A speed shape is a small plastic model of a car’s curves. Instead of rushing to give your vehicle a new colour—only to discover that it’s not quite what you had in mind—you should spray multiple paint options on a set of speed shapes. It’s the only sure-fire way to evaluate light-shifting effects like candy (as in candy apple red), metallic, and pearl.

Speed shapes come with black or a white base colour. Sometimes you can find them in different shapes and sizes. Regardless, they are designed to mimic a car’s body panels.

The price of paint keeps climbing. Add in the cost for the painter’s time. Given the expense of a paint job, you want to make sure it is right. Some paints can surprise you, giving an odd look to a car’s surface. It’s better to preview the look on speed shapes first.

Sometimes you see a series of tests on display at a paint shop. It provides a single view of various hues from a wide selection of a paint company’s line. Looking at colours on a colour card isn’t the same.

Speed shapes are also used by wrap companies to display how the coloured vinyl will look. Companies who dip parts in a hydrographic (or hydro dip) also use speed shapes to test the look.

Speed shapes are 240mm x 125mm (9×4 inch).