COLOR CODETC - Garnet Red PearlHyundai Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is a Hyundai classic that defined an era of transition for the brand, appearing on everything from the early nineties sedans to the first generation of the Tucson. It is a deep, wine-adjacent red that feels more sophisticated than a standard bright cherry. Since your car has been on the road for quite some time, you should expect that the original finish has matured. Sunlight over the last decade or two likely mellowed the depth of the red, so your goal is to bridge the gap between that aged character and the fresh pigment in your hands.

Technical Details

This is a true pearl finish, which gives the paint its trademark glow but adds a layer of complexity to your repair. The finish relies on microscopic mica flakes that catch the light at different angles. If these flakes are not distributed evenly, the color will look muddy or too dark in certain spots. Because it is a pearl, the color builds in intensity with every pass. If you apply it too heavily in one area, you risk creating a dark patch that stands out against the rest of the panel. You want the flakes to lay down flat and even to maintain that factory look.

Best Practices

You can find your identification sticker on the driver's side door jamb, though on some older models, you might need to look at the firewall inside the engine compartment. Before you spray or dab Hyundai Garnet Red Pearl (check for code TC), you must shake the container for at least a full minute to lift the pearl flakes from the bottom. Test the color on the included card to see how the light hits the metallic particles before moving to the car. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving and apply several light, thin coats rather than one thick one. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the finish stays crisp and the pearls don't clump together in the wet paint.