Pearl Paint

[busastars]

Can someone explain Pearl Paint in simple terms to me please, been google'ing but cannot seem to get an explanation. Talking 2K Base as in COB.

Is Pearl paint done in a number of stages ( different colours built up ) or can it be done in one?

Is Pearl just something you add to the paint or maybe the clear lacquer?

Reason I ask is because I have seen it advertised as just Pearl paint BUT I have also seen it advertised where it comes with another colour to lay first.

 

[steveo3002]

depends what pearl...some are just like metalic bascoats to spray , others have a solid base then you add the pearl over that so 3 stages

 

[pedrobedro]

Some metallics are called pearl, the ones with very fine particles but some custom finishes are also called pearl or pearlescent and these appear different colours from different angles. Old style custom pearl was a base colour then a clear with pearl and another clear over it, three stage finish or more. Most likely you are looking a a straight forward lacquer over metallic. Langy will be the one to ask.

 

[langy]

As the others have said you can put pearl over anything, you mix it in with the lacquer and seal with more clear costs.

 

[Wedg1e]

When I had my first TVR resprayed (Ferrari Rosso Pearl) the sprayer told me that his paint supplier had some trouble with it because it had "80% pearl content" and they didn't have enough of it (whatever 'it' was) in stock.
Alas it was £800 pretty well wasted because pearlescents only really work on curvy cars and the Tasmin was a bit slabby to see the effect at its best. It looked fantastic parked under garage forecourt lights or in bright sunlight from certain angles but most other times it just looked like metallic burgundy.
I can't find the pics from just after it was painted but here it is almost a decade later(!) being campaigned at Rockingham by Mick Wilkinson (No. 21) in the TVR Challenge...

 

[busastars]

Think I got it, so basically for instance I could lay down Jet Black base coat, add pearl to the clear coat and lay it down then lay down just clear coat on it's own.

If so what exactly is the pearl, I've not seen it for sale on companies web site.

 

[langy]

Think I got it, so basically for instance I could lay down Jet Black base coat, add pearl to the clear coat and lay it down then lay down just clear coat on it's own.

If so what exactly is the pearl, I've not seen it for sale on companies web site.

Yes that's it basically, real pearl is crushed fish scales

 

[steveo3002]

there would be a bunch of pearl tinters on the shelf , for a factory finish you would mix them to make the right colour /effect

all the ones ive used spray same as base coat not added to the clear

best decided on a brand or finish and research into it , it will differ depending on what effect you want and what products you go with

 

[busastars]

Cheers, it was more to get an understanding as paint can be advertised in a number of ways.

I still have not ordered my paint as of yet because I cannot decide 100% on colour, getting all the bits done ready first and when everything else is finished i'll order my paint, last second decision, Jet Gloss Black, Pearl Black, Met Black.

Problem I got is my frame wheels engine and bits will be in Gloss Black so thinking of adding a little something for the tank and panels.

 

[steveo3002]

might be advertised as mica ...

 

[langy]

there would be a bunch of pearl tinters on the shelf , for a factory finish you would mix them to make the right colour /effect

all the ones ive used spray same as base coat not added to the clear

best decided on a brand or finish and research into it , it will differ depending on what effect you want and what products you go with

Yes there hundreds of Pearl basecoats around off the shelf so to speak, I used to add it to the clear for custom work.

 

[busastars]

Last stupid question.

With a pearl finish I am guessing there wont be a mirror type of finish/reflection, bit like metallic paints?

 

[langy]

Last stupid question.

With a pearl finish I am guessing there wont be a mirror type of finish/reflection, bit like metallic paints?

If its a basecoat it will look like basecoat, If you put it in lacquer it will be shiny.

 

[norsa]

Unless you have experience, it may be wise to spray out a few C.O.B tests before you put it on your car, it is not the easiest thing to get a perfectly even base coat/drop coat. Also depending on your gun, consider matching the fluid tip to the specific pearl.
Nick

 

[langy]

Unless you have experience, it may be wise to spray out a few C.O.B tests before you put it on your car, it is not the easiest thing to get a perfectly even base coat/drop coat. Also depending on your gun, consider matching the fluid tip to the specific pearl.
Nick

Good advice, as with anything you put in to lacquer you need to keep it suspended otherwise it will drop to the bottom of the gun, a couple of clean ball bearings or marbles and a shake after each pass does the job well.

 

[sprayerDrew]

You could try the three stage step if you are less confident mixing. First lay down your base coat lets say silver, second your translucent mica like candy apple red add as many coats depending on how you wish it to look normally 2 -3 as its very translucent, then clear coat it!