Machined paint is becoming one of the most common and desired paintworks on modern vehicles, but what factors create this look? What’s involved in obtaining a ‘perfect’ auto spray paint finish? You can glance at recent innovations in paint application technology and discuss how various defects are removed from the surface with mechanical polishing equipment. We’ll also look at the three layers of car body paint and how serious enthusiasts can apply this finish to their vehicles.
All car bodywork has irregularities, imperfections and cracks that can be felt with your fingertips. They were all once smooth and flat before they were painted onto the car. It’s these features that are used to identify different cars, as well as the car’s age. However, they’re also vital identifying features in the insurance claims process if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in an accident.
What are three layers of car paint colours?
Due to their high price, three-coat colours were initially mainly used on luxury and high-end vehicles. However, manufacturers began to use it more frequently over time. These days, the majority of well-known brands offer this colour in their catalogue for their more recent models. Despite being more expensive than other finishes, drivers are becoming more interested in three-coat colours.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the professional painter, for whom the intricacy of the repair and the need for the best results when repainting grows.
The intricacy and preparation required by this technological advancement in colour will undoubtedly increase the time and cost of the repair. Professionals must therefore possess the necessary knowledge to handle this kind of work.
The three layers to paint on cars are:
First coat:
Car body paint is an intermediate coat made up of various painting techniques. This will give the finish its standard hue.
Second coat:
This coat’s ingredients can vary from manufacturer to next. A transparent colour coat is used in some painting techniques, allowing light to enter through and bounce off the intermediate coat.
Third layer:
Final clear coat, which strives to provide the surface with the sheen and protection needed.
Originally, the only type of car spray paint job available was single-stage paint. Single-stage paint jobs are paint jobs where all the details in the car come out as one solid colour. This means there is no clear coat because multiple colours would make it impossible to see the car’s details.
Three-stage paint jobs are among the most exquisite stock paint jobs you can find and are becoming more and more popular.
What is solid car paint?
Most automobiles have a “solid” car body paint finish as standard equipment; metallic and pearlescent finishes are additional. When a car is manufactured, solid paint is easier to produce and apply, so most manufacturers only provide a small number of free solid paint options. Primer, paint, and lacquer are often the only three layers used, and no metallic flakes are applied.
What is metallic car paint?
Tiny bits of aluminium powder are blended into a metallic paint. The shine results from light reflection by the metal particles. Metallics sparkle even on cloudy days. They look their best in direct, natural light.
Repairing metallic car body paint is more challenging because finding an exact match is challenging. No promises are made, not even by body shops with manufacturer approval.
What is pearlescent paint?
Although pearlescent paints sparkle even more brilliantly and intensely than metallic paints, they are typically more expensive and require more maintenance. Ceramic crystals in the paint that reflect and refract light give the paint its iridescent sheen. Because of this, the colour has a depth that not even metallics can equal.
What is matte car paint?
Non-shiny matte finishes are less popular because they often only come in silver, grey, or black hues. Additionally, they are more expensive and require more maintenance than pearlescent paints. Matte finishes require a lot of upkeep; they should be regularly cleaned with specialised shampoos and polishes.
Final words
Today, modern panel beaters can obtain a superior finish to their auto spray paint. While the big question on everyone’s mind is, of course, whether or not it is worth the time, effort and expense involved. Even if you’re not ready to go to this level, there will be a basic understanding of what goes into obtaining a perfectly finished paint surface. Your appreciation of paint may even lead you to fully polish your vehicle!