Why do we pay more for metallic paint?

Even though solid white is usually the most popular colour for new cars – in Australia at least – we do love our metallic colours on cars. Perhaps white is so popular because many new cars are bought by company fleets and government departments.

Private buyers seem more likely to opt for a non-white colour, and as often as not, that colour will be metallic.

Metallic paint is a catch-all label for automotive finishes containing metal flakes (aluminium, typically). Other terms include 'iridescent colours', 'metal-flake', 'pearlescent' and 'polychromatic'. The paint is applied to the body of the car as a base coat and protected by a clear acrylic lacquer over the top.

Car companies usually charge extra for a metallic-paint finish, and we all complain about it. But it rarely prevents us from choosing a metallic colour for our new-car purchase. Hyundai has courted controversy in the past by quoting 'drive-away' prices that don't include the cost of metallic paint, despite the limited number of solid (non-metallic) options available.

In fairness to the car companies, it can cost more to provide a premium colour. Mazda, as an example, charges no extra for conventional metallic paints, but its Soul Red, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey colours are applied to the car using a sophisticated production process that's quite costly.

According to the manufacturer, Soul Red starts out as a reflecting layer, with a "semi-transparent paint layer" with "regularly arrayed aluminum flakes" applied over it. A third (clear) layer is then sprayed over the top of both in a process that Mazda advises is very carefully controlled by robotic technology for uniform thickness across the whole body. Mazda developed a new control system for this specific production process.

In contrast, conventional metallic paint application comprises just two layers – a base coat and an acrylic lacquer top coat, the latter being transparent.

An increasingly common colour option is the matt finish, which is applied in a process akin to conventional metallic paint, but with a 'rough' top coat that doesn't reflect light the way a 'glossy' top coat would.

Illustrating the range of option prices for cars available from new in Australia, here's a list of cars for which car companies charge extra for metallic and other higher-cost paint options. Some of the prices charged will take your breath away. And those with a chronic heart condition are strongly advised not to look at premium-paint option prices for very expensive cars from high-end manufacturers.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio – $1690 (metallic), $4550 (Tri-Coat premium)
Audi Q8 – $2300
BMW 5 Series – $2000
Ford Endura – $600
Holden Commodore RS-V Sportwagon – $576
Honda Civic VTi – $575
Hyundai Kona Electric Elite – $595
Jaguar I-PACE – $1950 (metallic), $3900 (premium metallic)
Kia Sorento Si – $595
Mazda6 Sport – $495 (Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal)
Mercedes-Benz A 200 – $1190
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – $590 (metallic), $890 (Red Diamond premium)
Nissan Pathfinder ST – $595
Peugeot 5008 GT – $1050 (Premium metallic)
Renault Megane GT-Line – $600
Skoda Octavia Sport 110TSI – $500
Subaru – No charge
Suzuki Swift GL Navigator – $500
Tesla Model S – $2730 (metallic), $3640 (Pearl White), $4680 (Red prestige)
Toyota LandCruiser VX – $600
Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI R-Line Edition – $800