Why do dealers often refer to their cars as having 'solid red' paintwork? Is it because red is probably the most unstable colour and 'not too solid pink' doesn't sound so good or more generally about the condition of the paintwork? I think I may have seen 'solid black' but can't recall seeing it in relation to any other colour.

A solid colour is normally a description of paint that doesn't have a metallic addition, Sprint blue, yellow and the LE black are all solid colours.

As Joe says, "solid" in colour terms means there is no metallic, pearlescent or mica component to the paint.

Red can be tedious to paint (especially metallic) because it doesn't cover well, so needs plenty of coats. Then again, some solid reds go on fine.

Not so long ago, solid colours were quite often basically coloured lacquer (still the case with some commercials), but now it's more or less all base coat plus clear coat.

Talking of red paint. My Coupe needs a respray. Roof, bonnet and boot and more besides. I assume this is not something you'd take on Jim? But if not, anyone got any recommendations within the South Wales and Border counties?

Possibly Vehicle Solutions in Cheltenham, if not too far away....?

Ok ta. It's not too far, will have a look.

I'm hoping that there is someone good locally but it's all about recommendations for things like bodywork.

Well they've just done mine.....

Gripped, there's a paint shop I've heard about that has a very good reputation in Crickhowell, which may be more practical for you.
A friend is having his old VW bus completely done, inside and out, at this very moment. I'll get the details if you'd like?

Hi mate. Yes please, if you don't mind. I used to live nr Crickhowell so that would be handy.

Would be good to have a place close. So far I've heard that Carmichaels in Cardiff are good but not seen any of their work.

We wouldn't do a full respray, Gripped. We've done the odd project for ourselves, but never for a custromer (it's a technical thing...).
I could recommend good sprayers round here, but it looks as though others with more local knowledge will be more use!