On Fri, 23 May 2003, Loren A. Busch wrote:

> BTW, the local paint/body shop has been trying to discourage me from
> going with a silver paint on the top, says it won't hold up well and
> does not reflect the sun as well as white.

I think they're right on both counts, unless you're talking about an
aluminized silver paint like is sometimes used on RV and metal building
roofs.  Those paints actually have aluminum particles suspended in them
and are very reflective.

My experiences with silver paint on passenger cars have not been
encouraging.  I don't know if it's that it doesn't hold up well, or if it
just shows wear more than other colors.  I don't think the reflectivity of
most silver-colored paints is any better than a grey paint of the same
shade.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si