COLOR CODE703/B502 - Stratus Blue MetallicIsuzu Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the adventurous spirit of the mid-nineties. As a staple for the Isuzu Rodeo, this shade provides a deep, stormy presence that feels more like a natural element than a factory choice. It carries a heavy grey undertone that helps it look clean even when it is covered in trail dust. Since your vehicle has been facing the sun and the elements since the Clinton administration, the original finish has likely flattened out over time. When you begin your repair, keep in mind that the fresh pigment will have a crispness and depth that your weathered panels might have lost.

Technical Details

This is a metallic mica finish, which means it is packed with tiny flakes that reflect light from different angles. These flakes are what give the blue its "stratus" cloud-like depth, but they are also your biggest challenge. If the paint is applied too heavily or unevenly, those flakes will pool together and create dark, blotchy patches known as mottling. This effect can make the repair look like a different shade entirely. The goal is to keep those flakes suspended and evenly distributed across the surface so the light hits them the same way it hits the rest of the car.

Best Practices

You will usually find your identification plate on the driver side of the firewall or inside the glove box. Before you apply Isuzu Stratus Blue Metallic (check for code 703/B502), shake the container vigorously for at least one full minute. Those metallic particles are heavy and settle at the bottom quickly. Find a quiet spot in your garage or a patch of shade and test the color on the included card to ensure the flake distribution looks right. Whether you are using a nozzle, a brush, or a pen, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from sagging. Allow plenty of drying time between layers so the metallic structure sets properly before you apply your final clear coat.