[SNJ]

Just wondering if besides the appearance what the advantage of metallic paint is over non-metallic paint - ie the solid colours like Chili Red and Pepperwhite?

Does the metallic paint of certain colours (eg pure silver) show scratches less or is it more hard wearing than the solid colours? Are solid colours easier to repair?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Silver hides scratches and general swirls in the finish very well.

Metallics used to be much more expensive to repair, but it's no big deal now.

Solid colours reduce the resale value of the car by at least the cost of the option when the car was new.

Solid red used to fade something rotten, but that seems to have been overcome.

Apart from that, it's pretty much down to personal taste.

Tigger.

[MINICooperMurph]

Doesn't seem to be any harder wearing as the top coat is the same. Red doesn't fade like it used. Colour seems to be less of an issue on MINIs come resale anyway.

[Rakey]

personally I've never been one to fall for the scam of charging more for metalic paints, as to produce these its is no where near the price that the manufacturer passes onto the consumer, and I actually prefer the solid paint pallette to the metalics at present.

But, in answer to your question, metalic paints on MINI's are harder, meaning that they stone chip less than solids. Although do not expect this to be a great deal better, as BMW/MINI's paints are well known for been soft and vunerable compared to those from say mercedes. Unfortunately whilst trying to be more enviromental and using less chemicals in paints and the processes to apply them there are trade offs, and this is one of them.

[Paul]

I've found the MINIs we've had in metallic colours have been much easier to care for, keep clean, and looking like new.

[SNJ]

Thanks for the info and advice. I like the Pepperwhite out of the solid colours and pure silver from the metallics - I think both these would look good and cope with light scratches quite well.