There has long been a perception that red cars tend to fade and show their age faster than cars of other colors. But is this really true? In this article, we’ll examine the evidence behind this belief and try to determine if red paint actually does degrade more quickly than other shades. Understanding the factors that affect automotive paint fade can help drivers make informed choices when selecting their next vehicle color.
What causes automotive paint to fade?
All automotive paints, regardless of color, are susceptible to fading and degradation over time due to exposure to sunlight and environmental conditions. However, some factors can accelerate the fading process:
- UV radiation – The sun’s ultraviolet rays can break down the polymers and pigments in paint over time. This causes the paint to appear chalky and lose its luster.
- Heat – Sustained high temperatures from the sun can cause the resins in paint to oxidize faster, leading to fading. Darker paint absorbs more heat, accelerating oxidation.
- Moisture – Humidity and rainwater can react with chemicals in paint, dulling the finish. Acid rain is particularly problematic.
- Air pollution – Industrial fallout and vehicle emissions introduce contaminants that can bond to paint and alter its appearance.
- Washing and cleaning – Frequent washing and aggressive cleaning methods slowly strip away layers of paint over time.
Because red paint contains Pigments that strongly absorb visible light and heat, it is more vulnerable to degradation from sunlight, heat, and washing than lighter paint colors. But many factors affect the rate of fade, not just color.
How automotive paint is formulated
Modern automotive paints are complex formulations consisting of:
- Pigments – Finely ground colored particles that provide paint with its hue. Red contains a mix of strong pigments.
- Resins – Bonding agents like acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy that form the paint film.
- Additives – Ingredients that enhance durability, texture, hiding power, and other qualities.
- Solvents – Carriers that facilitate application by adjusting viscosity and flow.
The pigments used in a given paint play the biggest role in determining resistance to fading. Inorganic pigments like cadmium and iron oxide provide excellent lightfastness, while organic ones like perinone fade more quickly. Paint chemists choose pigments to balance cost, color, and durability.
Manufacturers continue to improve paint technology to increase protection from UV rays. Additives like stabilizers and absorbers help block radiation, while advanced resins create a tougher barrier. But no paint can be made impervious to fading with time and wear.
How red paint compares to other colors
Red automotive paints primarily utilize iron oxide (rust) pigments along with small amounts of cadmium, perinone, and other organic pigments. The strong, pure red tones provided by these pigments come at a cost – they absorb a lot of visible light energy.
According to color theory, the longer wavelength light absorbed by red paint is more energetic than other colors. This leads red paints to heat up more under sunlight. The additional heat accelerates chemical reactions with oxygen that degrade the paint over time.
Lighter paint colors like white, silver, tan, and yellow don’t experience the same light and heat absorption. Pastel paints also fade less visibly than bold, saturated hues. Metallic paints help reflect more sunlight away from the surface to reduce fade.
So while all automotive paints experience wear with age and use, the inherent properties of red pigments do make red paints more prone to fading than other colors.
Does wax and paint protection help?
Regular waxing and paint protection treatments can help extend the life and vibrancy of any painted surface, including red cars. Protective waxes and sealants provide a transparent layer that helps block UV rays. This reduces oxidation and color degradation caused by the sun.
However, waxes must be reapplied every few months as the protection wears off. Over time, the clearcoat paint underneath still absorbs damage from the elements. So while waxing helps preserve red’s showroom luster longer, it only slows the inevitable fade over years of driving.
Other paint protection methods like ceramic coatings bond to the clearcoat for longer-lasting protection from the elements. But they cannot prevent UV damage to the paint underneath either. No protective coating lasts forever or undoes damage sustained by unprotected paint.
Do some red cars hold up better than others?
Red paint technology and formulations continue to improve, so some vehicles may show better fade resistance than others. High-end brands known for paint quality like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes tend to formulate their paints for maximum durability.
Consumer testing over decades has shown Honda and Toyota paints maintain their showroom looks longer on average, though many factors are involved. Brands have shifted to water-based and high solids paints that create a tougher, thicker surface film.
But even with advances in coatings, most red cars will require more frequent touch-up and repainting than lighter colors after 5-7 years on the road. No automaker has managed to overcome the intrinsic vulnerability of red pigments to light.
Tips for preserving red paint
While red paint may fade faster than other shades, drivers can take steps to keep their car looking its best:
- Wax at least twice yearly and touch up any chips
- Use a UV-resistant sealant or coating
- Park in shade or use a cover when possible
- Remove bird droppings, tree sap quickly to avoid etching
- Wash with a gentler, phosphate-free soap
- Avoid washing in direct sunlight
- Limit use of abrasive polishes and buffing
With proper care and maintenance, red paint can maintain its vibrancy and gloss for years before needing a professional repaint. While touch-up may be needed more often, many red car enthusiasts find the visual impact worth the additional effort.
Conclusion
Red automobile paint does tend to fade and oxidize faster than lighter, less chromatic colors. The properties of red pigments that allow them to produce such bold, dramatic hues also make them more prone to degradation from heat, UV light, and weathering. This doesn’t mean red cars can’t look great for years with care – only that their finish may require a bit more attention to keep in top condition compared to other shades. For drivers who love the powerful visual statement of red, taking steps to protect the paint can help counteract its natural tendency to show age. With a quality application and proper maintenance, red paint can look sensational long after driving off the dealership lot.
