How to Choose Car Paint for a Body: Solid, Metallic, Pearl

Choosing car paint is a serious decision. A mistake in colour or paint type costs time and money for a repaint. Here is how to choose correctly.

Types of Car Paints

Solid

Classic single-colour paint with no special effects. The easiest to apply and repair. Applied in 1–2 coats; does not require a clear coat (although a clear coat increases durability). Popular colours: white, black, red.

Metallic

Contains aluminium flakes that create a characteristic shimmer at different lighting angles. More difficult to apply — requires an even, consistent spray pattern. A clear coat is mandatory. The colour shifts depending on the viewing angle.

Pearl (3-stage)

The most complex option: base coat + pearl effect layer + clear coat. Produces a colour-shifting iridescent effect. Repairing pearl paint is a task for experienced professionals only. Materials are expensive.

Effect Paints

Chameleon, matte, textured — special paints for custom or tuning jobs. Expensive, but they deliver a unique look.

How to Match the Exact Colour

Your vehicle's colour code is located on the factory data plate inside the door jamb or under the bonnet. It looks like: WA8555 (GM), 040 (Toyota), LY9B (VW/Audi).

Using the colour code, you can order ready-mixed paint or have it tinted to formula. UA-Pro Industry has access to formula databases from leading manufacturers.

Paint Systems

• 1K (single-component) — ready to apply, dries slowly, less durable
• 2K (two-component) — mixed with a hardener before application, high durability
• Water-borne — eco-friendly, more demanding to apply, requires specialist equipment

Paint Coverage (approximate)

One panel (bumper, door): 100–200 g of paint. Full vehicle repaint: 1–2 kg. It is better to buy 20–30% extra — leftover paint can be stored.