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That's the question I'm pondering these days. I'm getting close to ordering my MINI, and I keep flipping between CR and AB as my color choices (no real desire for other colors, regardless of how easy they might be to keep clean) . I love how both look (either choice will have white roof/mirrors/viper stripes), and so my decision essentially comes down to how difficult each is to take care of.
CR is a flat paint, so I assume that it'll show swirls and other paint imperfections moreso than a metallic paint. However, it'll mask dusk a little better than AB, right?
And I assume that the metallic flakes in AB will help mask swirls, but because of the dark color it'll show dust and dirt more?
Is there any logic in these assumptions? Or are they both equally difficult to keep shiny? Thanks for the help in advance!
CR is a flat paint, so I assume that it'll show swirls and other paint imperfections moreso than a metallic paint. However, it'll mask dusk a little better than AB, right?
Well my CR is certainly not FLAT and looked, you've offended her
Quote:
Originally Posted by thebreadking
And I assume that the metallic flakes in AB will help mask swirls, but because of the dark color it'll show dust and dirt more?
You are right however, the darker the paint the better it shines when clean. Nothing looks better than a clean black car. But black would drive me crazy because it would stay clean for about 3 minutes. Also to consider is that black paints (at least from BMW) are softer and more prone to swirls.
So it really boils down to just how OCD are you and can you live with the requiements of a AB MINI? AB is a great looking color but ... CR is faster!
They are harder to touch up from my experiance, I'm a CR owner and have found it to be a deep a shiny paint. I'm not super OCD but by using mystique and hydro from detailers paradise I have been able to clean it shiny.
I vote for AB just so my car can be that one tiny bit more unique.
__________________ Boris Badenov \ '07 MCS \ CR/W|Sport Stripes|16" White Bridge-Spokes|Premium Pkg|Cold Weather Pkg|White Turn Signals|Sport Suspension|DSC|LSD|Rear Fogs|Rooster Red/Black Seats|Rooster Red Color Line|Brushed Alloy Dash|Chrome Line Interior|Anthracite Headliner|Alarm|Hi-Fi|HD Radio|Illuminated Door Sills|Clear Bra|Grille Badge Holder \ Ordered 10/25 \ Completed 11/9 \ Delivered 12/17 \ "Smokey, this is not NAM. This is bowling. There are rules." -Walter Sobchak
Despite both colors being dark and on the more difficult side of the spectrum to care for overall, red is almost always easier to maintain than black. The CR, in particular, is easy to get some nice wetness out of and yet hides more than the AB (scratches/swirls and dust!). Plus, many black paints tend to be physically softer paint- which will lead to higher scratch risk.
I concur with the comments about metallics in general (ie, touchup paint) but metallic vs flat aside, red is still easier to keep looking nearly perfect.
I do love a black car but red is the best of all worlds, IMO!
(note that I would personally opt for black anyway if Nick vowed to be my daily detailing slave to keep the black in perfect shape 24/7! )
Although I don't have ASTRO black, I think I qualify as someone who can answer your question.... CR or AB ?
Well, after having spent hundreds of hours detailing a CR Cooper and maybe 75 hours or so (hey, we've only had Dr Evil for 6 months now and he's a weekend-only MINI), I can honestly say....
GET ONE OF EACH !!!!!
Of course, if I have to pick one or the other, I will stick with my first love... Chili Red. Not too hard to keep looking great and when it's well taken care of, a real eye-catcher. Especially with the right amount of checkers.
You sir, Mr. "I can't make a decision so I'll buy one of each" CRPWJB, are a waffler, a flip-flopper a fence-sitter extraordinar!
Ever thought of a career in politics?
You sir, Mr. "I can't make a decision so I'll buy one of each" CRPWJB, are a waffler, a flip-flopper a fence-sitter extraordinar!
Ever thought of a career in politics?
Hey now, someone with a user name that includes "Maybee" is going to call ME a waffler... flip-flopper... fence-sitter... ???
But hey, maybe you're right. After all, I'm loving some other MINI colors too, so who knows... maybeeeeee some day you'll be calling me "CR&PW&JB&LB&MY&ANOTHERCRTHISONEWITHWHITEROOF" .
Well before you rush out and buy one of each, consider for a moment that there is a character limitation for screen names.
You know I kid because I'm BRG with envy.
That reminds me... I forgot all about BRG ! Add that one to my list of wants. BRG with white roof and mirrors, black viper stripe with white pins, and a white scoop.
And when it needs polishing, it looks dull in the sun
Once polished looks much better!
This is not the same MINI, but it is the same Chili Red. Once polished, it looks fantastic
Bottom line is, I don't think you can go wrong with either color if you maintain it. I think in these examples, Chili Red looks worse when neglected due to the significant color change.
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I wish my BRG was solid BRG, not metallic Maybe some day I'll paint him that way
Mark
I think we should start up a petition for MINI to make the BRG in non-metallic paint. While we're at it, let's petition them to bring back JB and PH. Well... maybe one thing at a time.
Thanks for all the constructive responses, especially OctaneGuy's comparison shots...those were awesome!
I'd like to say that it helped to sway my decision one way or the other...but after hearing so much positive feedback on both colors I'm just as stuck as I was before!
I have all the components of the order figured out....now I just need to decide on a color.
I think we should start up a petition for MINI to make the BRG in non-metallic paint. While we're at it, let's petition them to bring back JB and PH. Well... maybe one thing at a time.
Chili Cart
and looked, you've offended her
unless you get them painted to body color.
)
Add that one to my list of wants. BRG with white roof and mirrors, black viper stripe with white pins, and a white scoop. 
