COLOR CODET3U - Midnight BlueKia Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color had a short run on the Sorento, making it a distinct signature of the early 2010s. It is a deep, moody shade that does a lot of heavy lifting for the vehicle's presence. In the shade, your SUV looks almost black, but direct sunlight pulls out a sophisticated blue glow. Since your Kia has been on the road for over a decade, the original finish might be slightly weathered, but this deep pigment is generally forgiving when it comes to blending.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means there are tiny reflective particles suspended in the paint. These flakes give the car its depth and character, but they can be temperamental during a repair. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the pearls will bunch up and make the patch look darker than the rest of the panel. You want to build the color in thin, even layers to keep the sparkle consistent across the surface.

Best Practices

Before you apply Kia Midnight Blue (check for code T3U on the sticker located on your driver's side door jamb), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds. This is vital because the pearl particles settle at the bottom and the color won't match if they aren't fully mixed. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes lay down before you touch the car. Whether you are using a nozzle or a pen, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Give each thin layer enough drying time so the finish stays crisp and the pearls stay right where you put them.