COLOR CODEHQ3/DE - Pacific BlueJeep Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Jeep Pacific Blue is a deep, moody teal-blue that defined the transition from the AMC era into the early 90s. Seen on everything from the rugged Wrangler YJ to the classic Cherokee XJ, this color carries a specific late-80s grit. Since your Jeep has likely been on the trail for over thirty years, the original finish has probably matured. This shade is famous for looking like a dark navy in the shade and popping with a distinct green-blue hue the moment the sun hits it.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means tiny flakes are suspended in the blue pigment to catch the light. Metallic paints are temperamental because those flakes are heavier than the liquid around them; they tend to sink to the bottom of the container while it sits on your shelf. If you do not mix the paint perfectly, your repair will look like a flat, dark smudge instead of a metallic match. There is also a risk of mottling, where the flakes clump together and create dark spots if the paint is applied too heavily in a single pass.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on a small metal plate riveted to the driver's side firewall or the radiator support inside the engine bay. Before you spray or dab Jeep Pacific Blue (check for code HQ3/DE), you need to shake it for a full minute to get those metallic flakes moving. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you touch the vehicle. When you start the repair, keep the container moving to ensure an even distribution of color. It is better to apply three thin layers than one heavy one, as thin layers allow the metallic bits to lay flat and shimmer correctly. Always let the drying time pass in a covered garage or the shade to prevent the sun from baking the paint before it levels out.