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Metallic paint
Metallic paint, which may also be called metal flake (or incorrectly named polychromatic), is a type of paint that is most common on new automobiles, but is also used for other purposes. Metallic paint can reveal the contours of bodywork more than non-metallic, or "solid" paint. Close-up, the small metal flakes included in the paint create a sparkling effect mimicking a metal surface.
Metallic paints, or just metallics, generally consist of a base coat with a clear "lacquer", usually a transparent acrylic polyurethane top coat, for protection and extra gloss.
"Flop", or "flip-flop", refers to the difference between the amount or hue of light reflected at different angles from a metallic paint surface. The differences are caused by the size and reflectivity of the flakes in the paint, and also by their orientation and the degree to which they are all oriented in the same direction. Historically, it was difficult to achieve an invisible repair if the paint was damaged because it is critical to reproduce the flop of the original surface as well as its pigment. Modern techniques have more or less eliminated this problem.
Metallic paints may be generically referred to as metal-flake paint, but a specific variation uses larger flakes of metal that are individually visible. Flakes with different colour effects may also be used within the same paint. Larger flakes (.004" and larger) are more reflective due to their size. These are sprayed in a mid-coat over a base coat color before being cleared. Sometimes often referred to as "bass boat flake".
Pearlescent paint uses embedded pieces of iridescent material to produce subtly different colours depending on the angle and intensity of the light. More radical colour changes and "two-tone" or "flip" colours (e.g. from purple to orange) are sometimes produced. Two-tone paints such as ChromaFlair have been used by Nissan on some special parts, and are frequently associated with TVR cars.
Metallic paint is sometimes described as polychromatic paint, although sometimes only two paints showing strong colour-changing effects. This is distinct from polychrome decoration, which is a traditional decoration in multiple flat colours.
Tri-coat paints include candy apple, or flamboyant[clarification needed] consists of a metallic base coat, usually silver or gold, covered with a translucent coloured lacquer, or more commonly urethane. Tri-coats gives an unusual depth effect and are very challenging to touch up after damage without leaving an obvious mark. It is common on bikes, motorcycles and electric guitars.[citation needed] It has also traditionally been used on custom hot rod cars, and in the 21st century, has become more common in factory paint colors (most commonly as an extra-cost option).
Ford and Mazda used a three coat process, marketed as Tri-Coat, with a solid color base coat, a transparent mid-coat, and a clear coat — creating a strong difference in the brightness of the color depending on the viewing angle. Examples include Ford's White Suede Tri-Coat and Ruby Red Tri-Coat as well as Mazda Soul Red Crystal.
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Metallic paint
Metallic paint, which may also be called metal flake (or incorrectly named polychromatic), is a type of paint that is most common on new automobiles, but is also used for other purposes. Metallic paint can reveal the contours of bodywork more than non-metallic, or "solid" paint. Close-up, the small metal flakes included in the paint create a sparkling effect mimicking a metal surface.
Metallic paints, or just metallics, generally consist of a base coat with a clear "lacquer", usually a transparent acrylic polyurethane top coat, for protection and extra gloss.
"Flop", or "flip-flop", refers to the difference between the amount or hue of light reflected at different angles from a metallic paint surface. The differences are caused by the size and reflectivity of the flakes in the paint, and also by their orientation and the degree to which they are all oriented in the same direction. Historically, it was difficult to achieve an invisible repair if the paint was damaged because it is critical to reproduce the flop of the original surface as well as its pigment. Modern techniques have more or less eliminated this problem.
Metallic paints may be generically referred to as metal-flake paint, but a specific variation uses larger flakes of metal that are individually visible. Flakes with different colour effects may also be used within the same paint. Larger flakes (.004" and larger) are more reflective due to their size. These are sprayed in a mid-coat over a base coat color before being cleared. Sometimes often referred to as "bass boat flake".
Pearlescent paint uses embedded pieces of iridescent material to produce subtly different colours depending on the angle and intensity of the light. More radical colour changes and "two-tone" or "flip" colours (e.g. from purple to orange) are sometimes produced. Two-tone paints such as ChromaFlair have been used by Nissan on some special parts, and are frequently associated with TVR cars.
Metallic paint is sometimes described as polychromatic paint, although sometimes only two paints showing strong colour-changing effects. This is distinct from polychrome decoration, which is a traditional decoration in multiple flat colours.
Tri-coat paints include candy apple, or flamboyant[clarification needed] consists of a metallic base coat, usually silver or gold, covered with a translucent coloured lacquer, or more commonly urethane. Tri-coats gives an unusual depth effect and are very challenging to touch up after damage without leaving an obvious mark. It is common on bikes, motorcycles and electric guitars.[citation needed] It has also traditionally been used on custom hot rod cars, and in the 21st century, has become more common in factory paint colors (most commonly as an extra-cost option).
Ford and Mazda used a three coat process, marketed as Tri-Coat, with a solid color base coat, a transparent mid-coat, and a clear coat — creating a strong difference in the brightness of the color depending on the viewing angle. Examples include Ford's White Suede Tri-Coat and Ruby Red Tri-Coat as well as Mazda Soul Red Crystal.