R-M offers refinishing solutions today for the automotive colour trends of tomorrow

No sign of doomsday in the world of colour

While turbulence on the world's markets may be impacting current trends, when it comes to the world of colours, a doomsday mentality is nowhere to be seen. This is the conclusion of the colour designers at BASF Coatings AG, who have just presented their latest trend forecast for Europe. Their colour trends serve as the hotbed of inspiration for automotive colours of tomorrow and years even further in the future – and as a result, indirectly determine the colours and effects for which R-M must develop refinishing solutions.

The colour trend forecasts provide the refinishing sector with a first impression of the direction in which the market is heading. Colour designers Eva Höfli and Mark Gutjahr are responsible for the European market. In their latest trend forecast for the automotive colours of the future, they are observing three major developments.

The new eco-drivers: Guardians of the earth

Environmental concerns have had wide repercussions and are gaining in significance. Former “eco-activists” have become the guardians of the earth with a powerful impact on trends. For them, ecology, awareness of luxury and individuality are inseparable. And this also has an effect on both the thematic and the emotional tenor of the colour climate.

“In this ‘new ecology,’ we are observing sensual pastels ranging from a grey-based apricot to a yellowish beige,” Höfli said. Green, the colour logo of the ecology movement, is developing more towards warmer, more discreet colour areas. Warm browns are also part of the repertoire. “The notions of reductionism and ‘going without’ used to be associated with ‘green ideology.’ That has changed today. These days, an ecological mindset can also be luxurious and elegant,” said Gutjahr, describing society's shift in attitude.

Time for something new, or: The joy of experimenting

Of course, the world of automotive colour trends will continue to be a laboratory for boundless experimenting. In testing colours, the approach is self-confident, sophisticated and at the same time, playful, guided by a lively landscape of art and culture. “We call the results Bold Colors," Gutjahr said. They are marked by strong, bold colours such as toxic yellows and red and pink combinations, which grab one's gaze with an unusual chromatic colour shift.

The extreme sparkle effects in icy blue and dark violet attract special attention. “In this area, you can clearly recognize the joy of experimenting,” Gutjahr explained. “In the world of colour, the dwindling confidence in a complex world not only triggers the flight response, but also brings out courage and the inspiration to set out into uncharted waters."

Turning old into new, or: Beyond silver

New raw materials are being sought that can be used to construct the colour world of tomorrow. Indications of new demands for science and technology are also in the air for futuristic metals. Instead of technical bells and whistles, sensual moments such as haptics are top priority. The goal is a new approach to the world. A soft and almost wax-like surface look and bright, fractured white areas are indications of a growing interest in model-like and shapable things. “We have moved beyond the classic metal look,” Höfli said. Important elements of effect design for this area are extremely bright sparkles. Dark and tinted silver and black with strong colour travel and high-effect deep black are other prominent representatives of this trend world.

From colour trends to refinishing

Manufacturers of refinishing products such as R-M follow these colour trend forecasts with a great deal of interest. After all, as soon as the carmakers select the colours and effects for their latest models, the paint manufacturers must pull out all the stops to develop the matching refinishing solutions.

Thanks to its vast experience and good relations to the carmakers, when it comes to providing bodyshops with the perfect refinishing solution, R-M is one of the leading suppliers – whether the colour needed is grey-based apricot, red and pink combinations with chromatic colour shift or black with subtle sparkles.

Colors and textures for the trend world “Guardians of the earth”:

Gray-rosé	Light, pastel areas on a cool, metallic basic color
Apricot	Very delicate, light colors with a high share of white and gray
Brown to bronze	Deep, warm browns from dark honey to chocolate and bronzes
Green	Gray-greens or silvery nuances; very warm and with a colored flip effect
Dark green	Rich color with golden highlight and dark flip effect
Blue	Deep, cool areas with inclusion of green and turquoise (no red tinge)

Colors and textures associated with “The joy of experimenting”:

Yellow	Powerful color spaces with a tendency toward green and a lot of special effects
Red	Intensive colors with pink flip effect
Blue	Icy blue areas with lots of effect and little flip effect
Violet	Dark basic color with very coarse effect

Colors and textures associated with “Beyond Silver”:

Black	Deep, extremely dark colors with subtle special effects/sparkles
Black	Color travel; e.g. from red to green
Black	Dark basic color with color highlights from red to violet
White	Warm, fractured color areas with elements of beige
Anthracite	Dark and super fine with minimal red or green special effects