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Whether you drive a classic car or something more modern, the paint job is often what catches people’s eye. From candy apple reds to subdued neutral tones, the color of your vehicle reflects your style and gives others on the road something to admire. Automobile painting has changed over the years, however; the finishes you see today aren’t what you would’ve seen on the road 50 years ago. The team at Crone’s Auto Body, a collision repair shop in Covington, KY, explains the evolution of car paint.

1930s

Cars were rapidly evolving during the early 1900s, and so were their paint jobs. During this decade, the spray gun was invented, which sped up the painting process rapidly. It was not only much faster to paint a car, but detailers could apply a more consistent coat over the vehicle, too. In addition, more color options became available during this period.

1950s

automobile paintingThe rise of muscle cars inspired auto technicians to get more creative with their painting. Spray guns were used to cover cars in paint, and then an oven-like machine was employed to speed up the drying process. The result was a quickly painted car — which was great for manufacturing purposes but not for appearance. Many vehicles from this era were noted for their lack of sheen.

1960s & ‘70s

The unpolished automobile painting look of the ‘50s began to die out, as car enthusiasts gravitated toward shiny, metallic, and exuberant colors. Gloss was layered over solid colors to create a glistening effect on most vehicles.

2010s

Automobile painting continues to advance. Today, it is often put on using electricity and involves applying several layers to give it a long-lasting finish. Consumers have shifted away from less conventional colors and are again interested in monochromatic looks. Neutral tones, such as gray and white, lead in popularity, and people shy away from colors that are overly loud or glossy.

To learn more about automobile painting, its history, and how its done, chat with the team at Crone’s Auto Body the next time you have your car touched up or repainted. Call (859) 356-1800 to schedule an appointment today, and visit their website for a complete list of services.

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