By Heather Listhartke
There are many reasons why you might be considering painting your car. Maybe the paint has faded, started peeling, or there’s some scratches that you want to cover up. Maybe you’re like me and figured out that that pretty metallic blue that was so nice and enticing turned out to not be the color that you longed for after all. Whether the paint has faded on your car, needs a rejuvenation, or you’re just restoring that old classic, deciding what and how to paint your car can be a difficult task. Places like Price’s Collision Center can help you with deciding what and how to paint your vehicle that may need work anywhere from minor repair painting to a full refinish, but keep in mind that custom paint jobs can add to the process often requiring a special consultation. Here’s some unique paint choices to consider for when you repaint your car.
1.Two-tone
The two tone look is created with solid paint that is in different sections. This look is popular among classics from the 1950s such as this one that was originally painted in the two tone scheme. While some car people insist that two tone on the modern car doesn’t look good, there is an equal part of people who choose the two tone paint job for their car. Whether you like the look or want to stick with tradition, the two-tone paint job may be for you.
2.Matte
Matte paints give your car a look that is rare in the car world. Instead of having an overly shiny look, the car “absorbs” some of the light rather than reflecting all of it, giving it a flat appearance. Many car manufacturers such as BMW and Maserati call this look “frozen.” Hyundai in the last few years has given this as an upgrade to their Hyundai Velosters, but with an extra step to the process. They require customers to sign a waiver of liability on the paint as it requires a special cleaning procedure: absolutely no automatic car washes.
3.Pearl
Just as beautiful as an actual pearl, these paint jobs have a unique shine to them that entices a lot of people including car companies. Many companies, such as Audi, have started using this as a nice feature on their higher end or luxury vehicles, but for those of us looking for a change for our not-so-high-end vehicles, this may be the nice change you’re looking for. The paint job is not just a sparkle, but a deep color that can vary depending on how you look at it.
4.Metallic
Metallic paint has become quite popular among factory vehicles including my own 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The Metallic paints have a similar look to solid paints with an extra shine caused by the powdered metal that is added to the paint. The extra shine creates the benefit of hiding minor damage more effectively than solid paint. However, if you ever do need to repaint, it’s much harder to get metallic paint to match properly, making it far more difficult to repair when damaged.
There are other choices to choose from in the car paint world like the brand of paint to use. Many car repair places use the typical ppg or Dupont paint, but others use a high-end paint company called Sikkens. Rick Flores from Price’s Collision in Brentwood suggests this type of paint as it goes on easier with fewer coats, and tends to shine better than other brands. No matter what paint that you choose talk with your local paint and repair shop for the option that is best for you. They can give suggestions based off of your preferences and save you money in the long run.
