COLOR CODET5M - Mojave SandHyundai Touch-Up Paint

The Look

You likely chose this shade for your Santa Cruz because it captures a tactical, off-road aesthetic. It isn't just a simple beige; it is a functional earth tone designed to mask trail dust and road grime. Since this color was primarily active for the 2022 and 2023 model years, your factory finish hasn't had decades to fade under the sun. This makes your repair much more predictable. While the color is meant to look rugged, a deep scratch stands out against that smooth, desert-inspired surface, so getting the depth right is the key to making the damage disappear.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish. For a DIY project, a solid color is a massive advantage because you do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or looking darker from different angles. The challenge with a solid tan like this is the texture. Solid paints show every ridge and valley if applied too heavily. If you glob the paint on, the repair will sit higher than the original finish and create a visible shadow. You want the paint to lay flat so it mimics the factory flow.

Best Practices

Open your driver's door and look at the VIN sticker on the center pillar to confirm your specifications. Before you spray or dab Hyundai Mojave Sand (check for code T5M), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the heavy pigments are fully suspended so the color doesn't come out streaky or transparent. Test the color on the included card to verify the match against your actual panel. When applying the paint, keep the container moving to prevent pooling. Allow for plenty of drying time between thin applications. Building the color in layers prevents the patch from shrinking or sagging as it cures in your garage or the shade.