Most durable paint color

[Rubicon15]

I’ve been reading various threads in different groups regarding tri-coat paint vs two coat colors. I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a new 1958 LC. I was originally learning towards ice cap. However, I’ve read a number of comments regarding Toyota having problems with white paint.

Meteor shower is a tri-coat paint used by Toyota. As the term implies, there are three coats of paint vs two. On the other hand heritage blue is also a two coat paint. Some people believe the tri-coat paint is more durable.

Has anyone researched the type of paint Toyota uses on the LC. Are the tri-coat paints inherently better? Has any one reported problems with the ice cap? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Ike582]

Interesting, I know absolutely zero about automotive paint technology but would like to see a couple of those links if you can share them.

 

[ERROR504]

Only time will tell, so pick the one that makes you smile.

 

[dubel]

There's also the other white Wind Chill Pearl, and being a "metallic" paint likely also would need three coats but I don't know if longevity would be improved - regardless of the number of base coats its the final clear coat that probably has the most influence on durability. I liked the underground color but went with Meteor Shower (metallic gray) thinking that scratches would not show as well. And I'm not disappointed as I couldn't avoid some thorny brushes on the trails but so far it all washed away with no visible pin stripes! My top choice would have been green and would have done that if available!

Overall I'm satisfied with the quality of the paint. My 11 year old dark metallic (Galaxy Blue Pearl) Subaru paint is still in good shape despite the bad reputation, though it gets to park in the garage most of the time. I recommend to go with the color you like the most because other factors (care) will dominate the expected durability.

 

[nollasjr]

In my experience, metallic colors in the silver/ grey spectrum are the easiest to buff “beauty marks” out of. Now, that said I do not know enough about automotive paints to have an opinion about technical durability. I have always had and do still have a black vehicle in the family, but the metallic grey/ silverish colors stay as the daily drivers.

With modern PPF quality I haven't left much to chance and I've had the LC wrapped.

 

[lcat63]

Does the color have anything to do with durability? Isn’t the exposed surface just clear coat?

 

[TimHerald]

I bought Ice Cap but I do know Toyota had a huge recall on Tacomas in white last year. I had a friend have to take his in and get a complete new paint job, but I do think it was something about the clear coat. He did say it was only on white trucks. Hopefully they learned from that.

 

[AlexGates]

Take care of your paint and you should be fine. In the least use some sort of synthetic wax* at least once a year, clean off bird crap, and bugs, wash it every now and then even it if is just hitting it with a foam gun and then rinsing. People will say not to use an auto car wash, I did with my 4G 4R and after 17yrs the paint was fine, same with my 5yr F150, just make sure it is a newer type wash, and some guy with a muddy truck isn't ahead of you. Avoid the touch-less, some use chemicals that aren't so hot for your paint.

Just from daily driving around, it seems like the silver 4R's (Gen4) and Tacos have the worst paint. I know, not a LC.

*I'm talking about the low brow stuff you just spray on, wipe around a little, let sit, then wipe off. Better than nothing.

 

[Rubicon15]

I totally agree. I routinely use a high quality synthetic wax, hand wash only, and no harsh chemicals or soap. I use a high grade car wash. My 2015 Rubicon still looks great.

Everyone is correct. The final clear coat is what makes a difference. However, the tri-coat may be thicker overall. It sounds like no one in this group has had any problems with ice cap. I should note, all tri-coat paint colors can be difficult to match. Not impossible but difficult.

 

[Rubicon15]

Interesting, I know absolutely zero about automotive paint technology but would like to see a couple of those links if you can share them.

Just search tri-coat automotive paint vs two coat. Both are widely used in the automotive industry. Generally speaking, metallic paints are tri-coat.

 

[wwoodywood]

Black paint here. Third chip spot in 5000 miles. If a rock touches the paint, it’s down to bare metal. I’ve never had a car chip like this. Don’t think ceramic makes a lick of difference. Time to get the whole front clip done in PPF.

 

[Rubicon15]

Wow, that must have been a direct hit. I agree, I’ve never seen a multi chip like that. I wonder if Toyota’s two coat paints are less durable than the metallic tri-coat paints. I was thinking about ice cap but I’m leaning towards meteor shower - base coat, mid coat, and clear coat.

 

[Dualonymous]

heritage blue, 5600 miles with three notable chips, all went down to primer. I have never had a car that is so vulnerable to paint chipping on pretty standard rock hits. Oddly enough, all of mine are on the sides, driver door, driver rear quarter panel and passenger door. I have no chips on the front.

 

[Rubicon15]

I would love to hear from people that own LC’s with metallic paint. I’m curious to know if the metallic paints are experiencing the same problem. I believe, heritage, black and ice cap are the only two coat paints used on the LC. I’m definitely not an expert but I remember reading that metallic paints are inherently softer than solid two coat paints.

 

[Futha]

My vote is for Ice Cap, because honestly it's so damn bright I don't think you'll even be able to see imperfections in daylight.

 

[Noctilucent]

My LCs black paint scratches easily from what I've experienced. My old Mag Gray 4Runner paint held up phenomenally throughout the years.

 

[Piggy]

I was originally learning towards ice cap. However, I’ve read a number of comments regarding Toyota having problems with white paint.

They have different names for the colour codes depending on the markets.
The "issues" are with 040 aka Super White II aka Ice Cap. The while metallic , 089, is supposedly better, which is why I got that.

I would love to hear from people that own LC’s with metallic paint. I’m curious to know if the metallic paints are experiencing the same problem. I believe, heritage, black and ice cap are the only two coat paints used on the LC. I’m definitely not an expert but I remember reading that metallic paints are inherently softer than solid two coat paints.

I have one tiny little chip that I've noticed so far, within the first few days of owning it, thankfully it's on the plastic panel but I expect it'll peel quite badly, sooner rather than later.

I think I might get PPF at some point.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

I wouldn’t worry about the ice cap paint. Toyota’s issue with white is in the past. I was under the impression that wcp was the only tri coat on the lc’s. Thus the $425 up charge. Never saw an up charge for meteor shower.

 

[MSINAL]

Black paint here. Third chip spot in 5000 miles. If a rock touches the paint, it’s down to bare metal. I’ve never had a car chip like this. Don’t think ceramic makes a lick of difference. Time to get the whole front clip done in PPF.
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Ditto. My meteor shower (with ceramic) is chipped and i cant believe how thin the paint and clearcoat are. Definitely not jeep wrangler paint. I ppf'd but of course the rocks never hit the ppf.

 

[robsurfskate]

1 year in my Meteor Shower. Not a scratch on it. I had the hood, two front fenders and headlights wrapped with clear ppf. All good.