The new technology of ‘paramagnetic paint coatings allows car owners to change the paintjob at any time, be it in the parking lot or at the lights.
A new era has dawned. It’s a new era for paint. Car colour is a decision that can have a significant impact on residual car value as well as neighbourhood standings. There are many options, including graphite, gray or silver. The introduction of a new technology that uses ‘paramagnetic paint coatings means that the choices are not fixed as soon as the car leaves the factory. The idea is to let owners change the paintjob at any time they like, whether it’s in the parking lot or at the lights.
This technology works by passing a current through a special plastic material that has been applied to the vehicle prior to painting. This polymer is made up of particles of ‘paramagnetic iron oxide’. The spacing of the crystals of the oxide can be adjusted by applying an electric current. This will affect their light reflection and colour perception.
Because cars are conductive metal objects, they make a great medium for this technology. The small current can maintain a particular colour. The paint would turn back to white if there was no current. This makes it difficult to find the car after a shopping trip.
Although it may sound like science fiction at first, the first commercial applications of this technology will be available on the market by 2010. Nissan has already created a self-healing paint. Check out the Technology category, which has been recently introduced and is expanding.