COLOR CODEN7 - Carbon Gray Pearl MetallicKia Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color belongs to the mid-2000s era when the Amanti and Magentis were attempting to bring an executive, European-inspired feel to the brand. It is a deep, moody charcoal that provides the Optima with a more mature presence than the typical silver or white. Because your Kia has likely been on the road for nearly twenty years, the original finish has almost certainly shifted from its factory state due to sun exposure. This shade is excellent at hiding light road dust, but the deep tone means that even small stone chips will stand out as bright, distracting marks against the dark background.

Technical Details

You are working with a complex pearl metallic finish. This means the paint contains both traditional metallic flakes and iridescent pearl pigments designed to shift in the light. The difficulty with this specific blend is the way the particles settle during application. If you apply the paint too heavily, the heavy metallic particles sink and the pearl pigments bunch up, creating dark, blotchy patches that look like shadows on the panel. To get an even match, you need a consistent application that allows the particles to lay flat across the surface rather than clumping together.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on a manufacturer sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Kia Carbon Gray Pearl Metallic (check for code N7), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to properly distribute the pearl and metallic elements. Always test the color on the included card to see how the flakes react to the light before you touch the vehicle. Perform your repair in a cool garage or the shade, and always keep the container moving to avoid heavy buildup in one spot. Give each thin layer plenty of drying time so the pigments can lock into place before you apply the next coat.