Candy Apple Red is a vibrant and glossy red color that is commonly associated with candy apples, hot rod cars, and other items that feature a bright, shiny red finish. But is Candy Apple Red actually a metallic color? The answer depends on how the color is created.
What Makes a Color Metallic
In general, for a paint or finish to be considered metallic, it must contain metal flakes or powder. These tiny bits of metal reflect light to give the finish a glittery, sparkly appearance. The more metal flakes there are, the more dramatic the metallic effect will be.
Common metals used to create metallic paints and finishes include:
- Aluminum
- Bronze
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Zinc
When these metallic particles are suspended in clear lacquer and applied to a surface, it creates a glossy look with lots of shine and luster. The way the metal flakes reflect light gives metallic finishes their distinctive look.
How Candy Apple Red is Made
There are a few different ways that the vivid Candy Apple Red color can be created:
- Candy apple lacquer: This traditional candy apple coating contains no metallic elements. It’s made by mixing red pigment into a clear, high-gloss lacquer. When brushed onto a surface, it dries to a super shiny, glass-like finish.
- Metallic red automotive paint: Many auto manufacturers offer a factory Candy Apple Red paint color for vehicles. These modern auto paints use aluminum flakes to give the red a bright metallic pop. So a factory Candy Apple Red car paint would technically be considered metallic.
- Metal flake overlay: On custom hot rod builds, Candy Apple Red is sometimes created using a metal flake or pearl top-coat over a solid red base coat. This gives it a flashy, metallic look by reflecting and refracting light.
So in summary, traditional candy apple lacquer is not metallic, but modern metallic red auto paints and custom finishes using metal flakes can achieve a Candy Apple Red metallic effect.
Characteristics of Metallic vs. Non-Metallic Candy Apple Red
There are some key differences between metallic and non-metallic versions of Candy Apple Red:
| Metallic Candy Apple Red | Non-Metallic Candy Apple Red |
|---|---|
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As you can see, the metal flakes in metallic Candy Apple Red finishes create a much flashier look with more color variance depending on lighting and viewing angle.
Is Traditional Candy Apple Red Metallic?
The answer is no – traditional candy apple lacquer does not contain any metallic additives. It’s a non-metallic paint made by mixing red pigment into clear, high-gloss lacquer. This creates an intense, saturated red color with a shiny, glossy finish. But since it lacks metal particles, traditional candy apple coating is not technically a metallic finish.
However, some modern interpretations of Candy Apple Red do utilize metal flakes to achieve a bolder, more glittery metallic effect. So while the original candy apple look is non-metallic, metallic versions of this color are now common as well.
Uses of Metallic vs. Non-Metallic Candy Apple Red
Here are some of the most common uses of metallic and non-metallic versions of Candy Apple Red:
- Non-metallic: Traditional candy apples, red children’s toys like wagons or playhouses, folk art pieces like carved wooden figures, decorative home goods
- Metallic: Custom cars and hot rods, motorcycles, specialty vehicle paint jobs, some production sports cars and muscle cars, metal flake overlay finishes
The non-metallic version provides a brighter, deeper solid red, while the metallic variants have more flash and visual appeal for items like cars where a splashy look is desired. But both types of Candy Apple Red finishes deliver high-gloss, attention-grabbing bright red color.
Candy Apple Red in Popular Culture
Candy Apple Red has made its mark across popular culture, especially in the automotive world. Here are some noteworthy examples:
- The 1958 Ford Thunderbird had a Candy Apple Red paint option that helped make this color synonymous with American sports cars of the era.
- James Dean famously drove a 1955 Porsche Spyder 550 convertible that was painted in a non-metallic Candy Apple Red lacquer coating.
- In 1983, Ferrari unveiled the iconic F40 supercar, coated in a striking Candy Apple Red metallic paint job.
- A bright Candy Apple Red Ford Mustang convertible appeared prominently in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, instantly becoming a recognizable movie car.
- International Harvester mass produced bright red toy wagons for kids in a glossy Candy Apple Red finish throughout the mid-1900s.
From timeless sports car paints to childhood toy memories, Candy Apple Red crosses generations and cultures, representing style, speed, and fun.
How to Care for Candy Apple Red Finishes
While vibrant and eye-catching, Candy Apple Red can be prone to showing scratches, swirl marks, and other signs of wear over time. Here are some tips for keeping Candy Apple Red looking its best:
- Use a gentle hand wash and rinse with lots of water to prevent soap residue.
- Always dry the finish thoroughly to prevent water spots.
- Wax or seal regularly to protect the glossy finish from the elements.
- Use a clay bar treatment occasionally to remove bonded surface contaminants.
- Machine polish lightly using a dual-action polisher to remove swirl marks and restore shine.
- Consider paint protection film for high impact areas like the hood and fenders.
Taking proper care and maintaining good cleaning techniques will keep the radiant Candy Apple Red color looking lustrous and vibrant.
Conclusion
With its tantalizing glossy red finish, Candy Apple Red has been turning heads for generations. While originally created as a non-metallic coating, modern Candy Apple Red paints commonly feature metal flakes to deliver even more visual pop. Whether a deep red classic candy apple lacquer or a bright flashy metallic auto paint, Candy Apple Red evokes a sense of boldness and vitality. This vibrant color remains a popular choice whenever a flashy, race-inspired red finish is desired.
