COLOR CODEDV - Light Tundra EffectMercury Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color captures the mid-2000s era of Mercury luxury. It is a sophisticated, understated shade that sits right on the line between a cool silver and a warm sage green. Whether it is on the long lines of your Grand Marquis or the modern curves of a Montego, this finish was designed to look expensive without being loud. Since your car has been on the road for almost two decades, the original paint has shifted. Your new application might look more vibrant at first until it settles into the surrounding finish.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes to reflect light and create depth. These flakes are picky. If you apply the paint too heavy in one spot, the flakes will cluster and create dark, muddy patches known as mottling. To avoid these stripes or splotches, you must ensure the flakes stay suspended in the liquid. If the finish looks uneven, the metallic particles did not have enough room to lay flat. Keeping your coats light helps the color stay consistent across the panel.

Best Practices

Open your driver side door and look for the safety sticker on the jamb; you will find your code listed next to the exterior paint label. Before you spray or dab Mercury Light Tundra Effect (check for code DV), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the most important step for any metallic color because the heavy flakes sink to the bottom of the container fast. Test the color on the included card to see how the metallic behaves before you move to the car. While applying, keep the container moving to ensure the flakes distribute in an even layer across the surface. Allow for ample drying time between your layers to prevent the paint from sagging or running.