There are different varieties of paints available. Each type of paint is designed specifically for covering a certain surface, to primarily protect, and then secondly enhance the look of the surface. When re-painting a car, it is very important that you use a paint that has been specifically designed for covering motor vehicle bodies.

Metallic paint , also called polychromatic or “metal flake” paint, is used on the majority of new automobiles sold. Metallic paint can enhance the contours of bodywork more than non-metallic, or “solid” paint, and appears brighter in dull conditions. Close-up, the small metal flakes that are included in the paint create a sparkling effect.

Silver, being a metallic grey, is one of the most common metallic paint colours available, although metallic paint finishes are available in all shades of the rainbow, as well as black and white. Each car manufacturer has its own names for the varieties of metallic paint used in their vehicle range.

Manufacturers will almost always charge a premium for the “option” of metallic paint on a new vehicle. However, to have a car subsequently resprayed in a metallic paint is no more expensive when compared with a solid colour.

A vehicle’s paintwork is the simplest component of a car’s exterior appearance which can be upgraded for restyling. In the past, because it is critical which angle the flakes in the metallic paint lie, it was difficult to achieve an invisible repair job if the paint was damaged. Modern techniques have more or less eliminated this problem, and a good repair job will match up the new metallic paint with the original metallic paint. Automotive re-paint specialists who can do this are abundantly scattered all over the Australian states.We hope that helps answer the question ‘What is What is Metallic Paint?’!

Back to Car Glossary