The snow-white appearance of the car is a classic that will never go out of fashion, but this color requires a special approach when restoring paintwork. Owners often face a situation where after a minor accident or chipping it is necessary to locally paint the body, but the exact shade of the "White Cloud" can vary depending on the enamel manufacturer and the year of release of the machine. Understanding nuances colorist And knowing the exact codes of the pigments becomes critical to achieving the perfect visual result without the patchwork effect.
In the automotive paint industry, there is no single universal code that fits everyone, as different manufacturers use their own formulas for mixing the basic components. Focus on it. It is important to note that the same color is used by different brands, such as Mobihel, Vika or PPGIt will have differences in brightness, heat and saturation. Right. paint-number allows the colorer to recreate the factory hue as accurately as possible, minimizing the difference between the repaired element and the main body.
This article is intended to be a comprehensive guide for those looking for technical data to paint their vehicle. We will analyze the main catalogs, consider the tables of correspondence and pay attention to the technological aspects of applying white enamel. Competent approach to the choice of materials is a guarantee that your car will look like a new one, and not as a home repair.
Coding systems and basic color catalogs
For professional selection of auto-enamels worldwide, standardized coding systems are used, which allow to unify the production and repair process. The most common references are international catalogs RAL and NCS, as well as specialized fans from major manufacturers of paints. The white cloud paint number in these systems may have different numerical designations that directly affect the final result of the mixing of components.
Catalogue RAL Classic It is the most recognizable standard in Europe, where white is a group of codes that begin with the number 9. For example, popular RAL 9016 Traffic White is often associated with pure white, but it can have a slight, cold undertone. At the same time, RAL 9010 Pure White is considered a warmer, softer shade, sometimes closer to the concept of the cloud. It is important to understand that the factory color of the car may not match any of these standards by 100%, requiring individual computer coloring.
System system NCS The Natural Color System is based on the visual perception of color by a person and describes it through the percentage of black, color and white pigments. The shade of white cloud is characterized by a minimum amount of black pigment (less than 5%) and a complete lack of color tonality, although in reality manufacturers often add microscopic doses of blue or yellow to correct perception. It is these subtle differences that a professional colorist captures using a spectrophotometer.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on visual color comparisons from the RAL catalog when buying finished paint. Factory shades over the years of operation burn out and change their spectrum, so even an accurate hit in the RAL code can give a noticeable difference with the body.
Domestic analogues: paints Vika and Mobihel
In the post-Soviet space, paints of Russian and Belarusian manufacturers, which offer affordable and high-quality solutions for repair, have become very popular. Brand Vika (Neva) and Mobihel (Helios) have shades in their palettes as close as possible to the factory colors of the domestic automotive industry, including the famous White Cloud. These systems are characterized by the use of their own articles, which you need to know when ordering materials in the coloring station.
In catalogues. Vika Often you can find designations tied to specific models of VAZ or GAZ cars, but for universal use, colorers rely on formulas for mixing basic pigments. White cloud The performance of these manufacturers often requires the addition of a special white pigment with high shading ability and a microscopic amount of blue corrector to neutralize the yellowness. The paint number in the documentation may be listed as “White” with a specific formula code, such as 101 or 202, which requires clarification from the supplier.
Materials Mobihel They are famous for their stability and wide color range, which allows you to reproduce almost any shade. When working with these enamels, it is important to observe the proportions of mixing with solvent and hardener, since white is extremely sensitive to changes in viscosity. Wrongly selected solvent It can cause a change in hue when drying, making the spot darker or lighter in the main background.
Secrets of working with white enamel
When working with white pigments, the purity of the tool is critical. Even a microscopic particle of a different color, caught in the paint, can spoil the entire jar, making the shade dirty. Always use a new filter element and wash the spray gun thoroughly before filling with white enamel.
Table of code and shade conformity
To simplify the search for the necessary material, the following table shows an approximate correspondence of popular white hues codes in various systems. It should be remembered that these values are reference, and for perfect hitting the color. tin-tub The model from the car is a mandatory procedure.
| System/Brand | Code/Article | The name of the shade | Description of characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAL Classic | 9016 | Traffic White | Cold white, standard for trucks |
| RAL Classic | 9010 | Pure White | Warm white, soft tone |
| NCS | S 0500-N | White | Basic white without hue |
| Vika / Mobihel | Formula 101 | White cloud | Analogue of factory flowers VAZ |
| PPG | D8366 | Glacier White | Bright white with blue tint |
Using the table allows you to quickly navigate the variety of offers on the market, but the real color of the car may differ from the reference fan due to the impact of ultraviolet light. Over time, the paint coating is oxidized, and the white paint can acquire a yellowish or grayish coating, which must be taken into account when selecting. Spectral analysis The old coating helps to make the necessary adjustments to the formulation of new paint.
When ordering paint in a specialized store, be sure to report not only the color code, but also the brand of the car, as well as the year of its release. This will allow specialists to make corrections to possible changes in the technological map of the manufacturer for different years of production. The paint number is just the starting point in the complex process of restoring the aesthetics of the body.
Technology of selection and coloring of enamel
The process of creating the perfect white paint begins with careful preparation and use of high-precision equipment. Modern coloring stations are equipped with spectrophotometers that read the color from the surface of the car at several points, average the data and give a mixing formula. Computer selection allows you to take into account the degree of burnout and individual characteristics of a particular instance, which is impossible to do "by eye".
To obtain high-quality material, it is necessary to strictly observe the weight proportions of the components. Basic enamel, the kohler, solvent and hardener (if required) are mixed in special cups using electronic scales. Any deviation from the formulation, even by a fraction of a gram, can lead to a change in hue, especially in the case of white pigments, which are highly sensitive.
☑️ Checklist before coloring
After mixing the components, a test spray is made on a metal plate, which is then dried and compared with the car body under different lighting. Only after approval of the test sample is the paint poured into the spray gun. This stage is critically important, as wet paint in the jar and dried on the metal may look different due to solvent evaporation and film structure changes.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to mix paint from different batches or manufacturers in the hope of getting the desired shade. The chemical composition of the binders may differ, which will lead to flaking of the coating or the appearance of defects in the future.
Painting and coating drying
The technique of applying white enamel requires high skill and compliance with the temperature regime. The surface should be perfectly prepared: cleaned, defatted and covered with soil. white does not forgive errors of preparation, as through a thin layer of light paint can appear spots of old coating or soil.
Application is made with a spray gun with a duse of a suitable diameter (usually 1.3-1.5 mm) in several layers. The first layer is made thin, binder (foggy) to provide adhesion. Subsequent layers are applied more tightly, but without overflowing to avoid leaks. It is important to observe the interlayer exposure indicated in the product technical card, usually 10-15 minutes at temperature. 20°C.
Drying of the white coating should take place in a clean room, devoid of dust, as any dust on a white background will be noticeable to the naked eye. The time of complete polymerization can range from several hours to several days depending on the type of paint (acrylic, nitro-emal, base paint). Use of the infrared drying It allows to speed up the process and improve the physical and mechanical properties of the coating.
To prevent the appearance of “orange peel” on white, use a special diluent that slows down drying, and keep the spray gun strictly perpendicular to the surface at a distance of 20-25 cm.
Care for white paint coating
The white car looks elegant but requires constant maintenance to maintain a presentable appearance. On a light background, traces of bitumen, reagents and road dirt are especially noticeable. Regular washing with pH neutral shampoos helps to keep the shine and protect the skin. Lacquer layer from the aggressive effects of the external environment.
Every few months it is recommended to carry out a deep cleaning of the body with clay and subsequent polishing with protective compositions. Ceramic coatings The liquid glass creates an additional hydrophobic layer that facilitates the washing away of dirt and gives the color additional depth and saturation. This is especially true for the white cloud color, which should shine with purity.
When small chips and scratches appear, you should not postpone repairs, since on white metal, corrosion foci may be less noticeable at the initial stage, but they develop quickly. The use of polishing pastes allows you to remove small defects and restore the gloss without the need for a complete repainting of the element. Careful attitude to the coating prolongs the life of the body and maintains a high residual value of the car.
Regular polishing and application of protective compositions is the only way to preserve whiteness and prevent the appearance of yellow oxidation spots on the body.
How often should you polish a white car?
It is recommended to carry out light polishing with protective compounds every 3-4 months, and deep reductive polishing - as mattage or micro scratches appear, usually once a year.
Can you just paint the rust with white spray paint?
No, it's a temporary solution. Rust must be completely cleaned to metal, treated with a converter, primed with acid and acrylic soil, and only then painted. Otherwise, the corrosion will continue under the paint layer.
Why does white color turn yellow over time?
Yellowness appears due to the oxidation of the lacquer layer under the influence of ultraviolet light and reagents, as well as the migration of pigments. High-quality varnish with UV filters and regular care slow down this process.
Which solvent is best used for white enamel?
It is best to use solvents recommended by the paint manufacturer (often 646, 647 or specialized diluents for base enamels). It is important that it is of high quality and does not contain impurities.
Do I need a varnish over white acrylic paint?
If you use one-component acrylic enamel (acrylic), varnish is not needed, it forms a gloss itself. If it is a base paint (metallic or just base), then applying 2K varnish is necessary for protection and shine.