Citroen Crimson Red (AC-419) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This deep red captures the specific spirit of the late sixties French design. It belongs to the era of the DS and the 2CV, offering a richer, more grounded alternative to the flashy, bright reds found on sports cars of the same period. Since your car has been on the road since the late 1960s, the original finish has likely developed a subtle character from the sun. This color is bold enough to stand out but carries a weight that feels correct for a vintage machine.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it does not contain any metallic or pearl particles. This makes the repair process straightforward because you do not have to worry about flakes settling unevenly or changing color based on the angle of the light. However, solid reds are notoriously sensitive to sunlight. Over decades, the paint on your panels can shift toward a chalkier or more orange hue. Because the new pigment in your hand will be at its full strength, you may notice it looks more saturated than the weathered sections of the car.

Best Practices

For these classic models, you can usually find the paint information on a small, circular aluminum disc riveted to the firewall or the bulkhead inside the engine compartment. Before you spray or dab Citroen Crimson Red (check for code AC-419), you need to shake the container for two full minutes to ensure the heavy red pigments are completely mixed. Test the color on the included card to see how it matches your current finish before moving to the car. To prevent drips, keep the container moving across the surface and apply several thin layers rather than one heavy one. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and allow plenty of drying time between applications to ensure the finish remains flat and smooth.