Color is a determining factor in the perception of a vehicle. The type of color, the brightness and the interplay of light and shade greatly affect the perception of bodywork shape.
Sometimes some colors have a transcendent effect due to their high personality and even become a motivating factor in a purchase.
One example is Mazda’s “Soul Red Crystal” red, code 46V.
This color is one of the best examples of the highly chromatic effect colors that have become popular in recent years.
Technical characteristics of the Mazda “Soul Red Crystal” red.
Mazda “Soul Red Crystal” red is an effect color that is generally applied using a three-stage or candy paint system. The three coats of paint that make up this color are as follows:
1st coat: metallic color:
- This is the coat of paint that provides coverage, and the metallic effect that includes attributes such as texture and flop. Corresponding aluminum particles are used along with certain solid bases that provide tone.
- It is diluted in the proportion indicated by the manufacturer and, in some cases, it is also hardened to ensure good adhesion between coats.
2nd coat: tinted clear coat:
- This comprises a medium tint with a highly transparent color.
- The high transparency allows light to pass through this second coat reaching the bottom coat and reflecting off the aluminum it contains.
- In order to achieve such high transparency, the dyes require extremely small particle sizes and are therefore very specific products.
3rd coat: transparent clear coat
- This is the final coat of paint that serves to enhance the protection and even allow some reworking if necessary.
- It does not actively affect the color; it is a clear coat like the one used in the tinted coat. Rework if necessary.
The result of this combination of coats is a red color of great intensity and beauty that also stands out for its high flop effect.
These features enhance the contrast between darkness and high chromaticity on the bodywork, highlighting the volumes.
According to Mazda’s own head designer, “Soul Red Crystal” is intended to emulate the effects of rubies or red glass. Finally, it should be mentioned that the code that the brand has given to this color is 46V, which is an adaptation of the previous 41V.
7 steps for reproducing the Mazda “Soul Red Crystal” red.
Mazda’s “Soul Red Crystal” red is not an easy color to reproduce due to its pigment technology and the paint system that characterizes it, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s application instructions very carefully.
The variations of the same color that can occur in a new car are remarkable, a fact that undoubtedly demonstrates how technical its application is and how critical this color is.
Listed below are the steps to follow for the application of the Mazda “Soul Red Crystal” red color with Roberlo‘s Blucrom tintometric system.
Step 1:
To begin with, the first thing to take into account is the primer color on which you are going to work, in order to guarantee the color from the first coat and avoid changes in tone. As a paint manufacturer, we provide the shade to be used.
For those who do not have a primer with a specific range of grays, some manufacturers also have two-coat primers specifically formulated for complex colors, such as Mazda’s red, which are applied beforehand.
Step 2:
A reading is then taken with the spectrophotometer so that the integrated database returns an accurate reading of the color and the closest variant. It must be remembered that the measurement is carried out on a perfectly clean and polished surface bordering the color application area.
Step 3:
Once the first coat of the Mazda “Soul Red Crystal” color has been prepared, a 5% hardener is added HW 5000, if the Blucrom system is used, to increase the adhesion and hardness of the base coat. The hardener to be added must always be the appropriate one, in order to avoid changes in tone or adverse reactions due to incompatibility between different types of paints.
Step 4:
Once the first coat has been painted, the second coat is prepared and several color samples are tested with different number of coats. With this, different color intensities are obtained depending on the number of thicknesses applied, which will help the painter to choose the one closest to the original color.
As a general rule, it is sufficient to test three or four samples, bearing in mind that all of them must be tested on the same coat, which must provide adequate coverage, always following the indications of the technical data sheet. After the application process, the result obtained is as follows:
- Sample 1. Base coat + One coat of colored clear coat
- Sample 2. Base coat + Two coats of colored clear coat
- Sample 3. Base coat + Three coats of colored clear coat
- Sample 4. Base coat + Four coats of colored clear coat
Step 5:
Test the color samples on the area adjacent to the color application area. For this, it is advisable to carry out the test with light instruments that project daylight and make sure that the surface is in a good condition for testing the color.
Step 6:
The color must be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, in order not to distort the effect of this color. In the case of blending, the following precautions should be taken into account:
- Apply specific transparent surface wetting additives for blenders, such as DB-160or Color Blend for Blucrom, in order to generate a wet coat on which the metallic particles are correctly deposited and oriented.
- Blend the paint using a correct blending technique, taking advantage of all the space of the piece. This reduces over spray and the appearance of rings.
- After applying the color, and before applying the clear coat, make sure that the particles are well oriented.
Step 7:
Apply the clear coat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the case of Mazda’s “Soul Red Crystal”, we recommend using a fast clear coat whenever possible, diluting it 10% above the amount normally used. In addition, the amount of tint specified in the formulation must be added to achieve the desired candy effect.
After mixing, apply the number of coats required (you will know this from the testing in step 4), increasing the evaporation time between coats. In cases where the paint and the tinted clear coat have been blended, two coats of untinted clear coat will have to be applied, using it like a Color Blend, to achieve the correct integration of the paint. Finally, it is left to evaporate for 20 to 30 minutes before a final coat of untinted clear coat is applied, which increases the depth of color and enhances protection.
Complex colors, practical solutions.
Mazda’s “Soul Red Crystal” is a complex color to reproduce due to the characteristics of the technology that characterizes it.
Therefore, the process of checking and applying the color must be more precise, and by following the steps described above, we are sure that you will achieve the desired result.
