COLOR CODEHH - Dark Cherry MetallicMercury Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This deep, wine-colored finish was the hallmark of the upscale Mercury Mountaineer during its final years. It is a sophisticated red that leans heavily into its black undertones, making the car look expensive even when it is just sitting in your driveway. Because your Mercury has likely been on the road since the mid-2000s, the sun and weather have probably altered the depth of the original pigment. This color is a master at hiding road grime, but it reveals every swirl mark and scratch once the light hits those dark cherry pigments.

Technical Details

This is a traditional metallic finish packed with fine flakes. These flakes are responsible for the glow you see when the sun hits the door panels. The main risk with this specific paint is mottling, or "striping." If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and bunch up, creating dark, blotchy patches that look like a bruise on the finish. You want an even distribution to ensure the light bounces off the surface uniformly. To get the best result, apply several thin layers rather than one heavy, wet coat.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb, located on the bottom of the white safety certification label. Before you spray or dab Mercury Dark Cherry Metallic (check for code HH), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is non-negotiable because the heavy metallic flakes settle at the bottom of the container quickly. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes lay down before you touch the vehicle. If you are working in your garage or the shade, make sure you have plenty of light so you can see the metallic orientation. Keep the container moving at all times and allow for plenty of drying time between layers to prevent the paint from sagging.