BU7 - Navy BlueKia Touch Up Paint

The Look

Choosing this shade for the Picanto was a smart move by the designers. It gives a small, nimble car a more premium, mature presence on the road. This color is the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit. Since your car has likely spent the last decade navigating tight parking spots and city traffic, it has probably earned a few battle scars. While this deep indigo is excellent at hiding the light dust of daily commuting, it is quite honest about showing larger scratches. It is a rewarding color to maintain because it holds a deep reflection when it is clean.

Technical Details

Do not let the dark tone fool you; this is a metallic finish rather than a flat solid. It contains tiny particles that catch the light to give the paint its depth. This makes the repair a bit more technical than a standard white or black. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallic flakes will bunch together and create dark, cloudy patches known as mottling. To get a factory match, you need to be patient with your layers. Thin, even coats are the only way to ensure the shimmer looks uniform across the surface of the car.

Best Practices

You can verify your color on the black manufacturer sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Kia Navy Blue (check for code BU7), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The metallic flakes in this paint are heavy and will settle at the bottom of the container if it sits still. Test the color on the included card first to see how it matches the current state of your car's finish. While you are applying the paint, keep the container moving to prevent the pigment from pooling. Once the color looks right, give it enough drying time to set before you protect the work with a clear coat.