After a fender bender or another unfortunate roadway event, you might find yourself in need of automotive painting work from a reputable auto body shop. However, there are a number of different types of finishes, and you may not understand your options when discussing the issue with a collision repair professional. To bring you up to speed, Basic Auto Collision Team of Honolulu, HI, discusses some of the most common types of automotive painting finish in the following sections.

The Most Common Types of Automotive Painting Finish

1. Solid

Solid paint is the most basic type of finish, and the most common colors are red, white, black, and blue. It is the shiny, non-metallic finish you'll see on most cars on the road. Solid finishes are relatively inexpensive, consisting of a single layer of paint topped by a protective lacquer or clear coat.

2. Metallic

A metallic automotive paint finish is similar to a solid finish; except, the paint coating contains about 1 part in 50 of powdered aluminum.  It makes the finish more reflective and sparkly, which helps hide blemishes and minor damage from a distance. Metallic finishes are typically more expensive than solid paint and are more difficult to match closely if you ever need additional bodywork.

3. Pearlescent

Pearlescent finishes are very similar to a metallic finish; however, instead of metallic powder, the paint contains tiny ceramic crystals that both reflect and refract light, causing a glowing, multicolor effect that changes depending on the angle of view. Pearlescent finish is more pricey than metallic is, and although it is exceptionally attractive, it is very difficult to match if spots must ever be repainted.

4. Matte Finish

Matte paint on cars is quite rare, although some vehicles—typically gray or black—are available in this flat, non-shiny finish. It is the most expensive of the finishes listed here, in part because, due to the lack of shine, the automotive paint technician cannot buff out any imperfections in the application.

If you've dinged your car or scratched the paint, contact the experts at Basic Auto Collision Team, the premier auto body and collision repair service in Honolulu, HI. Their staff has years of experience, and they're all dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so you're sure to have a great experience and be more than satisfied with the results.  Visit their website to view directions and hours of operation, or call (808) 842-3966 to make an appointment for automotive painting today.