'Kenosha Red' paint

[Frank Murch]

From time to time I am asked about Red Paint. I have some opinions, but recently I received an email from a former Snap on Field Support Specialist. He is telling me:

For obtaining the original 'Kenosha Red' paint used on Snap-on Tool Storage, it is available from the Snap-on Franchisees:
• 1/2 oz. 'touch-up' size
• 12 oz. Spray Can (part # REP12A)
• Quart can (part # KRP32B)

Or the customer can obtain the PPG/Ditzler numbers by searching on-line and having a local paint supplier create a batch for them.

Hope this helps

[Frank Murch]

Additionally - Try


sherwins code for it SPP398
PPG Ditzler Number 73504

[wreckercologist]

Is the color on old stuff different?

I ask because I had my painter at work paint the hutch on my KRL1001 with PPG. It's close, and close enough for me, but it's not exact.

My work box is probably 10 to 12 years old and has more of a red color to it than the older ones I have like a KR56 (fifties era). Of course the old stuff could have faded over time.

[snapmom]

It does change, no sure if fade is true, but it probably is, also they get cleaned from time to time, and that fades them too, depending on the chemicals used. Check the inside of your old box (take a drawer out), I bet its close to the new paint, mine are.

[Frank Murch]

There is a little more information that came my way via a contributor named Scott Mast

"I have done some touch ups and repaints on the boxes I use and found the Massey Ferguson Red paint that John Deere dealers sell is a dead ringer for the old Snap-On red. The Deere branded paint is really good and we use it on our implements."

[junkyardherbie]

...just wondering... has anyone else had any luck matching vintage Snap On red with an "off the shelf" spray paint? The 50's/60's vintage boxes seem to be almost more like a General Lee reddish-orange than the red I have seen on boxes in more recent years. I would like to say that the color difference is due to fade, but all of the vintage pieces that I have are the same color inside and out, even if you remove the drawers and inspect the previously "unseen portions". This leads me to believe that the color mix has changed over the years? I am sure that there is a near perfect match out there just sitting on the store shelf (readily available) somewhere and would love to find out what it is...
...I don't know if the REP12A paint is a match for vintage boxes or for the newer made pieces, but it doesn't seem to be available/in stock at the Snap On website or anywhere else to find out?