Paint is an important feature on any vehicle, as it not only gives a vehicle character and individuality but also serves to protect the body panels from corrosion. The options for auto paint have come a long way and offer almost limitless possibilities.
The majority of cars and trucks made today are painted one solid color. Most auto manufacturers will paint solid variations of any color of the spectrum; these colors are modified shades of basic colors. These colors can range from monochromatic colors like shades of whites, grays and blacks. Alternatively, Colors like blue, red, and yellow are used to make other color tints.
The color of a car is often an expression of the owner's personality, but the color of a car can be responsible for so much more than that. Brightly colors like whites, yellows and oranges can be highly visible at any time of day or night, and in multiple weather conditions. Dark colors like blacks and blues tend to appear sleeker and can be associated with luxury. Some colors like orange and red are considered flashy and are often seen on sporty models.
Polychromatic, or “metal flake” paint is a finish that contains tiny metal flakes to exaggerate the body lines and contours of a vehicle. This was once an aftermarket option, but more and more auto manufacturers today are using a subtle version of this paint on their vehicles. A variation of this paint types is called “pearl,” and it works by combining two different color layers. This can create a subtle or radical change in color depending on the angle at which it is viewed.
The options in today’s custom paint industry are almost limitless. Paint schemes can range from a basic form of custom paint like a simple two tone to the extremely complex multi-color murals and patterns seen on show cars. Painted flames or racing stripes are common among high performance circles, and intricate murals and flashy designs are most commonly seen on cars and trucks that fall into the low-rider category. A form of pearl paint called “candy” is often used for custom applications; this is a silver paint coated with a color tinted, highly glossy clear coat and gives a very deep effect to the paint.
This is an important factor to consider when choosing the color for a car, as colors will react positively or negatively to a given area. In very sunny and hot climates, colors like black, blue and red often tend to fade and oxidize; these colors will also show dust and dirt more than lighter colors like white, yellow and silver, which will usually look clean (even when dirty) and resist oxidation.
The short lived DeLorean DMC-12 was manufactured from 1981 to 1982 and was sold with a stainless steel body without a spot of paint. This is the only car to be produced and sold in such a way. This was originally thought to be an intriguing method of auto body finishes; the method’s problems were soon revealed when a body panel would suffer a small dent. With no paint to cover up the repairs, owners were forced to either buy a pricey new body panel or paint the entire car a solid color.
