Candy Car Paint Colors
Candy paints offer the richest, deepest car paint available due to the superior transparency of the dyes used in true candy paints as opposed to pigments used to color conventional automotive colors. We offer candy in three versions; 2K urethane candy color (EKU series), base-form candy midcoat (EKB series), and pearlized candy basecoat (KGC Series). In general, the EKU series offers the deepest, richest color, while the EKB series is best suited for graphics and tapeouts, and the KGC series is the easiest to spray and repair. Check out our candy colors below. The colors can be clicked on for pricing and more photos if available. To learn more about candy paints read-on below
How Do Candy Automotive Paint Colors Work?
The candy layer must be transparent for the system to work. Certain proprietary coloring agents need to be used to ensure the translucence of the finish. One of the most appealing things about candy paint colors is the chance to experiment with various base colors and come up with distinctive new shades. It is important to realize that the base color has great influence on what the final color will be. Depending on the blending methods employed, it can either subtly or dramatically change the final product. The number of coats or layers of paint involved in producing the finish also has a major impact on the final look. Oftentimes, using multiple layers will create a finish that is so deep in tone it almost looks wet. This “wet look” appeals to many auto enthusiasts even more than the final color itself does.
When candy colors combine with clearcoats and reflective basecoats (usually metallic ones), they create a rich, impressive sparkle that the average automotive paint simply cannot produce. These mixtures are known as “tricoat” or “three-stage” finish systems, and they are made to impress.
2K Urethane (EKU Series), Candy Base (EKB Series), and Candy Concentrates (EKK)
Candy Graphic Series (KGC Series)
Although candy color is attractive and unique, it does have its drawbacks. The coloring agents that create the candy look do not have much tolerance for the sun’s U.V. rays. Depending on how often the candy color is exposed to direct sunlight, it will usually last from one to five years before it becomes washed out and faded. There’s no way to predict exactly how long the candy paint colors will remain vibrant. However, the quality of the clearcoat can make a difference. Clearcoats that feature U.V. screeners and long-lasting resins will help lessen the effects of U.V. exposure on the candy color. All UreChem clears are strengthened with a blend of additives that reduce U.V. impact.
Candy paint colors can also be more difficult to apply evenly than other automotive finishes. However, mastering this technique is usually an easy task for professional custom painters.
Types of Candy Paint Colors
There are several different kinds of candy paint colors, and each has its own optimal use. The four main types that are currently available on the market include:
- catalyzed urethane candy
- candy base coat
- pearl modified candy base coat
- candy concentrates
Catalyzed urethane candy has been a staple for decades and constitutes the largest group of candy paint colors. This type of finish needs an activator and contains highly durable urethane resins. Although it looks glossy when it is applied, it still requires a clearcoat to increase its longevity. As its name implies, candy base coat is the authentic base coat form of candy paint colors. It is an excellent choice for graphics because it dries more quickly than catalyzed urethane candy. It is also easier to tape.
Pearl modified candy base coat has a special element added to the color. This makes any automobile sparkle, and it decreases transparency to a certain extent. This candy paint color is easier to spray on uniformly than urethane candy is. It also makes base color less influential in determining the final color. Pearl modified candy bases are popular among air brush artists and custom painters. Our line of pearl modified candy basecoats, Kandy Graphic Colors (“KGC”), is displayed above.
Candy concentrates are concentrated versions of the unique coloring agents that make it possible for candy paint colors to exist. They are great for any professional custom painter who wants to create specialized finishes to satisfy different customers’ tastes. Candy concentrates add richness and depth to basecoats, especially when they are combined with pearl and metallic bases. Many people use these concentrates with intercoat and 2K clears to create pure candy colors, but this method does not produce particularly durable or stable colors. If you use a candy formula that has been properly stabilized (which most pre-packaged candy colors are), the product will last longer in the can as well as on your vehicle.
UreChem is currently the only store that offers all four of these types of candy paint colors from the factory. We make them available at an unbeatable price.
Candy Paint Colors
Generally speaking, expectations for the final color are what leads automobile owners to purchase their vehicles or have them custom painted. Candy paint colors create that unique look that makes a car stand out or helps it sell. When you think about how much the base color can be altered to create final candy colors, you will realize that there are actually thousands of possibilities when it comes to candy finishes. If you just place your focus on the candy layer alone, your options will typically include apple red, wine red, cobalt and other shades of blue, greens, purples, golds, coppers, browns, oranges, teals, and pinks.
The amount of candy paint colors that are applied on top of the basecoat also impacts the final color. If you apply more candy paint colors over the base, the base will become less effective at altering the color of the . Usually, the final color turns out darker if more candy is applied to it. Sometimes, however, the final color will lighten as you apply more coats of candy paint colors depending on the . For example, this is likely to happen if you have a dark green base and add light gold candy to it. Cases like this, though, are the exception rather than the rule.