COLOR CODE26U/WA352N - Red Passion MetallicPontiac Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is not your average fire-engine red. Since your G8 or Solstice likely comes from the final, high-performance chapter of the brand, this color was designed to look expensive and mature. It has a deep, heavy base that leans toward a sophisticated maroon in the shade, but it wakes up with a sharp, crisp glow when the sun hits it. If you are fixing a chip on a G8 GXP, you are dealing with one of the rarest colors from Pontiac's sunset years, so taking the time to match the depth is worth the effort.

Technical Details

Before you spray or dab Pontiac Red Passion Metallic (check for code 26U/WA352N), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes suspended in the pigment to catch the light. If you do not mix it thoroughly, the red will look flat and the repair will stand out as a dark spot. Metallics are prone to mottling, which looks like dark stripes or splotches, if the paint goes on too heavy. To avoid this, focus on thin layers rather than trying to hide the damage in one go.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on the Service Parts Identification sticker located in the glovebox or on a metal plate tucked away in the engine bay on the passenger side. Before you start the actual repair, test the color on the included card to ensure the metallic flake density looks right. Whether you are using a pen or a can, work in a cool garage or the shade to prevent the paint from drying before it has a chance to level out. Keep the container moving at a steady pace and give each layer plenty of drying time. If the color looks a bit dark after the first pass, that is normal. The metallic shine truly develops as you build up the finish and apply your clear coat.