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Auto body repair & detailing/Car exterior paint color

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Expert: - 1/8/2009


Question
Hi Gary -  This is basic car paint question so I hope it's okay to ask you this.   I'm planning to buy a new 2008 Toyota Solara and am deciding between silver metallic or (dark) grey metallic paint.  I've read that silver is a good color to hide dirt but would you be able to tell me if grey metallic paint shows dirt, scratches, chips, etc. easily?   Would one of these colors maintain its look over time better than the other?  I don't have a garage so it will be kept outside.  I live on the East Coast in the tri-state area so we do get heat in the summer and snow in the winter.   Thanks -

Answer
Hi JP,

Typically, the darker the color the more it will show scratches, dings, and dents. Black of course is the worst for this. I have personally owned both a silver and a darker gray metallic vehicles. I believe that the silver did show less of everything.

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Gary

Expertise

I can answer most questions on auto refinishing materials. Especially PPG products. I have knowledge in the latest repair materials and techniques. When it comes to automotive paint I have a solid understanding of how things work.

Experience

I have worked in a PPG paint retail/wholesale business for the last 15 years. I have dealt with many issues regarding paint and repair materials on a daily basis over the years. I don't know that I have all the answers but I would be willing to try.

Education/Credentials
PPG Trained and Certified. Training with 3M products and Meguair's products.

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