How to choose a car paint color

Whether you're shopping for a new car or thinking about changing the color of your existing vehicle, choosing a car paint color is an important part of the process. Which one is going to be the best for you during the life of your ownership? Toyota of Orlando is here with helpful tips on how to choose a car paint color for your vehicle.

Executive Summary: 

• Choosing the right car paint color is about more than just picking your favorite shade. You’ll want to think about how the color looks on your specific vehicle, how much maintenance it requires, and whether you’ll still love it a few years down the road.
• Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and silver are popular because they work well on just about any vehicle and can appeal to more buyers when it’s time to sell or trade. However, there’s nothing wrong with going bold if you plan on keeping your Orlando Toyota for years.
• Think about everyday upkeep before you commit. Dark colors tend to show pollen, dust, scratches, and water spots more easily, while lighter colors can be a little more forgiving — something that definitely matters here in Central Florida.
• If you’re repainting or restoring a vehicle, consider the entire look of the car, including its trim, wheels, accents, and original factory colors. A professional paint job can also make a major difference in how polished and long-lasting the finished product looks.
• Once you’ve found the perfect car paint color, regular washing, proper automotive cleaning products, and protection from Florida’s intense sun can help keep it looking like new.

Choosing a color can seem like it’s one of the easiest parts of buying or customizing a car, but there’s actually a lot to think about. Your car paint color affects the overall look of your ride, how easy it is to keep clean, and even how good it looks another buyer when it’s time to sell. Plus, you’re going to be looking at that color every single day, so you definitely want to choose something you’ll still love a few years down the road.

4 tips for choosing a car paint color 

Tip #1: Consider which paint colors are the best for you. 

It's really all down to personal preference when it comes to your car paint color, but you do want to keep in mind a few things:

• Although it's never been actually proved, it's often said that red cars - especially sporty models - catch the eye of the police more. It’s also supposed that they’re  more likely to be pulled over than other colors.
• Some people also believe certain car paint colors can impact insurance premiums. However, your car's color generally isn't what insurers use to calculate your rate. Things like the make, model, year, safety features, repair costs, driving history, and location are much more important factors.
• Think about whether you want to blend in or stand out as you cruise Orlando. Colors that are neutral - like black, white, silver, etc. - blend into a crowd better. Red, blue, green, and yellow tend to stand out more from the other cars on the road.
• Also, consider what finish you want. A gloss is typical, but there are also matte and satin finishes available in some colors for an upcharge. They might be better suited to your tastes.

You should also think about what it'll be like to actually live with your new car paint color. 

• Black looks sleek and sophisticated when it's freshly washed, but it can also make dust, pollen, water spots, and scratches easier to see. 
• White and silver can be a little more forgiving when it comes to everyday dirt. That's definitely something to keep in mind here in Orlando, especially during pollen season or when those daily summer rainstorms leave water spots all over your car.

And don't forget to look at the color in person whenever possible. A car paint color can look completely different on a computer screen than it does outside in natural sunlight. Metallic and pearl finishes especially can change quite a bit depending on the lighting and the angle Before you commit, walk around the car and check it out in both bright sunlight and shade. That’s why it’s important to head down to Toyota of Orlando and take a test drive before you commit. 

Tip #2: Look at what's popular. 

If you're fixing up your car to sell it or know that you're going to trade it in soon, look at popular car paint colors. This can help make your car appealing to a larger number of buyers.

• Neutral colors are popular for a reason. Black, white, gray, and silver are easy to match with different interiors, wheels, and accessories. They also appeal to a pretty broad range of drivers. 
• That doesn't mean you have to play it safe, though. If you know you're planning to keep your Orlando Toyota for years and you've always wanted a bright blue or another eye-catching shade, go for it. After all, you're the one who's going to be driving it every day.
• However, resale value is worth considering if you trade your cars frequently. A very unusual custom car paint color may be perfect for your personality but could limit the number of interested buyers later on. 
• It's all about finding the right balance between choosing what you love and thinking about your future plans for the car.

Tip #3: Make sure it fits the model. 

Certain colors vibe with certain cars. 

• Like we said, sportier Orlando Toyotas look great in yellows and reds. The same yellows and reds might not look as good on a model like the Toyota Sienna. Make sure that the color you choose suits the model you have; this can also affect how appealing the car is to buyers down the road.
• Think about the personality of your car, too. A sporty Toyota GR model can easily pull off a bold car paint color that emphasizes its aggressive design. A Toyota Tundra or Tacoma can look great in an earthy, rugged shade, especially if you're going for an off-road-inspired look. Meanwhile, sedans and family SUVs can look polished in everything from classic neutrals to deeper blues and reds.
• You should also consider the rest of your car's exterior design. Take a look at the wheels, trim, badging, grille, roof, and any other accents. Black wheels and exterior accents can create a completely different look depending on the car paint color they're paired with. 
• If you're repainting an existing car, thinking about the whole exterior instead of just the body color can help you create a finished product that looks intentional.

Tip #4: If you're restoring a classic car, look at the paint options from that model year.

Restoring a 1966 Toyota and painting it a new color could go either way. If you want a true restoration, look at the paints that were available in the car's model year or generation. Many factory car colors can be recreated using modern paint technology so you'll get the best of both worlds - authentic color with modern paint products and techniques.

• Originality can be especially important when you're restoring a classic or collectible car. Before picking a car paint color, research the original factory color codes and available options for that particular model and year. You may even be able to find information about the original color of your specific ride.
• Of course, there's no rule saying a restoration has to be completely original. Some owners prefer a resto-mod approach, where the classic appearance is mixed with modern upgrades and personal touches. 
• In that case, a newer car paint color might be exactly what you're looking for. Just think about your overall goal before you start the paint job, because changing your mind after the work is finished can get expensive.

What else should you consider before choosing a car paint color?

Before making your final choice, think about how much maintenance you're willing to put into your vehicle's appearance. Every car paint color needs regular care, but certain shades and finishes make imperfections more noticeable.

• Dark colors can show dust, scratches, swirl marks, and water spots more easily.
• Lighter shades tend to hide everyday dust and minor imperfections a little better.
• Matte and satin finishes can also require different cleaning and care techniques than traditional glossy automotive paint. Make sure you're ready for the upkeep before choosing one.

If you're repainting your existing ride instead of choosing a factory color on a new car, there's another major factor to consider: the quality of the paint job. Changing a car's color involves so much more than simply spraying new paint over the exterior. Proper preparation is important for getting an even, durable finish. Areas like the door jambs and other less-visible sections may also need attention if you're making a complete color change.

This is one project where professional help can make a major difference in the finished product. An experienced body shop like Toyota of Orlando can help you explore car paint color options, match an existing factory color, and determine what type of work your ride needs before painting begins.

How can you protect your new car paint?

Once you've found the perfect car paint color, you'll want to keep it looking as good as possible. 

• Regularly washing your car can help remove dirt, bird droppings, pollen, road grime, and other contaminants before they sit on the paint for too long. This is especially important for Orlando drivers who deal with intense sunshine, bugs, rain, and pollen throughout the year.
• Parking in a garage or shaded area when possible can also help limit exposure to the Florida sun. 
• When you wash your car, use products that are specifically designed for automotive paint rather than household cleaners that could be too harsh.
• Keeping up with your car's exterior care doesn't just help it look good, either. Protecting the finish can help preserve the condition and make a better impression when it's eventually time to sell or trade it in.

Get more advice + info on car paint colors at Toyota of Orlando

Want more information on car paint colors or need help getting your ride back to like-new condition? No matter what you're looking for, Toyota of Orlando can help you find it. Whether you're trying to match your vehicle's existing paint, repair exterior damage, or simply learn more about your options, our team can help point you in the right direction.

We're open and waiting at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and you can reach us at (407) 298-4500.