Durability of Non-Metallics

[X-Box]

I'm trying to decide the colour for my GT3 and all of my top choices are non-metallic..... Miami Blue, Guards Red, or maybe some PTS Green/Blue.

I've found Lava Orange, the first non-metallic I've owned in 15-years, very soft and prone to swirls, compared to my other cars that are metallic (granted, easier silver and grey).

Is LO more prone/obvious at showing swirls than say the brighter, similarly non-metallic Miami Blue, or are all the non-metallics just higher maintenance?

[fot0]

All paints will show swirls if prepared poorly. I would say metallic is just as prone, only its reflective properties are better at hiding it. The difference (if any) would be the hardness of the clear coat on the paints.

I enjoy the maintenance of the paint preparation so that is not an issue for me. However, there are 'glass' sealants and protective wraps that will keep the shine for many years guaranteed. The GT colours are fantastic in my view as with many of the retro paints.

[Paynewright]

How you wash it has a big effect too. Lambs wool wash mitt and two bucket method - my daily driver is 5+ years old and minimal swirls.

Ian

[alscar]

I have always found Porsche paint to be less soft than say Aston for example where irrespective of metallic or solid it still seems pretty soft.
The non metallic Riviera Blue on my 997 GT3 is still pretty swirl free - albeit it only 7000 miles in 7 years and always garaged.
I also had cobalt blue on another 997 and whilst metallic was also very swirl free.

[Porsche911R]

You can fit self healing coatings now days, poor warm water over the car no more swirls.
Not ppf I mean self healing coatings over the ceramic coatings.

Bold Solid colours look better on GT cars imo.

[Kermitgreenmeanmachine]

Non metallics have fewer layers of sealant/lacquer and are prone to scratches and swirling but easier to colour match come touch-up or respray. Metallics have thicker coat of lacquer therefore less scratches and reflection of scratches is diffused by the metallic element but harder to colour match.