What is the difference between universal white and pearl white?
3 Answers
Super white is ordinary white paint, while pearl white is mixed with pearl powder, equivalent to metallic paint, but with higher costs. More details are as follows: 1. Classification of white car paint: Generally divided into ordinary white, ivory white, pearl white, etc. The so-called pearl white adds a layer of pearl paint between the color paint and the clear paint, with mica as its main component. 2. Mica: Mica is a dioctahedral calcium layered silicate mineral, often found in aluminum-rich deposits, recognized as a standard metamorphic rock-forming mineral from low to medium-grade metamorphic rocks. When mica pigments containing titanium dioxide and iron oxide are added to the paint base, light reflects off the titanium dioxide and iron oxide first when it hits the mica particles, then refraction occurs inside the mica particles.
The main differences between standard white and pearl white lie in their appearance and visual effects. Standard white is a plain, solid white paint without any special additives, appearing clean and straightforward but lacking depth—under sunlight, it simply shows a uniform white color. In contrast, pearl white incorporates pearl or mica particles, reflecting subtle shimmering effects under light and displaying a gradient from white to light blue, giving it a more refined and upscale look. From my daily observations, weather conditions can amplify these differences: on cloudy days, standard white may appear monotonous, while pearl white retains its sparkling effect. This aesthetic appeal attracts many fashion-conscious car owners, though the distinction becomes less noticeable at night or in dim lighting. In terms of maintenance, repairing scratches on pearl white is more complicated due to its multi-layered color complexity, making imperfections more visible. Overall, standard white suits pragmatists, while pearl white adds a touch of luxury.
If you're on a tight budget, plain white is definitely the more affordable option. I personally compared when buying my car: plain white is usually the standard color, either free or just a few hundred dollars extra; pearl white costs significantly more, adding thousands to the price due to the use of pearl powder particles in the manufacturing process and the complex, time-consuming painting technique. Repairs are also more troublesome: my friend's car got scratched, and fixing the pearl white cost twice as much with additional waiting time for color matching; plain white repairs are simpler, quicker, and cheaper. In the long run, insurance premiums might also increase for certain colors, as some companies consider high-gloss paint to indicate higher value. Moreover, plain white is easier to maintain, looking newer with less waxing; pearl white requires frequent care to prevent the glossy layer from peeling. In summary, from an economic standpoint, plain white is the wise choice.
