Help - will solid body paint retain its shine?

[Pandy]

I have ordered a new Mini One Hatch in silver (metallic finish). However, I am thinking of changing to Pepper White. My only reservation is that I have been told solid colours (like the Pepper White) do not wear as well as metallic colours ie. in terms of retaining their shine. I usally keep my cars for several years (not garaged either) so this would be a consideration. My last car was silver and retained its shine really well, despite being 11 years old! Does anyone know whether modern solid colour paints lose their shine in the same way cars used to ... I used to have a red Sierra Saphire and the paintwork got really dull over time. Any info appreciated. PS I have to let the garage know this morning as the order is nearing confirmation time! Thanks

[Kitis_1989]

I have a pure silver Mini Cooper on an 08 plate, only a year old but with the right care still looks brand new.

But then again i wont be keeping it for 2+ years....

[adam_Randell]

i have a pepper white and black, 07 plate and it still shines like new. however, i have religiously waxed it and polished when needed. how long the paint finish lasts is largely down to the way it is cared for and maintained. if you dont clean your car much or use washing up liquid and never give it a proper hard wax then the finish wont last long but if you wax it every couple of months and use proper shampoo etc etc on a regular basis then the shine will last and last.

[adam_Randell]

pic of mine a few weeks ago in quite dark light

[M.O.S]

^^ what he said - and he lives on a farm, drives too many miles etc etc


You're generally fine - just wash by hand, wax and polish. Little effort and you'll be fine!

[24fan]

I think with the right care you can maintain the colour of the paint. I have seen many chili red minis and they vary quite a lot in colour. My next door neighbour religiously washes and polishes hers every week and it still looks like new (after 3 years of owning it from new), and someone else up the road doesn't do the above and it is definetely a more dull looking chili red colour.

I think as long as you wax it a couple of times a year, wash every 1-2 weeks and use a good quality shampoo etc it should be fine.

[Apial]

Just sold my Chiili Red MINI and it looked like new after
almost 6 years. It was treated with Supaguard, which might account for its preservation. Stone chips were almost completely absent, unlike the Liquid Yellow MINI that I had before that.

Bought the Supaguard off ebay and did it myself.

[adam_Randell]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

^^ what he said - and he lives on a farm, drives too many miles etc etc


You're generally fine - just wash by hand, wax and polish. Little effort and you'll be fine!

forgot to mention that i live on a farm . it gets cakes in cow dung, mud and everything else that goes with farms!

if you are getting a barnd new car, its so easy to maintain the shine and keep the paint in good condition.