COLOR CODE58/WA501Q/GAR - Carbon Flash MetallicChevrolet Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is not a standard, ink-like black. It behaves like a dark charcoal due to a heavy dose of metallic flake. It gave the Malibu and the Cruze a technical, high-end vibe when they first hit the road. On a car like the HHR, the way light hits those rounded fenders shows off the "flash" in the name. Because it is not a solid pigment, it hides the tiny swirl marks and road dust that make regular black cars look dirty minutes after a wash. Since your car has likely spent over a decade in the sun, you will notice this metallic finish has a depth that solid colors simply cannot match.

Technical Details

Carbon Flash is a true metallic finish. Those tiny flakes provide the depth, but they are also your biggest challenge during a repair. If you apply the paint too thick, the flakes sink and clump together. This creates dark, uneven shadows across the panel of your Aveo. You want the metallic bits to stand up and catch the light evenly. Without a clear coat on top, this paint will look dull and grey, so the final gloss layer is what brings the charcoal tones to life.

Best Practices

Check the sticker inside your glove box or under the trunk carpet to confirm your match. Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Carbon Flash Metallic (check for code 58/WA501Q/GAR), you must shake the container for at least sixty seconds to wake up the heavy metallic particles. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you touch the car. Keep the container moving at a steady pace and apply three or four thin layers. Give each layer enough drying time so the paint sets firm before you add the next. This layering builds a shimmer that matches the factory finish without making the repair look muddy.