Complete Guide to Automotive Paint Important Things to Know

The automotive paint gives the vehicle extra "bling" and gives it a brand-new appearance. It gives a basic product and boosts its manufacturing and presentation value, making it extremely desirable. It is distinct from other types of generic paint, which is highly significant. It is designed to last for the duration of the vehicle. In this blog, let's understand the important things.

Vehicle manufacturing is rising, and paint technology is improving. These paints' higher performance characteristics and capacity to be employed in reduced VOC formulations have led to an increase in their utilization. Thus, these factors boost market expansion. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Automotive Paint Market is likely to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

History of Automotive Paint

The introduction of metallic paints throughout the 1950s created a substantial change in the automotive paint industry. This brand-new invention enthralled auto aficionados all over the world with its brilliant finish. Metallic paint flakes added a captivating look that improved the general appearance of cars.

Automotive paint technology has advanced steadily over time. Paint makers have concentrated on enhancing paint's toughness, resilience against the elements, and variety of colors, particularly in recent decades.

Here are three stages to the painting of an automotive

Using the primer

The procedure entails painting the car using primer. The primer serves a variety of purposes, including guarding the body against heat differences, rust, UV rays, stone chips, etc. The primer also aids in leveling the body's surface and is crucial in correcting production flaws.

Base coat spraying

Following the primer, the base coat is sprayed onto the car's surface. The colors and visual characteristics start to take shape at this point. Base coats are often available in three varieties: iridescent, metallic, and solid. Each of the three possesses a unique characteristic. The metallic paint has a dazzling appearance whereas the solid paints do not, adding bling to the appearance.

Clear coat spraying

The transparent coating is the last step. After painting, the base coat is given a clear coating. As the car will be in close touch with the outside following this stage, the transparent coating is also essential. It must be able to withstand UV light and abrasion. This coating may be water- or solvent-borne. The complete process of painting an automobile comes to an end here.

What are the kinds of automotive paint finishes?

Metallic Paint: Metallic paint is, at its most basic, just color applied, then a layer of lacquer is added on top. To get a shine that is far more appealing than that of the standard solid paints, a little amount of metal powder is added as well to the paint layer.

Pearlescent Paint: Pearlescent paints are a combination of the fundamental elements found in metallic paint, except that ceramic crystals commonly referred to as mica, are used in place of metal powder. Mica has the unusual ability to not only reflect light but also to refract it.