Southfield, MI (4/15/98) -- BASF has expanded its line of advanced COLOR-MAX^TM color tools, introducing solid color versions for the Glasurit® and R-M® lines as well as a metallic color version for R-M. The first COLOR-MAX (for Glasurit metallic colors) was introduced in 1996. Each of the four COLOR-MAX color tools consists of a cabinet containing over 3,500 color chips grouped into color family decks, and will be updated annually as new colors are developed. COLOR-MAX is able to slash color matching time to as little as 9 minutes, due to several important new advantages. Every color in the chip decks was developed by sampling and precisely matching actual "real-world" car parts -- in contrast to tools based on hypothetical colors developed in a laboratory. In addition, each chip is sprayed with real Glasurit or R-M automotive refinish paint, using HVLP refinish spray equipment -- (not merely blade-coated with paint or printed with inks) -- thus ensuring the visual accuracy of each chip and making each chip its own "spray-out panel" of the formula. The chips are large enough to show both the "face" and "flop" of metallic colors. Used as a semi-abstract color tool, COLOR-MAX quickly directs the user to the numbered chip that should match the car to be repaired (based on the car´s manufacturer color code); if necessary, the user can choose a neighboring chip in the deck that more precisely matches the car´s actual factory finish. The user then employs the COLOR-MAX chip´s number to obtain a color formula from the BASF SmartTrak^TM computer or from the COLOR-MAX microfiche index. By directing the user immediately to the matching chip, COLOR-MAX makes obtaining precise color matches dramatically faster and easier. COLOR-MAX can also be used as a simple abstract color tool by visually selecting a chip deck based on the car´s appearance, locating a matching chip in the deck, and using the chip number on the back to obtain the tinting formula. Designed so that it can be integrated with BASF´s SmartTrak computer and/or the BASF four-angle SmartScan ^TM spectrophotometer, COLOR-MAX is a centerpiece of BASF´s system of advanced, productivity-enhancing color tools.