Question about Toyota black paint...

[JungleJim]

I've read that the black exterior paint does not have a clearcoat over it (and neither does white).

Is this true?
If it is, why?

 

[d_clark]

I think this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything with the search.

If my memory is correct, all colors have a clear coat, to include black and white.

 

[North Star]

I work for Toyota in the paint shop in Cambridge Ontario.
I believe the Black colour is coded "202" and does have a clear coat.
Some other colours ( White / 040, and Red [not on 4Runner] )
are called "monocoats" because of the weak pigmentation that whites / reds / yellows have ( ability to hide primer layer / depth of colour ) they require two coats of colour base, rather than colour base / clearcoat in other "metallic" paint colours.
The monocoat paint has a different formulation than the clear coated variety, so that the gloss/durability/UV protection is provided without requiring a clear coat.
Metallic paints go on looking very matte and flat, and don't show true colour / gloss features until they are clear coated.

 

[Falls]

I work for Toyota in the paint shop in Cambridge Ontario.
I believe the Black colour is coded "202" and does have a clear coat.
Some other colours ( White / 040, and Red [not on 4Runner] )
are called "monocoats" because of the weak pigmentation that whites / reds / yellows have ( ability to hide primer layer / depth of colour ) they require two coats of colour base, rather than colour base / clearcoat in other "metallic" paint colours.
The monocoat paint has a different formulation than the clear coated variety, so that the gloss/durability/UV protection is provided without requiring a clear coat.
Metallic paints go on looking very matte and flat, and don't show true colour / gloss features until they are clear coated.

Thats pretty interesting, I did not know that.

 

[JungleJim]

I work for Toyota in the paint shop in Cambridge Ontario.
I believe the Black colour is coded "202" and does have a clear coat.
Some other colours ( White / 040, and Red [not on 4Runner] )
are called "monocoats" because of the weak pigmentation that whites / reds / yellows have ( ability to hide primer layer / depth of colour ) they require two coats of colour base, rather than colour base / clearcoat in other "metallic" paint colours.
The monocoat paint has a different formulation than the clear coated variety, so that the gloss/durability/UV protection is provided without requiring a clear coat.
Metallic paints go on looking very matte and flat, and don't show true colour / gloss features until they are clear coated.

So all of the non-metallic Toyota blacks have a clear coat?

The reason I ask is that my wife wants a Rav4. She really wants a black sport, but I'm worried about the color.
She also likes the BlackForest Pearl.

Which would you recommend, knowing that we keep our vehicles ten years?

 

[Uneek]

I know the second generation 4Runners in black, white and I think red did not have clear coats. The other colors do. The brochure listed the particular colors that did not.

For those I'm going to guess it probably has something to do with it being a single stage paint process.

 

[Climb14er]

So all of the non-metallic Toyota blacks have a clear coat?

The reason I ask is that my wife wants a Rav4. She really wants a black sport, but I'm worried about the color.
She also likes the BlackForest Pearl.

Which would you recommend, knowing that we keep our vehicles ten years?

Titanium Silver is the recommended paint for long term durability. This color matches well to the base primer.

This was discussed either on this or another Toyota forum a few years ago.

 

[JungleJim]

Titanium Silver is the recommended paint for long term durability. This color matches well to the base primer.

This was discussed either on this or another Toyota forum a few years ago.

When did I mention Titanium Silver?
Titanium Silver is not one of our choices.

Thus I restate my question...
Which color would be best if we keep our vehicles ten years...
Black or Black Forrest Pearl?