Gunmetal grey is a popular color for vehicles, appliances, tools, and other metal items. But is gunmetal grey actually a metallic color? The answer is not so straightforward.
While gunmetal grey contains hints of blue, black, and brown, its defining characteristic is its metallic-looking sheen. The shine gives the impression that the surface is metal. However, gunmetal grey paint and powder coating are not made with metal flakes like some other automotive paint colors.
So while gunmetal grey looks metallic, it is actually created without metal. Understanding the distinction between appearance and composition helps explain this color’s traits.
What is Gunmetal Grey?
Gunmetal grey is a dark grey color with a blueish tint. It sits between black and blue on the color wheel. The color first became popular in the early 20th century.
Gunmetal grey gets its name from its resemblance to the dark grey color of gun metal. This refers to the steel alloys used in firearm barrels and other components. The blueish tint comes from oxidization that causes the metal to take on a blue-grey hue over time.
Modern gunmetal grey paint captures the look of worn gun metal’s oxidization. But it does this without actual metal content.
Gunmetal Grey Color Codes
Gunmetal grey is available across paint types, fabrics, plastics, and metals. But the exact shade can vary slightly between manufacturers. Here are some of the most common gunmetal grey color codes:
| RGB | 49, 52, 56 |
| Hex | #303438 |
| CMYK | 12, 7, 0, 78 |
| Pantone | 429 C |
These codes provide a starting point to understand gunmetal grey’s coloring. But you’ll find variations, especially between powder coating and automotive paint manufacturers.
Is Gunmetal Grey Metallic?
Gunmetal grey is metallic in appearance only. It mimics the look of worn, oxidized gun metal steel. But modern gunmetal grey contains no actual metal.
Metallic Paint
Metallic paints use metal flakes to create a sparkling, reflective effect. The flakes are often aluminum, mica, or stainless steel. They reflect and refract light.
This is what causes metallic paints to shine brightly and appear to change color at different viewing angles. You’ll find metallic paint jobs on luxury and sports cars. Gunmetal grey is not created using real metal flakes.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a process that uses electrostatic charge to apply colored powder to metal. The powder particles bond and cure into a smooth, protective finish.
Metallic powder coats do contain tiny metal and mica particles. These add a glistening effect. But gunmetal grey powder coats do not contain metal flakes. The metallic appearance comes from using dark, bluish-grey pigments.
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized aluminum goes through an electrolytic process to create a protective oxide layer on the surface. This anodized layer allows absorbing dye for color.
Gunmetal grey is a popular anodized aluminum color. But the anodized layer is clear, hard aluminum oxide. The grey metallic color comes from dye, not from metal content.
Why Does Gunmetal Grey Look Metallic?
Modern paint and coatings technology allows creating the look of metal without using actual metal flakes. This gives gunmetal grey its metallic appearance through precise combinations of pigments.
Dark and Neutral Tones
The darker grayscale foundation of gunmetal grey lends a serious, heavyweight look. This provides contrast against the shining metal finish it aims to mimic.
Blue and Green Tints
Subtle blue and green undertones provide coolness while maintaining a neutral backdrop. This hints at the blue-green patina oxidized steel takes on. The tints soften the darkness into an complex grey.
Pearlescent Pigments
Interference or goniochromatic pigments add pearlescence. These materials reflect and refract light. The effect mimics metallic flakes in paint. Overall, the finish takes on a lustrous sheen.
Metal Powder
Some gunmetal grey coatings do contain small amounts of metal or mica powder. These particles enhance the metallic look. But the concentrations are much lower compared to true metallic coatings.
Textured Finish
The surface texture also enhances the metallic illusion. Slight graininess or an orange peel effect refracts light. This mimics the way metal flakes scatter reflections.
Gunmetal Grey vs. Other Greys
Gunmetal grey is often confused with similarly-named greys. But it has defining characteristics that set it apart.
Gunmetal Grey vs. Battleship Grey
– Battleship grey is lighter with a strong green tint. It was commonly used on 20th century naval ships.
– Gunmetal grey is darker and has hints of blue instead of green.
– Battleship grey appears less metallic than gunmetal’s blue-tinged sheen.
Gunmetal Grey vs. Charcoal Grey
– Charcoal grey is lighter than gunmetal, without the metallic look.
– Gunmetal grey is bluer, while charcoal grey has a brownish tone.
– Charcoal grey is matte, while gunmetal grey has a noticeable sheen.
Gunmetal Grey vs. Carbon Grey
– Carbon grey has a lighter, grayer tone without blue/green tints.
– Gunmetal grey is darker and warmer than the black-shaded carbon grey.
– Carbon grey is a flat grey while gunmetal grey looks reflective.
Uses of Gunmetal Grey
Gunmetal grey’s metallic appearance makes it a popular choice for:
Vehicles
Gunmetal grey is now second only to silver for new car colors. It replaced black as the top luxury and sports car tone. It gives a sense of strength and timelessness.
Appliances
Home and kitchen appliances like refrigerators and ovens come in gunmetal grey. It provides a more sophisticated look than stainless steel.
Tools
Power tools, hand tools, and tool storage use gunmetal grey. It looks rugged while hiding scuffs better than black. Brands like DeWalt and Craftsman use gunmetal as a signature color.
Jewelry
Gunmetal grey is common in men’s jewelry like watches and rings. It provides style without the flashy look of silver and has a masculine edge.
Tech Devices
Laptops, phones, and other electronics come in gunmetal grey options. The darker color hides fingerprints well. It looks sleeker than black plastic.
Pros and Cons of Gunmetal Grey
Gunmetal grey offers unique advantages but also has some drawbacks to consider:
Pros
– Distinctive metallic look without actual metal content
– Sophisticated and modern appearance
– Neutral backdrop that complements accent colors
– Hides scratches and scuffs better than black
Cons
– Difficult to match or reproduce exactly across materials
– Shows dirt more than lighter silvers and grays
– Can look dingy if the finish loses its luster over time
– Doesn’t attract buyers as much as brighter, more vibrant colors
Conclusion
Gunmetal grey gives the look of metal without containing actual metal flakes or particles. Modern paints and coatings use carefully balanced pigments to create the metallic illusion. The neutral grey base with blue/green tints provides a cool, luxe feel.
While not a true metallic like colors with real aluminum flakes, gunmetal grey achieves its own distinct high-tech aesthetic. The complexity from its hinting sheen and subtle dimensionality makes gunmetal a popular choice. When the finish stays smooth and shiny, gunmetal grey takes on an eye-catching metallic appearance.