Extra cost for Blizzard Pearl...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by socal13, Apr 16, 2013.

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  1. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Yep, my early 2009-production MY 2010 is Blizzard Pearl. Worth every penny. Never officially waxed the car, and the paint seems to do just fine parked in the AZ sun. Spoiler is another story...
     
    #21 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 21, 2013
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Really? What is happening with it? Picture?
     
    #22 spiderman, Apr 21, 2013
  3. Odinn

    Odinn Junior Member

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    I know my 2010 black CM Tundra was NOT clearcoated. The dealer pointed it out and I worked in my deal to have it taken care of at a local shop along with my toneau cover. If you go to the Tundra Solutions forums, they talk about this for black Tundras.
     
    #23 Odinn, Apr 21, 2013
  4. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Close-up. Clear-coat is crazing. I made the mistake of trying to use a clear-coat cleanup type polish, and all it did was fill in the cracks to make it even more obvious.

    DSC_3488.JPG
     
    #24 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 21, 2013
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  5. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Wow not good!
     
    #25 retired4999, Apr 21, 2013
  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    yikes.
     
    #26 spiderman, Apr 21, 2013
  7. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Nearly 4 years of part or full-time parking in the sun (I got evicted from the garage for my wife's 2004 after the first summer since my solar roof keeps the car cooler). I'm not religious about washing or waxing. AZ sun is brutal.

    The Blizzard Pearl parts still look great though (where doors, rocks, etc. haven't chipped it away).
     
    #27 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 21, 2013
  8. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I mean yours looks so bad... do you think that is common to them all down there or do you think yours got contaminated with something?
     
    #28 spiderman, Apr 21, 2013
  9. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    The crazing isn't as obvious if one doesn't try to rub a white polish into it. I do wonder, and may bring it up at my next service appointment (extended warranty).
     
    #29 HTMLSpinnr, Apr 21, 2013
  10. teamsc10190

    teamsc10190 Stereo Prii (2011 and 2006)

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    Pearlescent paints use mica dust to provide the shade changing appearance. It's a three-stage paint compared with two-stage metallics, hence the increased cost. Metallic or pearl contain one clear coat layer.

    BP is not more durable. White color paints are physically heavier and have a reduced level of adhesion, flexibility and chip resistance due to paint chemistry that employs high levels of pigments. Paint chemistry (particularly white colors) changed radically with removal of lead years ago.

    Paint repair in the field with white pearls can be challenging.
     
    #30 teamsc10190, Apr 22, 2013
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  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thanks! Yeah I heard it from ToyotaNation that "Black" (202 colour code) wasn't so you had to be careful when you wax cause the paint will rub off to the applicator pad.
     
    #31 Tideland Prius, Apr 23, 2013
  12. teamsc10190

    teamsc10190 Stereo Prii (2011 and 2006)

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    Many car manufacturers (outside the luxury segment) do not clear coat solid colors which is why these colors are the first to oxidize. The only UV protection for automotive coatings is in the clear coat. (This alone is a reason to select a metallic.)

    My daughter drives a light blue metallic 2007 Mazda3 with port-fitted body side moldings that have now faded to a different color because they weren't clear coated. Mazda North America fitted these body side moldings 100% as a standard feature on Mazda3, but obviously saves money by not clear coating ANY color.
     
    #32 teamsc10190, Apr 23, 2013
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  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Interesting...
     
    #33 Tideland Prius, Apr 23, 2013
  14. Stangar

    Stangar Active Member

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    Synopsis: I dislike Blizzard Pearl.

    Super White looks clean/pure and can easily be touched up. I have a 2011 Blizzard Pearl and it is impossible to touch up. The touch up paint doesn't match no matter how long you shake it. It just doesn't match. I'm showing my age but, it used to be only 70's Cadillacs had pearl. Blizzard Pearl just doesn't reflect light and always appears dirty.

    Toyota needs to "Ban the Pearl" for 2019 and on !!
     
    #34 Stangar, Oct 10, 2018
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I was just thinking as I re-read this thread, getting to your "bump": I would almost be willing to pay extra for simple, non-metallic solid colour.
     
    #35 Mendel Leisk, Oct 10, 2018
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