Pearl pigments – the shimmering powders that give automotive paint, plastics, and cosmetics their brilliant depth – were once made in the United States and Europe. But today, nearly all pearl pigment production happens overseas, especially in China and India. To understand why, you need to trace both the technical
Why Pearl Pigment Production Moved to China Read More »
Introduction When it comes to restoring or enhancing your car’s paint, two common techniques are often discussed: wet sanding and buffing, versus wet sanding followed by re-clear coating. While both methods aim to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, the latter—wet sanding and re-clear—offers several advantages, especially for beginners or those
Why Wet Sanding and Re-Clear Beats Buffing Read More »
When it comes to candy paint, your base coat color for candy paint is the biggest factor in deciding how light, dark, warm, or sparkling the final finish will be. Even using the same candy color, changing the base can completely transform the end result. If you’re new to candy
Choosing the Right Base Coat Color for Candy Paint Shade Read More »
If you’ve ever stepped back after spraying a fresh coat and thought, “Why is my paint so blotchy?”—you’re not alone. Cloudy or blotchy finishes are one of the most common and frustrating issues in automotive refinishing, especially with metallics and pearls. Whether you’re a DIYer or a seasoned painter, understanding
My Paint Is Blotchy—Top 5 Mistakes and Fixes Read More »
A long debated & controversial topic in collision repair/restoration is do I epoxy prime bare metal before applying filler? If you’re prepping bare metal—whether on a car panel or metal patch—it’s tempting to jump straight into applying body filler. But stopping first to seal with an epoxy primer can make
Why You Should ABSOLUTELY Epoxy Prime Bare Metal Before Applying Filler Read More »
Dreaming of gold rims but not ready to drop thousands on new wheels? Good news—you don’t have to. With the right materials and a little patience, you can transform your existing chrome or polished wheels into stunning gold rims using honey or gold candy paint, an adhesion promoter, and a
Turn Chrome into Gold: Easy DIY for Gold Rims/Wheels Read More »
Why Timing Matters Applying clear coat at the right moment is key to a smooth, durable finish. Too soon, and you risk smudges, bubbles, or poor bonding. Too late, and the coat may not adhere properly or require sanding to re-activate the surface. By the time you finish this 3
How To Tell When You’re Ready for the Next Coat of Clear Read More »
🎨 What Are Pearl Pigments? Before diving into Xirallic vs mica pearls, let’s break down what pearl pigments are in automotive paints: Another term you might hear is ice pearls, which are really just high-quality mica-based pearls prized for their bright, frosty sparkle in light. 🧩 Mica Pearls: The Classic
Xirallic vs Mica: What’s the Real Difference? Read More »
In the fast-paced world of custom automotive painting, efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. One of the most effective yet often overlooked techniques to enhance efficiency is the use of spray outs. These test panels are more than just color checks; they’re strategic tools that can significantly reduce waste,
Spray Outs: The Smart Strategy for Custom Paint Shops to Save Time, Materials, and Money Read More »
When art, music, and high-end custom finishes collide, the result is pure spectacle. And that’s exactly what happened with one of the standout visual centerpieces of The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour — a stunning 24-foot chrome sculpture named “Sexy Robot” by legendary Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. This towering,
The Weeknd’s Tour Meets Custom Paint Magic: Showcasing the Iconic “Sexy Robot” Sculpture Read More »
If you’re looking to add a unique and mesmerizing touch to your custom paint projects, the acetylene torch painting technique, also known as smoke painting, offers a captivating solution. This method involves using the soot from an acetylene torch to create ethereal smoke patterns on surfaces like motorcycle tanks, guitars, or metal panels. The
How to Create Stunning Smoke Effects with an Acetylene Torch: A Beginner’s Guide Read More »
In today’s fast-paced automotive industry, every minute counts — and every dollar saved can boost your bottom line. Whether you’re running a high-volume collision repair shop, a custom paint studio turning out head-turning builds, or a paint and body supply store serving pros in your area, Cande Shop was built