Abstract: A method and process for virtual paint application which allows a user to apply a virtual combination of paints and/or graphics to an object and visually observe and print the resultant object as if it had been physically painted. The method and process is especially useful for virtually painting vehicles with colors supplied from paint company charts and then allowing a user to print the resulting combination and thereafter allowing the user to supply the finished printout to a painter for physical paint application. The method and process is unique in its ability to preserve highlights and shadows of the original image to ensure that the virtual paint application is an accurate representation of the object after the physical paint is applied. The method and process further allows a user to supply a photo of a personal object such as a vehicle or house and after processing, apply the desired virtual paint to the object.