AC-636 - Grignan Blue Metallic Citroen Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a rare slice of French automotive history. Appearing only between 1972 and 1973, it was a short-lived but sophisticated choice for the legendary DS, the spaceship-like SM, and the early GS models. It captures that transition from the vibrant sixties into the more tech-forward seventies perfectly. Since your Citroen has likely been on the road for half a century, keep in mind that the original finish may have shifted slightly in tone due to sun exposure. This shade is airy and crisp, but it carries a certain gravity that makes those sweeping hydraulic lines look even longer.

Technical Details

Before you spray or dab Citroen Grignan Blue Metallic (check for code AC-636), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is a metallic finish, which means the color relies on tiny flakes suspended in the liquid. These flakes are heavy and naturally want to sink to the bottom of the container. If you don't mix them thoroughly, the color will look thin or "patchy" once it dries. You also want to be careful about mottling-those dark, cloudy streaks that happen when the metallic flakes clump together. This usually happens if the paint is applied too heavily in one spot, so patience with thin layers is your best friend here.

Best Practices

On a vintage Citroen from this era, your paint code is usually found on a small, circular aluminum disc riveted to the firewall or bulkhead inside the engine compartment. Once you've confirmed the match, always test the color on the included card to see how it reacts to your specific lighting. Whether you are using a brush or a nozzle, keep the container moving to ensure the metallic flakes distribute evenly across the surface. Work in a covered garage or a patch of shade to keep the surface temperature cool, and allow plenty of drying time between your light coats to prevent the metallic particles from shifting while the paint sets.