How to choose car paint color

Do you repaint an old car? Or are you trying to choose a paint color for your next car? There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a paint color for your car, and if the job is done in a hurry, it's easy to overlook the small but important steps in the process.

Contrary to popular belief, the paint on your car doesn't just express your personal tastes. You'll want to choose a color that will show up on the road while hiding dirt and grime.

Instead of just picking any color available locally, consider the following factors to choose the car paint color that works best for you.

Part 1 of 1: Choose the best paint color

Step 1: Learn the safest colors. While some are attracted to bold colors like red and blue, these vibrant hues can end up costing you more money.

According to Esurance, while research in the US aimed at "proving or refuting any speculation about a car's color and its impact on safety" has been inconclusive, it may be prudent to avoid red, as it is claimed that police are more likely to stop red. vehicles than any other color.

Some insurance companies even charge higher premiums for vehicles in "risky" or bright colors like red or yellow, while other companies offer lower premiums for "safe" colors like white or silver. Silver and white paint reflect sunlight more effectively, making these colors ideal for optimal visibility on the road.

Step 2: Learn the psychology of color. Take a moment to think about what you want your car's color to convey. Think about whether you want your car to stand out from the rest and be seen as stylish, sophisticated or trendy. Conversely, you may want your car to blend in with the crowd so it doesn't stand out.

Read online about the emotions and psychology of each color - choose red if you want to attract attention, or black if you want to appear rich. Or consider a neutral/beige paint color if you want to blend in with the rest.

This research will help you choose a color that suits not only your own style, but also your car.

• Attention: If you are repainting a vintage car, go to step 3. If not, go to step 4.

Step 3: Reproduction or classic car paint options. If you're repainting a car in a classic style - whether it's a vintage, vintage reproduction, or used car from the 1980s - it's important to consider both historical accuracy and new developments in paint technology.

Paint colors have changed slowly over the last century. Today's colors don't always match a 1960s car. Although modern companies have reproduced most of the factory car colors for historically popular models, some shades can be extremely difficult to find.

Many stores can produce the custom colors you want, but at a higher cost than a standard paint color.

Step 4: Explore Popular Paint Colors. According to PPG Industries, in fiscal year 2014-2015, the most popular paint colors were black, silver grey, white and red. Natural hues such as gold, yellow and brown are also becoming more popular.

When it comes to popular car paint colors, trends certainly come and go in the blink of an eye. However, if you spend some time researching the "best" car paint colors, you'll discover colors and paint patterns that you may not even have known existed.

If you want to choose a color that will stay on trend or a color that will make you stand out, it's always worth taking a look at popular paint colors and paint jobs. After all, these colors are popular for a reason.

• AttentionA: Popular styles like matte or satin paint can cost more and require more maintenance, so research the long-term requirements of each paint style before choosing one.

Step 5: Match the paint to your car model. Once you've narrowed down your paint color choices to two or three options, take the time to consider the make and model of your car.

While yellow might look great on a sports car, it might not suit your pickup truck. Red can be a great color for many models, but can easily outdo a conservative sedan.

Consider both your driving style and the car you drive when choosing between the final car color options.