C117 - Radiant Red Metallic Tesla Touch Up Paint

The Look

Owning a car in this shade means you are driving a piece of early Tesla history. This specific red was only available for a short window in 2014 before the brand transitioned to its more common multi-coat finishes. Because your car has been on the road for over a decade, the paint has developed a deep, sophisticated character that looks more grounded than the bright, flashy reds on newer models. It is a rare sight at a supercharger, giving your vehicle a collector-tier identity that separates it from the modern fleet.

Technical Details

This finish is a traditional metallic, which provides a rich glow but requires a careful hand during application. The tiny metallic flakes suspended in the paint act like millions of small mirrors. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, these flakes will settle unevenly and create dark patches or "mottling." This makes the repair look like a different shade even if the pigment is a perfect match. To keep the finish uniform, you need to ensure the flakes stay suspended and lay flat against the surface rather than clumping together.

Best Practices

You can verify your color identity by looking at the manufacturing sticker located on the driver's side door jamb; the code is usually printed in the bottom left corner. Before you spray or dab Tesla Radiant Red Metallic (check for code C117), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to properly distribute the metallic particles. Always test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you touch the car. To avoid dark spots, keep the container moving at a steady pace and use thin layers, allowing plenty of drying time between each pass.