[Milliwatt Rob]

I read somewhere that because of differences in the paint composition (little metal flakes?) and/or how the paint is prepared and applied, that metallic color selections are less susceptible to orange peel than solid colors. Has that been the observed experience?

It may be the tipping factor in my decision between Black and Night Race Blue.

 

[jsvette]

Interesting question. Look forward to the answers. In the mean time, if you like both Black and Night Race Blue, consider the fact that both will look black except under bright or sunlight conditions, when the NRB will be a stunner.

 

[glen e]

I personally think it's on all of them as it's in the clear coat. Certainly some colors show it more or less, white tends to hide it well. But torch shows it, so does cyber, so it's not in the metallic for me...

 

[usmamg]

My CRT 15 seems to be ok

 

[Chip]

Based only on the cars I have actually seen that had what I thought was considerable OP it seemed to me that some "colors" seem to show it more than others. I don't believe there is inherently any difference in the procedure / technique in applying the various colors. Having said this, I have read discussions where it was stated that "there is" a variation in paint application with some colors. I can't say with any certainly which is the case. With any luck, and based on the response Jeremy received, the degree and frequency of this problem should diminish in time.

 

[greggshere]

The orange peel may show more on various colors or types but most of it lies in the clear coat as Glen said above. You can get it in the base coat as well, but since the base paint can be sprayed a little heavier it flows out better and lays flatter. The thinner clear coat has a fine line between a run and OP. Right between those it is perfect. I've painted these modern BC CC paints and it is fun and interesting manually where you can compensate for the weather conditions by the composition of the thinner or the application of it. Not so easy with robotics I would think.

 

[mjw930]

I've read interviews with GM engineers who were discussing the programs they have to compensate for temperature, humidity, paint load (amount of paint in the vat) and the specific characteristics of each color. I know from experience that each specific color has slightly different characteristics due to the materials used to create the color (pigments). Each specific paint has a spec sheet that describes how to thin it based on temp and humidity.

In the thread regarding the paint finish petition it was mentioned that they blame the excessive OP (all current mass produced cars have some OP, every single one of them regardless the price) on the new to 2014/15 composite panels and their porosity. That would seem counter intuitive if all the OP is in the clear but not really. Since this is a wet/wet application (the base coat has not cured prior to the clear being applied) it's reasonable to think that the panel porosity is leaving the paint surface inconsistent (some areas drier than others as more solvents have been absorbed by the panel). The paint surface may be smooth but the clear will OP if some of the paint has a higher content of solvent.

The running fix (bandaid) is to use a double coat of primer. The long term fix is to work with the vendor to produce a panel with lower porosity. They commented that the roof, hood and trunk are CF which has very little porosity so that's why you see less OP on those parts. Not no OP, just less.

 

[Chip]

...Not no OP, just less.

I suppose it begs the question: At what level / degree of OP will people feel that their corvette has a finish up to par with the standards of the industry?

 

[rdslon01]

When you walk down the isle of a parking lot full of cars, and yours is clearly above the 50th percentile of what you see.

 

[mjw930]

I suppose it begs the question: At what level / degree of OP will people feel that their corvette has a finish up to par with the standards of the industry?

When the entire car looks like the hood or roof, which typically have what would be considered "normal" OP for mass produced cars.

 

[smajicek]

Will the Daytona orange have orange peel or will that be lemon peel?

 

[DonBPA]

I can say this based on personal experience. My first C7 was Night Race Blue and there wasn't a hint of orange peel... My new C7 ( a replacement due to being rear ended in my first one ) is Laguna Blue with a build date of 7/7. The orange peel
Is very evident on both doors. Obviously this is just a two car sample but I do believe the NRB color is either less susceptible or it simply hides it better.

 

[Chip]

Don is the "obvious OP" on your present car limited only to the doors, or is it just worse there? Also, as a side note; You are one of only a few here to own 2 C-7's. (Sorry to hear of the reason for that) If you had the first one long enough for you to get a feel for it, can you give us a comparative look through your eyes of the differences between the two cars? If you are willing to do that, and there are any differences you noticed between the two, please start a new thread on the "Owners Logbook" forum about that. Thanks!

 

[jsvette]

I can say this based on personal experience. My first C7 was Night Race Blue and there wasn't a hint of orange peel... My new C7 ( a replacement due to being rear ended in my first one ) is Laguna Blue with a build date of 7/7. The orange peel
Is very evident on both doors. Obviously this is just a two car sample but I do believe the NRB color is either less susceptible or it simply hides it better.

I would hazard a guess that unless the comparisons between NRB and LB were done in full bright sun light, the NRB could mask a myriad of minor flaws.

 

[Milliwatt Rob]

I would hazard a guess that unless the comparisons between NRB and LB were done in full bright sun light, the NRB could mask a myriad of minor flaws.

Well, if you are going to have a case of orange peel, wouldn't you rather have it on a color where it is less noticeable?

 

[red1996lt4]

If my NRB coupe, #22486, has any OP, I am unable to detect it.

 

[lakemg]

If my NRB coupe, #22486, has any OP, I am unable to detect it.

Unless it has been wet sanded and buffed, it will have some level of OP. It's just the nature of the beast, but perhaps your clear coat has a lot less than others.

 

[DonBPA]

I am very hands on with my cars and I waxed my original NRB several times in the few months I had her. No sign of OP was ever detected ..even in full sun.. The new Laguna Blue one on the other hand, shows very obvious OP in full sun or under the fluorescent lights in my garage.

 

[glen e]

I am very hands on with my cars and I waxed my original NRB several times in the few months I had her. No sign of OP was ever detected ..even in full sun.. The new Laguna Blue one on the other hand, shows very obvious OP in full sun or under the fluorescent lights in my garage.

and as they are both metallic, we are back to the OP's question.

 

[usmamg]

I have a 2015 CRT with no Orange Peel (at least I cannot find any)