311/GAH - Glass Dark Gray Metallic Saab Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your late-model 9-3 is a bit of a survivor, and this specific gray was the perfect sophisticated suit for its final years on the road. It sits in that sweet spot of being dark enough to look executive but light enough to show off the Swedish body lines that haven't aged a day. Since your car has likely been your daily companion since 2010, you probably noticed that this shade is excellent at hiding road grime. It doesn't scream for attention like a bright red, but it has a technical, liquid-metal quality that makes the car look expensive even when it is just sitting in your driveway.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it contains a heavy load of fine flakes designed to catch the light. The challenge with a metallic like this is that the flakes are sensitive to how you apply them. If you go too heavy with your application, those tiny particles will sink and bunch together, causing the repair to look like a dark, muddy smudge rather than a crisp gray. You want the flakes to lay flat and even so they can reflect light correctly. If you get the depth right, the repair will disappear, but if you rush it, you will end up with a noticeable "mottle" or tiger-stripe effect where the metallic looks uneven.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Saab Glass Dark Gray Metallic (check for code 311/GAH), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can usually find that code printed on the VIN plate located on the driver's side door pillar. Once you have confirmed the match, test the color on the included card to ensure the metallic flake looks right to your eye. When you move to the car, keep the container moving at all times to prevent the pigment from pooling. If you are using a pen or brush, use very thin layers rather than one thick glob. Between each layer, give it plenty of drying time so the metallic particles can set exactly where you put them.