COLOR CODE1C - Imperial Blue PearlKia Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color defined an era of transition for Kia. If you own a Sedona or an Optima from the mid-2000s, you know this shade provides a mature, executive feel that hides the realities of the road well. It is a deep, moody blue that can easily be mistaken for black when the sun goes down or when your car is parked in the shade. Since your Magentis or Megentis has likely been on the road for nearly two decades, the original finish might have darkened or lost some of its initial luster. This makes your touch-up work more about blending into the history of the car than matching a factory-fresh showroom floor.

Technical Details

You are working with a pearl finish, which is different from a basic flat color or a simple metallic. It uses mica flakes to create a sense of depth that shifts as you walk around the vehicle. The risk here is mottling-those uneven dark patches or stripes that happen if the mica particles do not settle correctly. This usually occurs if you apply the paint too thick or too close to the surface. Pearls are sensitive to how the light hits them, so an uneven application will make the repair stand out.

Best Practices

Your paint identification is located on the manufacturer sticker inside the driver side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Kia Imperial Blue Pearl (check for code 1C), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the mica flakes are distributed throughout the mixture. Test the color on the included card to see how the blue develops with each layer. Whether you are using a nozzle, brush, or pen, keep the container moving to avoid heavy build-up in one spot. Give each coat ample drying time before you move to the next. Patience with the layers is what ensures the repair disappears into the rest of the panel.