Metallic paint is a popular choice for many car buyers today. The sparkling, shimmering finish gives a vehicle a high-end, luxurious look. But metallic paint also comes at a higher cost than regular solid paint colors. Is the premium price tag worth it for metallic car paint? There are several factors to consider.
What is Metallic Car Paint?
Metallic paint contains tiny flakes of metal mixed into the colored paint. When the paint dries, these metal flakes are oriented at different angles, reflecting light differently. This creates a shimmering effect that appears to change tone and depth as the viewing angle changes in relation to the light source. The metal flakes are typically aluminum, but can also be bronze, stainless steel, mica, or pearl.
Compared to non-metallic solid paint, the metallic paint particles make the finish more lustrous and eye-catching. The metal flakes also help hide minor swirl marks and imperfections in the paint. However, metallic paint is harder to touch up if the paint gets scratched or chipped. The repair will be visible because it’s difficult to exactly match the orientation of the metallic flakes in the touch-up paint.
Cost of Metallic Car Paint
On average, choosing a metallic paint option costs $300-$600 more than getting a standard solid color. But the price increase can vary significantly based on:
– Car make and model – Luxury and sports cars tend to charge more for metallic paint upgrades. Compact, economy cars may have lower upcharges.
– Color choice – Some colors like white, silver, and black metallics may be close to the base price. More exotic colors can cost $1000 or more extra.
– Number of coats – Multiple layers of metallic paint leads to a deeper, richer look. But additional coats also increase labor time and materials.
– Dealership fees – Dealers sometimes tack on added fees for upgrading to metallic paint at the time of purchase.
So metallic paint can range from a few hundred bucks to over a thousand dollars more than regular paint. The premium pricing reflects the higher material costs as well as the extra process time needed to apply metallic paint.
Pros of Choosing Metallic Paint
Here are some of the benefits that come with selecting a metallic paint option for your new car:
– **Visual Appeal** – The glittery, shimmery finish attracts attention and gives the car extra curb appeal. Metallic paintwork stands out on the road and makes your vehicle look more exotic.
– **Resale Value** – Vehicles with metallic paint often command higher resale prices compared to similar cars with regular solid paint. The extra cost is often recouped when you sell the vehicle.
– **Durability** – The metal flakes help conceal small scratches and swirl marks in the clearcoat finish. Metallic paint holds up better under washing and environmental exposure.
– **Customization** – Metallic paint gives you a much wider range of color choices beyond basic whites, blacks, silvers, and grays. You can choose unique colors that match your style.
– **Protection** – Metallic paint does a better job resisting oxidation and fading from UV exposure compared to solid paint. It provides added protection for the exterior body panels.
Cons of Choosing Metallic Paint
The downsides of choosing metallic car paint include:
– **Higher Cost** – The upgrade cost may not fit into your budget constraints. The extra expense may not be justified if keeping costs down is your top priority.
– **Difficult Touch-ups** – Successfully blending touch-up paint on metallic finishes is extremely challenging. Any paint repairs are more noticeable.
– **Complex Application** – Achieving consistent results requires specialized techniques and paint booth conditions. Not all body shops can work with metallics.
– **Limited Availability** – Some automakers only offer metallic paints on higher trims or at added expense. Color selection can be limited if sticking to lower price points.
– **Heat Absorption** – The metal flakes tend to absorb heat at a higher rate. This can lead to faster fading and degradation of the paint over time.
How Durable is Metallic Car Paint?
When properly maintained and cared for, a quality metallic paint job is highly durable and can maintain its luster for years. However, there are some considerations regarding longevity:
– Metallic paint fades faster than solid paint when exposed to UV rays, heat, and environmental contaminants. Expect to see some loss of gloss and darkening of color over time.
– The orientation of the metal flakes makes metallic paint more prone to showing hairline scratches. Washing and waxing is important to preserve the finish.
– Chemicals like bird droppings or tree sap can cause staining and water spots on metallic paint. These need quick removal to avoid permanent etching.
– Minor paint chips and flaws become more visible and harder to touch up. Metallic paint is best protected from stone chips with wrap film in high impact areas.
– Metallic paint can eventually start to separate and delaminate from the body after many years in extreme climates. This leads to oxidation and rust underneath.
| Paint Type | Durability Rating |
|---|---|
| Solid | Good |
| Metallic | Very Good |
| Pearlescent | Excellent |
Proper maintenance like washing, waxing, and paint correction can maximize the durability of any metallic paint. But it still may start to show age between 5-10 years depending on conditions.
How to Care for Metallic Paint
Special care and maintenance is required to keep your metallic paint looking its best:
– **Hand wash only** – Avoid automatic car washes which can create swirl marks in the finish. Use the two bucket hand wash method with a quality car wash soap.
– **Wax 2-3 times per year** – Apply polymer sealants and waxes to protect the clearcoat from the elements. This adds gloss and repels contaminants.
– **Quickly remove contaminants** – Tree sap, bird droppings, and road tar should be gently removed ASAP to avoid etched stains. Clay bar treatment can remove embedded particles.
– **Avoid abrasives** – Don’t use any harsh cleaners, chemicals, or polishes that contain abrasives which will scratch the clearcoat.
– **Touch up paint chips** – Use touch up pens to quickly fill in any paint chips. This prevents further chipping and oxidation in damaged areas.
– **Inspect paint yearly** – Closely check for any scratches, swirls, oxidation, staining or damage. Addressing issues early prevents further degradation.
– **Paint protection film** – Applying clear film shields vulnerable front end sections from stone chips and road debris.
Is Metallic Paint Worth the Extra Cost?
Whether the upgrade cost is worthwhile depends on your priorities:
– For a luxury vehicle, metallic paint adds to the overall high-end appearance and is likely worth the expense.
– On family vehicles, the visual appeal of metallic paint may not be noticed enough to justify the higher cost.
– If you plan on keeping the car long term, metallic provides added durability and better resale value.
– For leasing or frequent vehicle swaps, the benefits may not outweigh the premium paid.
– If you drive in desert or coastal climates, metallic paint holds up better against UV exposure and oxidation over many years of use.
– The choice ultimately comes down to your eye for aesthetics and how much importance you place on the visual appearance of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Metallic car paint undoubtedly provides an attractive, head-turning shine. It also offers added durability compared to conventional solid paint. However, the higher initial cost means metallic paint isn’t the right choice for everyone. Carefully consider your personal priorities, budget constraints, and planned length of ownership before deciding if metallic is worth the investment. With proper maintenance, a metallic paint job can remain brilliant and lustrous for many years on the right vehicle. Just be prepared to pay a premium upfront for the sparkle and gleam.
