Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Repainting my '64 310 is a loooong way out, but I'm starting to mull over paint choices. I really like the subtle pearl white on the wifes '90 Lexus. It's nowhere as 'deep' looking as what's on current gen Cadillac's and doesn't have any of the pinkish tint that I see on the Cad's.

Have any of you guys seen a Roadster in a white pearl paint that looked good or bad?

I hear a call to action for Alvin!

Mark

I have seen several pearl white Roadsters in Florida. They all looked like crap after a few years in the sun here...

Oregon, Sun, not a problem

ttyR2 wrote:Repainting my '64 310 is a loooong way out, but I'm starting to mull over paint choices. I really like the subtle pearl white on the wifes '90 Lexus. It's nowhere as 'deep' looking as what's on current gen Cadillac's and doesn't have any of the pinkish tint that I see on the Cad's.

Have any of you guys seen a Roadster in a white pearl paint that looked good or bad?

The "pinkish" tint you're referring to is due to the specific "pearl" additive mixed in with either the clear or the white. Typically it gets added to the initial clear coat, sometimes to the last color coat, sometimes to all the clear coats, and sometimes depending on what you intend the final effect to be, in different pearl colors in different coats. White paint lends itself especially well to having it added in the last coat of color.

You can find a pearl additive in Green, Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, etc. and make your own decision as to what to accent. The trick is in knowing how and how much to spray and which tint best compliments the paint scheme you're shooting for.

Confusing? Maybe so, but that's what can distinguish a so-so paint job from an eye stunner.

Take a look at this one site I found via Google which has a lot of good information:
http://www.paintwithpearl.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check out this page for their recommendations as to what and how to use the pearl additives:
http://www.paintwithpearl.com/pearl_paint.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As to your last question... I have seen a white Roadster with a paint job that would not be everyone's cup of tea. White base, with a set of lace stripes on the hood in red, which by the time the several coats of pearl were added ended up looking pink. Decidedly different, and unfortunately, not a very popular effect at the car show I saw it at some years back. (If it's anyone on this forum, I'll apologize for any perceived slight.)

FWIW
E

I was looking at a pearl 1600 a while back. It had more of a purplish tint to it. The owner said it was absolutely brilliant in the sun, but we never got to that point. It had been parked for 15 years or so and we did not have any room to move it. I have never been a fan of pearl, but this one did look pretty cool.

I've seen on '97-99 ish Nissan Maximas a very subtle white pearl paint. It is sort of silvery in the sun. I believe Nissan calls it Platinum Pearl. It is one of my color choices when I get back to my '69 sr20 project. Pat Mahoney

I'd be fine with a silver tint, but definitely don't want any other tints in the paint if possible. Just white and/or a bit of silver.

Late 90's Audi Pearl White is one of my favorites - I'm not sure if they've changed it, but I've seen the color on several A4s of the 96-98 vintage. In a quick search, it looks like they were still using it into the early 2000s.

If you go with the pearl white, might I suggest a red interior? Even with the modern paint color, it will make the car look vintage.

I have yet to see an older pearl paint job that ages well. Just a personal opinion...