In fairness to the car companies, it can cost more to provide a premium colour. Mazda, as an example, charges no extra for conventional metallic paints, but its Soul Red, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey colours are applied to the car using a sophisticated production process that's quite costly.
According to the manufacturer, Soul Red starts out as a reflecting layer, with a "semi-transparent paint layer" with "regularly arrayed aluminum flakes" applied over it. A third clear layer is then sprayed over the top of both in a process that Mazda advises is very carefully controlled by robotic technology for uniform thickness across the whole body.
Mazda developed a new control system for this specific production process. In contrast, conventional metallic paint application comprises just two layers — a base coat and an acrylic lacquer top coat, the latter being transparent.
An increasingly common colour option is the matt finish, which is applied in a process akin to conventional metallic paint, but with a 'rough' top coat that doesn't reflect light the way a 'glossy' top coat would. Illustrating the range of option prices for cars available from new in Australia, here's a list of cars for which car companies charge extra for metallic and other higher-cost paint options.
Some of the prices charged will take your breath away. And those with a chronic heart condition are strongly advised n ot to look at premium-paint option prices for very expensive cars from high-end manufacturers.
These Ads will be marked 'Sponsored'. Solid paint colours are available as standard usually and choices can vary from just a few options to several colours. Popular colours are white, which has made a strong comeback in recent years, black and red. White and light-coloured paints are some of the best choices for maintenance as dirt and blemishes are less noticeable, surface scratches are usually much less noticeable too on white and light coloured cars.
There are two main processes in use to produce solid paint. Either the paint is applied and then finished with a clear lacquer top-coat that provides a hard-outer protective layer, or the paint is mixed with a hardening agent thus removing the need for an outer lacquered coat. Both methods provide a solid protective base to protect against the elements, stone chips etc.
The downside to solid paints can be the car may be less appealing when you eventually decide to sell and vehicle residual values can be better on vehicles with metallic, pearlesent or special paint finishes. Metallic paints are essentially a solid paint mixed with metallic particles. The type, amount, size and colour of the particles can vary to produce all kinds of glitter and sparkle effects, some more subtle than others, but all metallic paints will give you a shinier finish than a solid paint.
The need for car manufacturers to charge extra for metallic paints is due to the more laborious and time-consuming process involved in producing and applying the metallic paint to a vehicle especially the latter. The benefits are metallic paints with their reflective finish generally look more appealing than solid paints. The extra you pay initially for metallic may well pay off in a few years too, when you come to sell the vehicle; increasing its value and making it a more appealing proposition to would-be buyers.
Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. By autorehab. In Blog. Which type of paint suits your car best? Metallic Paint Metallic paint incorporates little pieces of metal into the paint mix that provide sheen to the paint finish.
Non-metallic paint Non-metallic paint provides a solid matte effect when used on vehicles. Leave a Comment. Recent Posts.
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