1998 Acura Touch Up Paint (36 OEM Colors)

The 1998 Acura Vibe

1998 was a hell of a year for Acura. You had the Integra Type R screaming at 8,000 RPM, the NS-X holding its own against the best of Italy, and the RL acting like the refined grown-up of the bunch. It was the era of high-revving precision and sleek, low-slung profiles. When it comes to the colors, we've focused our attention on the absolute survivors-the heavy hitters that defined the decade like the deep Berlina Black and the legendary, though often misunderstood, Milano Red. These were the shades that made an Integra look fast even when it was parked at a suburban mall.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to The Peeling Era. By 1998, Acura was fully committed to the two-stage basecoat/clearcoat system, and while it gave these cars a showroom depth that looked incredible, the bond wasn't always built for the long haul. If your Acura has been living outside, you're likely staring at the "Honda Clear Coat Failure." It starts as a subtle splotchiness on the roof or hood-what we call delamination-and before you know it, the clear is flaking off like a bad sunburn. This is especially true for Milano Red, which is notorious for turning "Milano Pink" once the UV protection in the clear coat gives up the ghost. If your clear coat is still intact, consider yourself lucky, because once it starts lifting from the base, there's no "polishing" it back to life.

Restoration Tip

The golden rule for 1998 paint: Seal those chips immediately. On these cars, a stone chip isn't just a cosmetic eyesore; it's an entry point for moisture to get under the clear coat. Once the edges of that clear coat "lift" away from the color, the delamination will spread across the panel like a wildfire. If you catch a chip early, use a high-solid touch-up to seal the perimeter. If you're already seeing the clear start to flake at the edges, do not-I repeat, do not-hit it with a high-pressure wash, or you'll peel half the hood off in one go. Hand wash only, and keep a heavy layer of sealant on the horizontal surfaces to slow down the UV damage.