Finding the perfect shade to paint a car is always a balance between aesthetics and technical precision, especially when it comes to the dark gray range. The dark grey color number is often the subject of controversy, as this name hides many variations, from deep anthracite to metallic graphite. Car owners and professional painters know that a mistake in choosing a code can lead to a noticeable difference in the color of adjacent body elements, which is unacceptable for quality repairs.
In the automotive industry grey It has been a popular choice for many years, second only to black and white. Unlike them, however, the gray spectrum is incredibly rich and complex to reproduce. Each manufacturer uses its own formulations, so there is no universal number - there are only specific manufacturer codes, such as: Toyota 1G3 or BMW 475. Understanding these differences is critical for those planning local paint or complete body repainting.
In this article, we will analyze the main coding systems, consider popular factory shades and give practical tips for the selection of paint. You will learn why visual comparisons are often deceptive and how using a spectrophotometer can save you the budget for reworking the work. Correctly selected dark gray pigment is able to hide small defects of the surface, but only if the tone matches perfectly with the rest of the body.
The main coding systems of automotive paints
To navigate the world of auto repair, you need to understand the basic systems of color classification. The most common system in Europe is RALIt was originally created for industrial needs, but is actively used in the automotive industry. For example, the classic dark gray color is often associated with code. RAL 7021 (Black and grey) or RAL 7016 (Anthracite) These codes serve as a great starting point for colorists, although they are not enough to accurately hit the color of a particular car.
The automotive environment is also widely used catalogue NCS Natural Color System, which is based on the natural perception of color by humans. Here, the hue is described in terms of the percentage of blackness, chromaticity and tone. It is important for the painter to understand that the factory code of the paint (for example, on the sticker in the doorway) is a priority. The use of third-party encoding systems is permissible only at the stage of pre-coloring or during the restoration of elements where the factory code is no longer readable.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on the name of the color when ordering paint. “Dark grey” in different brands can differ dramatically. Always look for the digital code.
There is also a system PantoneIt is more commonly used in printing and design, but has its own automotive counterparts. When working with modern complex colors such as “trico” or “pearl”, a simple color number from the RAL catalog will not give the desired depth effect. In such cases, colorists use base pigments, mixing them in proportions specified in the formula tied to a specific VIN code of the car.
- 🎨 RAL Classic: The standard for industrial and some automotive enamels contains about 200 colors.
- 🚗 OEM Codes: Factory codes of manufacturers (Ford, VW, Toyota), the most accurate for repair.
- 🌍 NCS: A system convenient for describing the hue, but less accurate for ready-made recipes of auto-enamel.
- 💎 PPG/AkzoNobel: Internal catalogs of large manufacturers of paints with thousands of recipes.
Popular factory shades of dark gray
Each car concern is proud of its unique developments in the field of color. For example, the company Mercedes-Benz hues Selenite Greywhich, in different lighting, may appear almost silvery or go into deep wet asphalt. U Audi classic is Daytona Grey - saturated dark gray with a pronounced metallic shine, which requires special attention when applying a lacquer layer to show depth.
Japanese manufacturers also offer interesting variations. Toyota frequently Gunmetal (Arms steel), which is a dark gray with a slight bronze or bluish tint. Mazda in their own signature colors, such as Machine GreyIntroduces light reflecting technology that creates the effect of living metal. When repairing such cars, standard gray enamel from canister will look flat and lifeless compared to the factory coating.
The table below gives examples of popular color codes for different brands, which are often confused with the usual dark gray:
| Make a car | Name of the color | Paint code. | Description of hue |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | Mineral Grey | B46 / 475 | Deep gray with metallic effect |
| Volkswagen | Indium Grey | LD7G | Dark gray-blue metallic |
| Toyota | Magnetic Grey | 1G3 | A saturated dark grey metallic |
| Ford | Magnetic | YZ | Almost black, but with a gray tint |
It is important to note that even within a single model, the color can vary depending on the year of release. Plants can change pigment suppliers or application technology, so the code is 2018 The year may be different from the code 2020 year, despite the same name in the catalog. This phenomenon is called “color drift” and is a headache for masters of body repair.
Why does the color burn out?
Solar ultraviolet light breaks down chemical bonds in pigments and lacquer. Dark gray metallics burn out less noticeably than red or blue ones, but lose depth and saturation over time, becoming fainter.
Technology of selection and coloring of paint
The process of selecting paint for a dark gray car begins with the search for a factory plate. It is usually located in the doorway, under the hood or in the trunk. Found. colour It is entered into the computer base of the coloring center. The program produces a recipe, but an experienced colorist never relies on it blindly. He is obliged to make a test color (fly-nap) and compare it with the body of the car.
The comparison is made under different lighting: in sunlight, in the shade and under an artificial lamp. Dark gray metallics and pearl are particularly sensitive to the viewing angle. If the pigments are not selected correctly, the car may appear lighter in the sun, and darker in the shade than the repaired part. For precise adjustment, micro-additives are used: lighteners, dimmers or additional color pigments.
Color check process:1. Clear the body section.
2. Put the sampler on the metal plate.
3. Dry (naturally or in the chamber).
4. Compare with the body at an angle of 45, 90 and 110 degrees.
Modern spectrophotometers allow you to read the color directly from the body, which eliminates the error of searching for the code. The device analyzes the surface and gives out a percentage of pigments. However, there is a caveat: if the car is old and the paint faded, the computer will offer a recipe for the car. current (burnt) state, not for the factory original. In such cases, manual adjustment of the recipe by the master is required.
When ordering paint in the studio, always ask to make a test painting on a metal plate. Don’t believe the color in the jar or on the screen – it’s always different from reality.
Nuances of painting and drying gray shades
Dark gray paint, especially metallic, requires perfect surface preparation. Any scratch, risk or irregularity on a gray background is much more visible than on a black or white background. Before applying the base, it is necessary to use abrasives of the correct gradation, usually P400-P500 subterranean P800-P1000 under the base to avoid shrinkage and the manifestation of grinding drawings.
When applying the base (the main color), it is critically important to observe the uniformity of the layers. Dark gray pigment has the property of "manifest" spots if the solvent is distributed unevenly. This phenomenon is called “cloud” or “apple”. To avoid this, painters use a special diluent corresponding to the temperature in the paint chamber, and give each syllable sufficient time to evaporate (interlayer drying).
- 🌡️ Temperature: Optimal 20-22°C for drying and painting.
- 💨 Pressure: On a 2.0-2.5 atm pistol for uniform spraying.
- ⏱️ Time: Interlayer drying 10-15 minutes to matteness.
- 🔫 Torch: Covering the previous pass by 50%.
Lacquering also plays a role. For dark gray flowers, it is often recommended to use varnishes with UV filters and increased elasticity. The glossy varnish emphasizes the depth of gray, but also gives out all the defects. Matte varnish, on the contrary, hides small irregularities, but requires special care. Choice between HS (High Solid) and MS (Medium Solid) varnish depends on the requirements for environmental friendliness and the number of layers applied.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to accelerate the drying of the dark gray base with an infrared lamp immediately after application. This can lead to boiling of the solvent and the formation of craters that will look like white dots against a dark background.
☑️ Preparation for painting a gray car
Care for the dark grey body
Owners of cars of dark gray color often face a paradox: on the one hand, on such a body less noticeable road dust than on black, on the other hand - any water spots and traces from dried rain water are visible very clearly. This is due to the contrast between the light coating of salts and the dark background. Regular washing using quality waxed shampoo helps minimize this effect.
To protect the paint coating (LCP), it is recommended to use ceramic coatings or liquid glass. They create a hydrophobic layer, thanks to which the water rolls down without leaving any divorces. For dark gray metallics, this is especially true, since the hydrophobe enhances the visual depth of color and makes the “grain” of the metal more expressive. Polishing with abrasive pastes should be done with care so as not to remove too much varnish.
Car storage also affects the color. Long exposure to direct sunlight can lead to uneven burnout, especially if the body has stickers or protective films. When you remove them, you may find that the color below them is brighter than on the rest of the body. In the case of dark gray, the difference may be less noticeable than with red, but it will still catch the eye in certain lighting.
The main enemy of dark gray color is not dirt, but static plaque and water spots. Regular treatment with hydrophobic compounds will prolong the life of the color and simplify washing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I paint a scratch on a gray car with a regular spray paint?
Technically possible, but visually it will be noticeable. Factory paint and aerosol have a different grain structure (especially in metallic) and shade. For small chips, it is better to use a restoration pencil, and for large damages - professional selection in the color studio.
Why does my car change its shade in the sun?
This is a normal property of pigments such as "metallic" or "pearl". Aluminum powder or mica in the paint reflect light differently at different angles. This is called the flop effect. If the color changes too sharply or rainbow spots appear, the painting technology may be disrupted.
How to find the paint code if the sticker is erased?
The code is often duplicated in the service book or documents when you purchase it. If they are not, you can contact the official dealer for the VIN-coat. In extreme cases, a colorist can take a sample (the lid of a gas tank hatch or the inside of a door) and computerize the color, but this is less accurate.
Is it difficult to sell a car in dark gray color?
No, dark gray is one of the most liquid colors on the market. It is considered neutral, strict and practical. Buyers often look for these shades, as they keep a neat look longer compared to white or black cars.