It is quite difficult to find an owner of a vehicle who, at least once during the period of operation, was not interested in the issue of painting the body or decorative elements of the body.
One of the most popular paints in this case is light and dark gray metallic. Why such a need arises, what is special about this particular type of paint and how to properly organize this process when everything is done with your own hands will be discussed further.
Reasons and types of painting work
Based on the existing realities of our time, considering a car solely as a means of transportation is fundamentally wrong. The introduction of advanced technologies and design thoughts made the iron horse not only practical and functional, but also allowed it to be used for self-expression in society and among fellow motorists.
The paintwork of a car, whether matte or glossy, plays a huge role in this, performing both decorative and protective functions. Based on this, we can name at least two main reasons that encourage owners to think about painting their personal vehicles.
- Damage to paintwork. This is perhaps the main reason that necessitates the selection and application of paint that has a certain effect (matte or glossy). With such intense traffic, a rapidly increasing number of cars and, unfortunately, poor management culture, dents, scratches, chips, etc. are a common thing for any driver.
- New design. Despite the fact that painting a car matte or glossy light gray is a rather expensive and time-consuming procedure, there are car enthusiasts who spare no expense or effort to transform the color of their vehicle.
The type of painting classification is formed depending on its volume. Local. It is carried out if the reason for painting is the restoration of paintwork on some part of the body (for example, a scratch or a small dent on the fender, bumper, etc.).
In this case, there is no need to cover large areas or completely repaint the element. A fragment of the body is prepared (cleaned, puttied, primed), and when painting, the rest of the car is protected with film.
Partial. It is carried out if damage to the paintwork does not allow it to be restored in place. In this case, the damaged body element (for example, bumper, fender, door) is dismantled, completely cleared of the old coating, and its geometry is restored. Only after this is it painted in a light or dark gray matte color or metallic.
Information! Full painting is most often performed when the goal of the process is to create a fundamentally new design.
From bicycles to cars
The first metallized enamels we saw were not on car bodies. “Vogli” and “Victory” in those days were painted in simple colors - white, dirty gray, beige... But the bicycle frames of the Kharkov plant sparkled with aluminum sparkles, reflecting light from the depths of the enamel film. These metallics were single coats.
The first generation metallics are single-layer. Aluminum particles are contained throughout the enamel thickness of 50 microns
From the point of view of effectiveness, such paints were quite interesting at that time, but their resistance to external influences was extremely low. Over time, such enamel became very worn out, aluminum particles oxidized and eroded, as a result of which the car acquired a dull whitish tint. To avoid such consequences, a two-layer system was developed: with a transparent varnish applied over the paint.
Modern two-stage “metallic”: a clear varnish is applied over the base enamel
The two-layer coating turned out to be not only more durable and durable (the colored enamel underneath the varnish layer does not wear off and fades more slowly), but also more effective (the varnish acts as a kind of magnifying glass, enhancing the optical effect), and has become widely used for painting car bodies.
Differences between metallic car paint
Analyzing car paints and their characteristics, we can conditionally divide them according to the structure of the surface layer into those that have a matte or glossy color. If we consider the issue in terms of mass production, then the vast majority of models will have a metallic coating. The special shine effect of the car surface is achieved through individual paint additives. Among the main active ingredients are zinc, copper, aluminum, and brass pigments.
Interesting! Sunlight hitting such paint is reflected from metal particles, creating a feeling of shine (a matte shade does not have this effect).
In both mass and artisanal production, coatings with light gray and any other metallic can be divided into three types depending on the thickness and number of layers.
| Coating | Peculiarities |
| Single layer. | This paint contains varnish. This is the simplest option, but often visible defects (drips, bubbles, etc.) arise during the painting process. |
| Two-layer. | The paint is applied in two layers with a drying pause after each of them. This is the most common option, giving a mechanically resistant glossy finish. |
| Three-layer. | Not a very common type of painting due to its technical complexity. It can give an interesting pearlescent tint. |
Expert opinion
Ilya Vyacheslavovich
Consultant for body repair at krasymavto.ru
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The number of pigment elements, as well as their shape and relative position in the total mass of paint affect the degree of gloss.
For example, a light silver tint is obtained if the particles are located at a certain angle to the horizon (the angle of reflection is different).
Use in interior decoration
What to cover the walls, ceiling and floor is decided first of all. They serve as the basis and require special attention when choosing material and color. There are unusual effects that can be achieved by choosing metallic paint.
The walls serve as the basis and require special attention when choosing material and color.
Ceiling, floor and walls
There should not be a lot of paint on the walls, otherwise the room will not be cozy. You can select one zone and draw a horizontal line along the walls to emphasize the style.
Stretch ceilings in silver will help make the room more voluminous; when the lights are turned on, the glare will play mesmerizingly. You can use color on the floor, but add a different shade of rug for warmth.
Stretch ceilings in silver will help make the room more voluminous; when the lights are turned on, the glare will play mesmerizingly.
Popular gray colors and selection methods
The classification based on color is much broader. The problem of choosing the color and shade of paint affects every motorist who, either forced or of his own free will, decides to paint body parts.
Obviously, the most problems arise when local or partial staining is required. In this case, the paint has to be selected to match the existing paint coating, and this is a rather difficult task.
In practice, there are three main ways to determine color:
- Approximately. A special palette is used to compare shades. The chance of making a wrong choice in this case is quite high.
- By VIN code, body number. The color and type of coating are usually included in the identification number located on a special plate (nameplate), which is unique for each car.
- In a special software environment. Mathematical algorithms allow you to most accurately determine the required color, hue, depth, and saturation.
Light or dark gray is the most problematic color to select, so a computer program is indispensable.
The silver shade is statistically the most popular. It combines not only neatness and attractiveness, but is also quite good in practical terms, since it hides scratches better than others.
Subtleties of applying a two-layer metallic shade
Painting a car yourself with light gray or any other metallic is quite a responsible undertaking. To achieve the desired result, you must strictly follow all recommendations and the order of work.
First of all, you should prepare the required surface for painting. It all depends on the scope of the problems or what goals are being pursued. If this is local or partial painting, then the surface must be cleaned from the old coating to the base metal.
Important! This is a mandatory condition, since putty, primer, and paint contain solvents, which can ultimately lead to the new coating peeling off along with the old one.
Next, the surface is straightened and puttied to restore the original geometry. Next, a layer of primer is applied to ensure the necessary adhesion to the paint.
Expert opinion
Ilya Vyacheslavovich
Consultant for body repair at krasymavto.ru
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If there are pockets of corrosion, a special anti-corrosion primer is applied before puttingty.
After this, the actual painting of the car begins. In the case of a two-layer metallic, the base is applied first, and after some time the finishing varnish is applied. Basic gray paint is applied in 2-3 layers.
There is a pause between layers to allow the coating to dry. An additional indicator of readiness can be a matte color - this means that the solvent has evaporated. The varnish is also applied in 2-3 approaches, which allows each layer to dry.
After the painted surface has completely dried, the car is ready for use.
Features of use in the interior
Each element in the room has its place, which helps complement the overall result. You need to think through all the details, then you will get a unified style.
Each element in the room has its place, which helps complement the overall result.
Furniture
Most often, chrome parts are added to furniture, but it is also not difficult to find “metal upholstery” now. Such furniture will emphasize the owner’s penchant for modern technology. But don’t go overboard with its quantity.
Such furniture will emphasize the owner’s penchant for modern technology.
Doors
You can install metal-colored handles on the doors, but in high-tech style they can also resort to painting the canvas. Such a solution will definitely be original.
In the high-tech style they can also resort to painting the canvas.
Curtains, textiles and other decor
Light curtains or light curtains complement the chosen style. You can use curtain holders in this color. Bedspreads, bed linen, pillows - all these details can complement a more down-to-earth interior. The easiest way is to arrange the decor around the room to add some flair.
Light curtains or light curtains complement the chosen style.
