Acura TSX Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
The Acura TSX is a bit of a chameleon. Over its lifespan, Acura offered it in 23 different shades, ranging from the buttoned-up Graphite Luster Metallic and Palladium Metallic to the "look at me" brilliance of Milano Red and Blaze Orange Metallic. It's a car that can look like a sensible commuter in Silver Moon or a weekend track star in Arctic Blue Pearl. They really went for it with the pearls and metallics, giving this sporty sedan a depth that looks incredible-when it's not covered in driveway battle scars.
What to Watch For
Now, let's be real: Acura paint from this era is famously "soft." Owners often joke that a stiff breeze can cause a rock chip, especially on the front bumper and the leading edge of the hood. If you're driving a Milano Red TSX, keep an eye on the roof and trunk; that beautiful red has a habit of getting tired and turning a bit pink if it spends too much time in the sun. You'll also want to check the roof and hood for "crow's feet"-tiny little cracks that look like they're under the surface. Before you get started, open your driver's door and look at the jamb for a white or silver sticker. Your paint code (usually starting with NH, B, or R) is right there, waiting for you.
Driveway Repair Tip
Since so many TSX colors-like Nighthawk Black Pearl or Premium White Pearl-are packed with tiny mica flakes, your biggest hurdle is "the settle." Those sparkles love to sit at the bottom of the touch-up bottle. Shake your paint for at least two full minutes; if your arm isn't tired, you haven't shaken it enough. When you're ready to apply, don't try to fill the chip in one heavy go. Use the tip of a toothpick or a very fine brush to dab a tiny amount into the center of the chip and let it flow to the edges. It's much better to apply three thin "whisper" coats than one giant blob that takes three days to dry.