It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your new car: what colour it will be. The colour of your car can tell the world something about you, it can dramatically affect how the car looks, and it can radically affect its used value.

Choosing a car paint colour can seem like an overwhelming decision and to some, it is almost irreversible. You may opt to change the paint but it is quite tedious. We will discuss that in the next blog. 

For now, join us in reading this blog article as we walk you through choosing the perfect car paint colour and what information you need to consider first. 

Different Types of Car Paint

When you go to Hibiscus Coast Panel Beaters or any shops to get your car painted, you will be faced with a confusing range of options. 

  • Do you want lacquer or enamel? 
  • Is it better to go with a urethane finish? 
  • What’s the difference between all these paint types anyway?

These are just a few of the many questions coast panel beaters usually ask when you visit the shop.

There are three basic types of car paint: Lacquer, Enamel, and Urethane.

1. Lacquer paint 

This is a thin, quick-drying liquid applied in multiple coats that build up until they reach the desired thickness. Once the last coat is used, it’s allowed to dry completely and then rubbed down with fine sandpaper or abrasive pads to create a smooth finish.

The cheapest option of the three common kinds of automotive paints: is lacquer, enamel, and urethane. Because of its low cost, many people choose to purchase lacquer paint when painting their cars. However, this may not be the best choice for all projects.

2. Enamel paint

It is a type of paint that is made with an oil-based colourant—typically made from ground minerals and natural resins—and processed in a manner that results in a glossy, smooth finish. Enamel paint is commonly used for cars.

The primary benefit of enamel paint is its glossy, smooth finish, allowing it to protect surfaces from the elements without needing a clear coat. For example, enamel paint can be used on cars to provide a protective layer and maintain their lustre and shine, even when under direct sunlight. Further, enamel paint can be used on both new and old cars as long as the proper preparation steps are taken before applying the paint, including sanding and priming the car surface.

Because of its durability and strong resistance to weather conditions, enamel paint is also often used for other materials besides cars. For example, it can be used to paint woodwork like doors or trim to prevent cracking and peeling. Enamel paints also tend to be more resilient against chemicals than other paints.

3. Urethane paints 

These are a type of paint commonly used on cars. These paints are applied to the exterior surface of a vehicle, and they form a tough film that protects the car’s body from wear and tear. They can be used on nearly any material, including metal, plastic, and fibreglass.

The difference between urethanes and other types of paint is that urethanes are much more flexible than enamels or lacquers—the common types of paint used on cars. This flexibility allows them to absorb damage from small impacts without flaking or cracking.

Choosing the Right Colour for your Car

Picking the right car colour goes beyond picking your favourite. When choosing a colour, consider several things, including how easy it is to maintain and what kind of message it sends. Here are a few tips for choosing the right colour for you:

  1. Choose a colour that’s easy to maintain. Some colours are more challenging to clean than others and easily show stains, i.e., white or black. White shows every detail while black hides it well. Over time, those small marks and scratches will resurface and might affect the resale value of your vehicle.
  2. Consider whether the colour will coordinate with your wardrobe. Believe it or not, your vehicle’s colour can be an essential part of your brand. For instance, if you’re in sales and want to convey a professional image, choose a colour that will coordinate with the suits you wear to work. On the other hand, if you want your vehicle to make a statement about your unique personality, go with something flashy or unusual.
  3. Consider how well the colour will stand out from its environment. If you live in an urban area where there are many cars on the road at any given time, choose a bright colour so that you won’t blend in with all of the other vehicles on the street. If you live in an area where bright colours aren’t common, choose a shade that will stand out.

We know how important your vehicle is to you. It gets you where you need to go and keeps you safe. Here at Hibiscus Coast Panel Beaters, we do our best to make sure that you’ve got a car that looks as good as it runs when you come out of the shop. Further, we ensure all paint jobs are done professionally and handled by experts only.

Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today!