COLOR CODE818/7818 - Graphitgrau MetallicMercedes-Benz Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is a chameleon for the modern Mercedes-Benz owner. It sits in that sweet spot between a standard silver and a high-maintenance black. On a C-Class or GLC, it looks professional and hides light road dust better than almost any other dark tone. If you are driving an AMG GT or an EQE, the graphite takes on a more aggressive, industrial character that highlights the sharp lines of the body. Since your car likely hit the road between 2019 and 2022, the finish has stood up to the elements well, but the deep gray can still lose its luster if the metallic flakes are not perfectly aligned during a repair.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, not a solid or a pearl. It relies on a heavy load of tiny flakes to give the paint its characteristic depth. The main risk during application is mottling, which looks like dark patches or uneven stripes in the finish. This occurs when the metallic particles settle in clumps rather than spreading out in a flat layer. Because this gray is quite dark, any unevenness in the flake distribution will show up clearly under direct sunlight. You want to avoid heavy, wet layers that allow the paint to puddle, as this causes the flakes to sink and shift.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on a black sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Mercedes-Benz Graphitgrau Metallic (check for code 818/7818), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Metallic flakes are heavy and will sink to the bottom of the container while it sits on a shelf. If you skip the shaking, the color will come out looking like a flat, dark charcoal without any of the factory shimmer. Always test the color on the included card to check the flake density. While applying the paint, keep the container moving to ensure the particles distribute evenly. Work in a garage or a spot with plenty of shade to maintain a consistent drying time between your layers.