COLOR CODENH-91M-3 - Graphite Gray MetallicHonda Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Since your Accord or Civic has been on the road for nearly four decades, that factory finish has likely seen its share of road debris and sun. This shade was a staple for USA-produced models between 1986 and 1988, offering a professional, executive feel that helped Honda define the look of the modern sedan. It is a deep, moody gray that looks sharp when clean but carries the weight of its age if the surface is not maintained. Because your car is a true survivor from the eighties, you will notice that the original paint has a specific depth that requires a careful touch to replicate.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint contains tiny reflective particles that catch the light. Dark grays are notorious for mottling, a problem where the metal flakes bunch up and create dark blotches or stripes. If the flakes do not land in a consistent way, the repair will look like a series of shadows rather than a flat surface. You want the metal to stay spread out so the light reflects in a uniform pattern across the repair area. This ensures the new paint mimics the way the sun hits the surrounding factory panels in the shade.

Best Practices

You can find your ID tag on the driver side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Honda Graphite Gray Metallic (check for code NH-91M-3), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds to pull the heavy metallic sediment off the bottom. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you move to the vehicle. When you apply the paint, keep the container moving in steady passes. If you stop moving, the flow will create a heavy spot that ruins the metallic effect. Give each layer enough drying time to set before you add more.