metallic paint question

The flakes are mixed in the sprayed on color coat and then covered by a clear coat. And yes they go through the nozzle. Historically the flake used in European cars has generally been smaller/finer than American cars. There have been exceptions. The 2002 Silver Arrow Edition MB SL500/600 used the more blingy large American style flake in the metallic silver which was over a $1k option for the paint alone.

And then there is Metalflake.
https://www.google.com/search?q=metalflake&biw=1226&bih=627&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=BKYoU5nlCsiV2QX_r4GwDQ&ved=0CDUQsAQ

 

Normal metallics are small enough to fit through a standard spray gun nozzle. It does come in several sizes or coarseness. It is mixed with the color and sprayed in a similar manner to solid colors. However, there are spray techniques utilized to be sure the metallics don’t look mottled. Metallic paint comes in both base/clear systems and single stage (no clear) systems. A lot of what looks like metallic now is pearl. Pearls are added to the color coat just like metallic in most cases. However some pearls must be added to an intermediate coat over a regular basecoat to achieve the desired effect. This is known as a tri-coat. Pearls give more color and bling than metallics. Xirallics are an even newer additive that is seen on new cars. Those really sparkly metallics on the new cars is Xirallic. The only factory that produced xirallics was damaged in the Japanese Tsunami a couple years ago. So there was a shortage for a few months. Metal flake is larger flake that is put in an intermediate coat or applied in the clear coat. Metal flake may require a larger nozzle or even a flake gun. Metal flake is for bass boats.

Larry

 

It would also be worth mentioning that there are also different colors of metallic flake to give different hues when a car is under direct sunlight.

 

Most but not all are ground up mylar... comes in three different sizes. For the most "European" style of paintwork I always specify all my metallic paint formulas substitute all medium metallic with fine when mixing.. It gives a paintjob the "Glow" rather than the "sparkle" and more closely resembles the 1950's and 60's German paints I use.