If you are planning to purchase a car, part of the process is asking yourself which color you prefer and what car paint lasts longer. In today’s post, we offer some answers.
What Car Paint Lasts the Longer?
Of the four most common types of automotive paint (urethane, metallic, acrylic, and water- based paints), urethane paint is the one that tends to last longer.
This is great news because most modern cars are painted with urethane paint, so chances are good that your car (or the car you have in mind) is already painted with durable paint.
With that being said, there are a couple of other factors to keep in mind, as we’ll see below.
Proper Maintenance Is Key
Although it might sound obvious, it’s worth stating it: even the most durable paint won’t last long without proper maintenance.
Some easy things you can do to protect your vehicle’s paint include:
- Wash your vehicle regularly
- When washing your car, proceed top to bottom and use separate sponges/microfiber cloths for the body and the tires
- Wax your car two or three times a year, or as indicated in the user’s manual
- Fix rust or scratches as soon as you can
- Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or carport, or at least in the shade
- Consider investing in a car cover
Car Color: Make Sure To Choose Wisely
The other thing you should keep in mind is that urethane automotive paint is durable, some colors tend to show dirt and scratches more easily than others.
For example, black cars are notoriously hard to keep clean because the contrast between the black paint and other pollutants (such as bird droppings, dust, or brake dust) is more evident than in white cars.
The same general rule applies to all dark colors, so if you are considering a car with this type of paint, you should be ready to be extra diligent with washing and maintenance.
Inland Empire Autobody & Paint: The Best in Southern California
At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc., we are a family-owned business specializing in collision repair, windshield care, and custom paint.
We have locations in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California. Call us (951-465-7350). Contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about our full range of services.