COLOR CODE1K - BlackKia Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Your 2014 Sportage relies on this deep shade to maintain its heavy, grounded profile. It is a no-nonsense color that does not rely on flashy tricks or sparkles to look good. Because your Kia has been on the road for a decade, the original finish has likely faced its fair share of sun and car washes. This specific black is designed to create a uniform, dark surface that absorbs light. When it is clean and polished, it gives the vehicle a heavy, solid appearance that modern metallic greys simply cannot replicate.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it lacks metallic flakes or pearl dust to hide mistakes. Solid colors are honest and unforgiving. The benefit is that you do not have to worry about metallic particles settling unevenly or creating "tiger stripes." However, the trade-off is that every ripple or heavy glob will show up under direct sunlight. You want to focus on thin, even layers. If you build the paint up too quickly, you risk creating a ridge that is difficult to level out later. Since there is no flake to distract the eye, a smooth application is the only way to make the repair disappear.

Best Practices

You can find your paint information on the silver or black sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb. Before you dab or spray Kia Black (check for code 1K), you must shake the container for at least sixty seconds to properly distribute the heavy black pigments. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current paint fade. While applying the paint, keep the container moving to prevent the liquid from pooling in one spot. Work in the shade to ensure the metal is cool to the touch, and allow for plenty of drying time between each layer to ensure a hard, durable bond.