Choosing a new shade for your car is always an exciting moment that can radically change the perception of the car's appearance. Owners often think about repainting after purchasing a used car, when recovering from an accident, or simply wanting to freshen up the appearance. Color palette There are thousands of options for cars, and finding “yours” among them can be difficult without prior preparation.
It is important to understand that the visual perception of a shade on a monitor screen and in reality are two different things. Metallics can look silver, golden or even greenish in different lighting. That's why coloristics bodywork requires a careful approach and study of the physical properties of materials.
In this article we will look at how not to make a mistake with your choice, what types of paints exist and why color code is your main ally in this process. We will also consider popular trends and technical nuances that affect the durability of the coating.
Main types of automotive enamels
The first thing you will have to deal with when choosing is the type of coverage. The chemical composition of the paint determines not only the appearance, but also the application technology, as well as the final cost of the work. The modern market offers several basic solutions, each of which has its own characteristics.
The most common option remains acrylic enamel. It is a two-component system where the pigment is mixed with a hardener. Such paints have a high drying speed and excellent adhesion, but require careful surface preparation. Acrylic often chosen for local repairs due to its polishing capabilities.
Metallic and mother-of-pearl coatings deserve special attention. Microscopic particles of aluminum or mica are added to their composition, creating the effect of depth and shimmer. However, such paints require mandatory application. varnish layer for protection and shine. Without varnish, the coating will be matte and vulnerable to external influences.
When choosing a material, consider the operating conditions. If the car is often parked in the open sun, you should pay attention to the resistance of pigments to ultraviolet. Cheap analogues can burn out within a year, losing saturation.
How to find the exact body color code
The most common mistake when choosing paint is trying to guess the shade “by eye” or by name in a catalog. Even the same code released in different years at different factories may differ. The only reliable way is to find the factory markings.
Manufacturers place information signs in strictly defined places. Most often they can be found in the driver's door opening, under the hood near the side member or in the luggage compartment near the spare wheel. Look for the field on the sign Color Code, Paint or Farbnummer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the exterior color code with the interior color code or equipment code. Look for the paint designation (Paint), often it consists of an alphanumeric combination, for example,
LY9Bor33J.
If the plate is worn out or missing, the code can be found in the technical documentation of the car or through the VIN code from an authorized dealer. Computer selection according to the code it gives an accuracy of about 90-95%, which is an excellent result for starting work.
Popular colors and trends
Fashion for car colors is cyclical, but there are classic solutions that remain relevant for decades. White, black and various shades of gray dominate sales and repainting statistics around the world.
However, owners who want to stand out often look to complex, composite colors. For example, “multicoat” or “chameleon” change shade depending on the viewing angle. Such solutions require the skill of a painter, since uneven application is immediately noticeable.
Matte painting has been gaining popularity lately. This can be either a special matte paint or a film.
- 🚗 Classic: Black, White, Silver - marketable, easy to pick up, but scratches are noticeable.
- 🌊 Blue and Green: Deep shades that hide minor defects well and are popular in the premium segment.
- 🔥 Bright colors: Red, yellow, orange - attract attention, but can visually make the car smaller and fade faster.
When choosing a bright color, it is worth considering that when selling a car with a non-standard color, it may take longer to buy. Liquidity The color of a car directly depends on its color, and this is often forgotten at the first impulse to repaint the car in an “acid” shade.
Comparison of shades: table of popular codes
To understand the diversity of the palette, consider an example of popular codes from different manufacturers. Even the names may be the same, but the chemical composition and shade will differ.
| Manufacturer | Color name | Example code | Coverage type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Tornado Red | LY3D |
Acrylic / Metallic |
| BMW | Alpine White | 300 |
Base enamel |
| Toyota | Super White | 040 |
Three-layer mother of pearl |
| Ford | Oxford White | YZ |
Acrylic enamel |
As you can see from the table, even the white color of different brands has its own nuances: some go into a cold bluish tint, others into a warm yellowish tint. Spectral analysis helps to capture these subtle differences.
Selection technology and computer tinting
The process of creating paint of the desired shade is called tinting. In modern services this is a high-tech procedure. The colorist uses electronic scales and software that contains recipe databases for thousands of cars.
First, the paint code is entered into the program. The system produces a basic formula. However, since the factory paint may have faded over years of use, the technician often makes adjustments. He compares the reference paint with the real body and adds micro-doses of pigments.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to mix paint yourself “by eye” without a scale. An error of 1-2 grams of pigment per liter of base can completely change the tone, and it will be impossible to get the color right.
The quality of the components also plays a role. Using cheap solvents or hardeners can cause the paint to appear bullseye (spots) or change color after drying. Original solvents from the paint manufacturer ensure proper spreadability.
Preparation and nuances of painting
Choosing a color is only half the battle. 80% of painting success depends on surface preparation. The body must be perfectly cleaned, degreased and polished. Any speck of dust trapped under the paint layer will be visible, especially on dark colors.
The temperature regime in the paint booth is critically important. If the room is too cold or hot, the paint may not dry properly, resulting in imperfections like orange peel. Drying time between layers must also be strictly observed.
☑️ Checklist before painting
After applying the base, there must be a stage of varnishing (for metallics) and polishing. It is polishing that gives the final gloss and removes small irregularities (“shagreen”). Finishing turns a simply painted part into a factory-quality element.