Candy apple paint is a bright, deep red color that resembles the red outer coating of candy apples. It’s a popular automotive paint color that provides a striking, eye-catching finish. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the characteristics of candy apple paint including its color tones, uses, and how it gets its signature glossy appearance.
Defining Candy Apple Red
Candy apple paint, also sometimes called apple red paint, is known for its rich, warm red color that mimics the exterior coating of candy apples. Candy apples, also called caramel apples, are apples that have been dipped in a hard sugar shell coating. This gives the apples a vibrant red outer layer that amplifies and deepens the natural red color of the apple skin underneath.
Candy apple red sits in the red-orange range of colors. It’s much warmer and deeper than a bright fire engine red. The pigments used to create candy apple red aim to recreate the look of the candy apple’s outer shell – intensifying the red tones to be bold and eye-catching.
Hex Codes and RGB Values
The specific hex code of candy apple red paint is #FF0800. This refers to an RGB color value of:
– R (red): 255
– G (green): 8
– B (blue): 0
Having a 255 red value gives candy apple paint its strong, dominant red tone. The very low green and blue values make it a bold, warm red rather than a lighter orange-red.
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Values |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Apple Red | #FF0800 | R: 255, G: 8, B: 0 |
Uses of Candy Apple Paint
Candy apple red first became popular in the 1950s era of hot rods and custom cars. It gave the cars a show-stopping, high-energy look. Since then, candy apple red continues to be a popular choice for:
– Sports cars – Candy apple red is a dynamic color that suggests speed and power. It’s commonly seen on sports car models like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Mustangs.
– Muscle cars – The bold, standout hue suits the muscular styling of cars like the Camaro, Corvette, and Charger.
– Custom vehicles – From hot rods to custom motorcycles, candy apple red remains an eye-catcher in the custom auto world.
– Accent colors – Some luxury and performance vehicles use candy apple red as an accent color for things like brake calipers, stitching, or badging against an otherwise understated exterior color. This adds a splash of vibrant color.
Candy Apple Paint Finish
Candy apple paint gets its super glossy, liquid-like look from a multi-step painting process. Traditional candy apple paint jobs involve:
– Primer – The car is prepped with primer to create a smooth, even base for paint.
– Base coat – A solid red base coat is applied first. This provides the underlying red color.
– Translucent layers – Multiple sheer, translucent layers of colored paint are applied over the base coat. These translucent layers give candy apple paint its signature depth and wet-looking shine.
– Clear coat – Finally a clear coat is added on top. This protects the paint and enhances glossiness.
Modern candy apple paints utilize a similar process, but with more advanced paints and techniques. The end result is the same – a super vibrant red with incredible depth and reflectivity.
Matching Candy Apple Paint
If you’re looking to match the candy apple red paint on a current vehicle, there are a few options:
– Color code – The vehicle’s VIN number can be used to obtain the factory color code which gives an exact match.
– Color matching – Many auto paint suppliers have technology to accurately scan and match existing paint colors.
– Comparison – Physical paint sample cards can be compared side-by-side to find the closest match.
Matching the original factory candy apple paint will give the truest version of the color. Aftermarket and custom candy apple reds may show slight variations in tone and finish.
Candy Apple Paint Care
Candy apple paint requires some special care and maintenance to keep it looking its best:
– Frequent washing – Wash often with automotive shampoo to prevent dirt buildup. Rinse thoroughly.
– Waxing – Wax at least every 3 months to protect the finish. Use a carnauba-based wax for the most clarity and reflectivity.
– Avoid abrasives – Don’t use abrasive polishes or cleaning products which can scratch and dull the finish.
– Touch up scratches – Touch up any scratches and chips right away to prevent oxidation and fading.
– Garage storage – Park in the garage whenever possible to limit exposure to elements that cause fading.
With proper care, candy apple paint can maintain its signature high-gloss, liquid-like shine for years. The vivid color helps conceal swirls and imperfections better than paler paints.
Conclusion
Candy apple paint delivers a bold, eye-grabbing red finish that emulates the look of a real candy apple. Its deep reddish-orange hue is visually striking, especially on sports cars and hot rods. Candy apple red requires multiple layers of translucent paint to achieve its rich color and reflective wet look. With care, it will maintain its high-impact appearance. So if you’re looking to give your vehicle a bright, head-turning color, candy apple paint is a great choice.
