Pearlescent paint | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

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Mon 31 May 2004 14:03

Pearlescent paint - Thommo

A friend of mine is looking to buy a new car (Peugeot)and fancies pearlescent paint.

A relative has told him that pearlescent paint has a worse finish level than ordinary/metallic paint and is more prone to scratches.

This is a new one on me, I though the only difference between pearlescent and other paint jobs is that for pearlescent the lacquer is a different colour to the paint to give the effect.

Anyone know if there is any truth in what this relative says?

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Mon 31 May 2004 15:05

Pearlescent paint - Quinny100

I've had several Citroen's with pearlescent paint and the finish has been immpecable. Not a mark, run, or flat area anywhere from the factory. I wouldn't say it scratches any easier than a metallic either - all modern day paints are water based and hence softer than older solvent based finishes.

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Mon 31 May 2004 16:52

Pearlescent paint - Sooty Tailpipes

THe ones I have experience of just use coloured metal flakes instead of silver ones, the colour base, primer, and lacquer are all identical to standard metallic. I have even repainted my rear bumper with a proper spraygun and got the paint from the local paint supplier was just as easy to do as with standard.

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Mon 31 May 2004 22:13

Pearlescent paint - Ivor E Tower

I suspect that your relative is talking out of an orifice other than his mouth! Pearlescent paint has, I believe, mica flakes in it to catch the light and make it appear to sparkle. Certainly the 2 cars I've owned with pearlescent finish have been more durable than the current "solid" paint finishes which scratch far too easily - maybe due to the lacquer coat(s) providing an extra layer of protection. I am told that some pearlescent finishes can be quite hard to match if a respray is required after accident damage or stone chipping, but these days the technology exists to make it comparatively easy for a decent body shop to get a good match.

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