Metal Flake for Cars: History & 15 Things You Didn’t Know

1. Metal flake for cars was first popularized in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to add sparkle and shine to custom paint jobs.
2. The tiny flakes of metal in metal flake paint were made from aluminum. Due to advancements in technology as well as the heavy weight of aluminum, today they are typically made from polyethylene (PET) that is then metallized, coated in color & then a clear.
3. The size of the metal flake for cars can vary from very small (known as micro flake or .004″) to very large (known as mega flake or .025″).
4. Metal flake paint is applied in a multi-step process that involves a base coat, the metal flake layer and then a clear coat.
5. The metal flakes on the paint reflect light in different directions, giving the paint job a unique, glittering appearance.
6. Metal flake paint can be applied to any type of vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and even airplanes.
7. Metal flake paint is often used in custom car shows and competitions to make a vehicle stand out from the crowd.
8. Metal flake paint can also be used to create custom designs and patterns, such as flames, stripes, and graphics.
9. Metal flake paint is available in a wide variety of colors, from traditional silver and gold to bold hues like purple and green.
10. Metal flake paint can be topped with other types of paints, such as candy paints and pearl paints, to create unique and complex color effects.
11. Metal flake paint can be difficult to apply and requires a skilled painter to achieve a smooth, even finish.
12. Metal flake paint is often more expensive than traditional paints due to the added materials and labor involved in the application process.
13. Metal flake paint is not always practical for daily drivers, as it can be more difficult to maintain and repair than standard paint jobs.
14. Metal flake paint can add value to a vehicle, particularly in the custom car market where unique and eye-catching paint jobs are highly prized.
15. Metal flake paint has a rich history in American car culture and remains a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to their vehicle.

History of Metal Flake for Cars

Metal flake for cars became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when customizing cars was a popular trend among American car enthusiasts. At that time, car owners were looking for ways to make their vehicles stand out from the rest and catch people’s attention. The use of metal flakes in paint was a novel approach that quickly gained popularity, as it created a unique and dazzling effect that was impossible to achieve with regular paint.

One of the reasons for the popularity of metal flake for cars was the emergence of hot rod culture. Car enthusiasts began to modify their cars with more powerful engines, sleeker designs, and custom paint jobs that often incorporated metal flake. The use of metal flakes in paint was a way to show off the curves and lines of the car, as well as to draw attention to its chrome features.

Metal flake paint also became associated with the rock and roll culture of the time. Musicians like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly often appeared with cars painted in metallic hues, which helped to further popularize the trend.

Today, metal flake paint is still used in the custom car industry, as well as in other areas of design, such as fashion and interior design. While it may have started as a trend in the 1950s and 1960s, metal flake for cars has remained a timeless style that continues to capture the attention of car enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, metal flake for cars has only been in use for the last 60+ years. In that time it has grown a tremendous following with people using it for millions of applications.