatches that can be used to match Ducati colours. I have used ICI for years with a perfect match (For Red) with no problems.
Being a little thick today - do you have contacts etc for ICI / Lechler. Paints finishes also rely on the specific base coat and type of lacquer applied so when being asked the paint code by a sprayer it seems like a professional asking a lay person and it worries me that even they cannot be sure of the final look. Take the desmosedici - the red is the same on both the Team and Rosso bikes but the base coat is different! Ducati seemed to wish for a slightly richer red look for the Rosso. Despite searching I have still not seen a definitive result although did decent manufacturers will give their own answers such as rsbikepaint etc.
For the 748/998 models, I have always used a beige primer with Rosso Red. This has always worked for me but I know Ducati have also used white in the past for some colours as a primer\bascoat. If you find a motor factor who uses a spectrum analyser then a perfect paint match can be made. A test with each primer will then\should result in the correct colour that you want. I have used RS paints to paint a CBR600 Honda, the paint match is perfect, but they are expensive and the paint is water-based. This makes it much harder to spray and is not really something an inexperienced painter should choose. Two-pack paints as per my comment above are cheaper and easier to use.
