The exact White Night paint code depends on the paint manufacturer and year of manufacture of the vehicle, however in the automotive industry this shade is most often associated with pearlescent enamels such as 100 White Pearl or 655 White Night from PPG. Unlike the classic dull white color, this tone has a complex structure that includes reflective particles that create the effect of depth and a slight glow in daylight. When trying to paint over a scratch or chip without preliminary computer diagnostics with a spectrometer, there is a high risk of getting a noticeable difference in color, since even a microscopic deviation in the proportions of mother-of-pearl changes the visual perception of the body.
Car owners who choose this color are often faced with the fact that from different viewing angles the car may appear slightly bluish or silver, which is the norm for high-quality metallized enamel. It is important to understand that the factory designation may vary: for some manufacturers this may be Snow White or Arctic White with the addition of pearlescent pigment. Before purchasing a repair spray or ordering a service in a paint shop, you must find the identification plate on the body, which indicates the exact factory code corresponding to the specific production batch.
The difficulty of selection lies in the multi-layer coating, where the base layer carries the color, and the top varnish and pearl inclusions are responsible for the play of light. If you are planning a local renovation, you will need not just white paint, but a specially tinted composition that imitates exactly this specific shade. Incorrect use of universal white enamel will lead to the fact that the repaired element will look like an alien spot against the background of the rest of the body, especially in sunny weather.
Characteristics and visual features of the shade
The White Night color is a complex combination of pure white pigment and reflective additives that give the surface a characteristic shine. Visually this manifests itself in the fact that the car does not look flat, as when using acrylic enamels without the effect metallic. On the edges of the body and bending lines, the light creates soft shimmers, which hides minor geometry defects, but at the same time highlights any dirt.
One of the key features is the temperature dependence of tone perception. In cloudy weather, the car may appear grayer or cooler, while in direct sunlight it "lights up" with a bright white light with a slight sparkle. This property is due to the presence of microscopic particles of mica or synthetic mother-of-pearl in the paint, which work like prisms, refracting light at different angles.
When choosing this color for repainting the entire car or a single part, it is important to consider the condition of the rest of the body. Over time, the white pigment can yellow when exposed to ultraviolet light if the varnish coating has thinned, so the new repair element will look much whiter and cooler than the old paint. For an ideal result, polishing of transitions or complete repainting of adjacent elements is often required.
Paint codes and paint manufacturers
Finding the correct code is the first step to successful paint restoration. Depending on the make of the car and the tinting system used, “White Night” can be hidden under different designations. The most common systems include directories PPG, Basf and Mobihel, where this shade is often labeled as pearlescent white enamel.
Below is a table with common designations that may correspond to the desired shade in various catalogs:
| Manufacturer / System | Paint code | Shade name | Coverage type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 100 / 655 | White Pearl / White Night | Mother of pearl |
| Mobihel | 101 | White mother of pearl | Metallic |
| Vika | 247 | White crystal | Mother of pearl |
| General Motors | WA8624 | Summit White | Acrylic/Metallic |
However, you cannot rely on the name “White Night” alone, since marketing names often do not coincide with technical codes. For example, one manufacturer may have a basic white color, while another may have a complex three-component composition. Always check the code from the car plate, which is usually located in the engine compartment or on the door pillar.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy ready-made paint in a can without first painting it on a test plate. Even the same codes from different manufacturers can give different shades due to differences in the chemical composition of the pigments.
Application technology and tinting features
The process of restoring the White Night color coating requires strict adherence to technology, especially when it comes to pearlescent enamels. The base coat is applied using the wet-on-wet method or following the drying time specified on the product data sheet. An even distribution of pearlescent particles is critical, as uneven deposition will result in spots and streaks (bulling) on the surface.
When tinting, craftsmen use special formulas that can be adjusted depending on the age of the original coating. White pigments are prone to fading, so new paint may be brighter than factory paint. To smooth out this effect, the painter can add a microdose of yellow or gray tint to age the tone and bring it as close as possible to the current condition of the body.
- 🎨 Preparing the base: Thorough degreasing and application of epoxy primer to ensure adhesion.
- 🔫 Applying the base: Spraying 2-3 layers of base enamel with interlayer drying to evaporate the solvent.
- ✨ Pearlescent layer: Applying an additional layer with mother-of-pearl (if the technology requires separation of the base and effect).
- 🛡️ Varnishing: Coating with 2-3 layers of acrylic varnish for protection and gloss effect.
It is important to use solvents recommended by the paint manufacturer, as evaporation that is too fast or too slow can disrupt the orientation of the pearlescent flakes. This will cause the color to lie incorrectly and appear different when viewed from an angle.
Caring for the white mother-of-pearl body
Cars in White Night color require special attention to cleanliness, since any dirt on a light background is much more visible than on a dark one. However, paradoxically, small scratches and “cobwebs” on white mother-of-pearl are less noticeable than on black or dark blue metallic. The main enemy of such a coating is bitumen stains and reagents that can eat into the structure of the varnish.
For washing, it is recommended to use a two-phase method: preliminary application of active foam to soften dirt and contact washing with a soft microfiber mitt. Aggressive chemistry containing high concentrations of alkalis can damage the varnish layer, making it dull, which is especially critical for pearlescent shades that lose their shine.
☑️ White car care checklist
Regular application of protective compounds such as ceramic coatings or polymer waxes creates a hydrophobic layer. This not only makes it easier to wash away dirt, but also protects the pigment from ultraviolet radiation, preventing premature yellowing of the white color. This is especially true for cars that are often exposed to the sun.
Common repair problems and their solutions
The most common problem when repairing the White Night color is the appearance of different colors. This can be caused either by an error in the selection (of the formula) or by a violation of the application technology. If you notice that the new part is different in shade, do not rush to redo the work right away - sometimes it takes time for the paint to completely polymerize, after which the tone may stabilize.
Another problem is “boiling” or shagreen when applied. On a white color, the shagreen color of the varnish is very visible, so it is important to correctly set the spray pattern and pressure in the spray gun. A layer that is too thick can lead to streaks, which are extremely difficult to remove from mother-of-pearl without damaging the pigment structure.
⚠️ Attention: When doing local repairs, be sure to stretch (transition) to adjacent elements. The sharp boundary between new and old varnish on white mother-of-pearl will be noticeable due to the different degrees of light reflection.
To eliminate minor defects, such as dust or fine shagreen, abrasive polishing is allowed, but only after the varnish has completely dried (no earlier than 2-3 weeks). Using coarse abrasives can leave matte marks that look like dirt against a white background.
The secret to perfect shine
To enhance the “White Night” effect, professionals use glazes - non-abrasive polishes containing fillers. They temporarily hide micro-scratches and enhance color depth, creating a “wet” car effect for several weeks.
Comparison with other white shades
Often buyers confuse “White Night” with the classic “Snow White” or “Alpine White”. The main difference is the presence of a metallic or pearlescent effect. Regular white (Solid White) looks flat and uniform in any light, while “White Night” plays with reflections.
When choosing between these shades, practicality should be taken into account. Deep mother-of-pearl is more difficult and expensive to repair, but looks more premium and modern. Plain acrylic white is cheaper to restore, but can look rustic on executive cars.
- 💎 Depth: “White Night” has a three-dimensional structure, ordinary white is flat.
- 💰 Repair price: Mother of pearl requires more expensive paint and work.
- ☀️ Reaction to light: Mother of pearl changes shade, acrylic remains static.
If you're choosing a color for a new car or repaint, look at swatches in different lighting. What looks dazzling white in the showroom under the lamps can turn gray or yellow on the street. “White Night” wins in this regard due to its dynamism.
Main conclusion: The color “White Night” is a complex pearlescent shade that requires professional selection and application. Its main feature is the play of light, which hides minor defects, but makes any errors in tinting noticeable.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to paint over a scratch on the color “White Night” with a regular white corrector?
It is not recommended to use a regular concealer, as it does not contain pearlescent particles. The scratch will become a noticeable point, lacking shine and depth, especially in the sun. It is better to purchase a repair kit with your paint code or contact a colorist.
Why is the paint code on the car different from the PPG catalog?
Vehicle factory codes and paint manufacturer codes (such as PPG, Mobihel) are different systems. You need to find a cross-matching table where the factory code (for example, GM WA8624) is matched with the formula of the tinting system.
How often should a Night White car be polished?
To maintain the richness and protection of the mother-of-pearl layer, it is recommended to do light restorative polishing once a year and protective polishing (with wax or ceramics) every 3-4 months, depending on operating conditions.
Does White Night paint turn yellow over time?
Modern acrylic and pearlescent enamels are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, but if the varnish layer is destroyed or low-quality materials are used during repairs, yellowness may appear. Regular care and UV protection will minimize this risk.
Is it possible to mix paint from different manufacturers for this color?
It is strictly not recommended to mix products from different brands (for example, base of one, polish of another) without checking for compatibility. This may result in a chemical reaction, wrinkling of the coating, or a change in the shade of the mother-of-pearl.