Full guide to color matching and repainting of automotive refinish paint: from tinting base to actual vehicle spraying

In automotive refinish paint color matching, metallic flakes (aluminum powder) and pearl powder (pearl pigment) are two core technologies. They determine the final visual effect of metallic paint and pearl paint—from shiny metallic luster to multi-angle color-shifting effects. Correct use can make the repaired area blend perfectly with the original factory paint surface. This article details the characteristics, mixing methods, and spraying techniques of metallic flakes and pearl powder.

I. Basic Knowledge of Metallic Flakes (Aluminum Powder)

1.1 What are metallic flakes?

Metallic flakes, also known as aluminum powder, are an aluminum pigment (Aluminum Pigment) with a flake-like structure. When evenly dispersed in the coating, they reflect light and produce a metal-like sparkling effect.

1.2 Classification of Metallic Flakes

II. Basic Knowledge of Pearl Powder (Pearl Pigment)

2.1 What is pearl powder?

Pearl powder (Pearl Effect Pigment) is a pigment with mica substrate surface coated with titanium dioxide or iron oxide, which produces a pearl-like multi-angle color-shifting effect through light interference.

2.2 Classification of Pearl Powder

III. Mixing Techniques for Metallic Flakes and Pearl Powder

3.1 Mixing Principles

1. Adjust aluminum/pearl powder first, then adjust color
2. Small amounts multiple times: add 5-10% each time, stir thoroughly
3. Compare light sources: compare effect under natural light and fluorescent light
4. Keep sample chips: record each mixing ratio

3.2 Aluminum Paint Mixing Process

1. Select base colorant (white, black, yellow, blue, etc.)
2. Add aluminum powder (usually 15-30%)
3. Adjust side tone (if side is bluish/yellowish, add corresponding colorant)
4. Adjust face tone (if face is greenish/reddish, add corresponding colorant)
5. Compare with original vehicle paint, fine-tune precisely

3.3 Pearl Paint Mixing Process

1. Adjust base color first (the base color of pearl paint determines the final effect)
2. Add pearl powder (usually 10-20%)
3. Adjust interference color (blue pearl bluish, gold pearl golden)
4. Spray sample panel for comparison (try both dry spray and wet spray)
5. Fine-tune until matched

IV. Spraying Techniques

4.1 Key Points for Spraying Aluminum Paint

• Spray gun distance: 15-20cm
• Spray pressure: 1.5-2.0 bar
• Number of coats: 2-3 wet coats
• Flash-off time: 5-10 minutes between coats
• Key point: Keep spray gun movement speed uniform, avoid aluminum powder accumulation

4.2 Key Points for Spraying Pearl Paint

• Base color requirement: base color must be uniform, no color difference
• Pearl layer spraying: thin spray, wet spray, even pearl powder distribution
• Clear coat: pearl layer must be clear-coated after fully dry
• Key point: pearl powder easily settles, stir thoroughly before use

V. Practical Case

Case: Toyota White Pearl Paint Mixing

1. Base color: white 80% + pearl white 20%
2. Pearl powder: white pearl 15%
3. Fine-tune: if face is yellowish add a little blue, if side is cyan add a little red
4. Effect: face appears creamy white, side appears light blue, obvious multi-angle color-shifting effect

Conclusion

The correct use of metallic flakes and pearl powder is the core technology of automotive refinish paint color matching. Mastering the mixing principles and familiarizing with spraying techniques can achieve repair effects indistinguishable from the original factory paint surface. Kexin New Materials provides a complete automotive paint product line and color matching system support, welcome to consult and learn more.

For further technical guidance, please feel free to contact us.

Further Reading:Differences and Selection between 1K and 2K Colorants · Spray Gun Nozzle Selection: 1.3mm vs 1.5mm