Citroen Granada Red (AC-426) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Granada Red arrived in the early 1970s and stayed just long enough to define a very specific era for Citroen. It is a deep, saturated shade that looks more like a vintage wine than a fire engine. Because this color graced everything from the humble 2CV to the high-tech SM, it carries a sense of French sophistication that works on any body style. Since your car has likely been on the road for fifty years, the original finish has probably developed a unique character, so this fresh pigment will bring back the depth the factory intended in 1972.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is a benefit for anyone working in a garage or under a shade tree. You do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or creating dark patches. However, solid reds are known for "chalking" or fading into a pinkish hue if the car has spent years in the sun. This pigment is heavy and offers great coverage, but it requires a very clean surface to bond properly. Because there is no pearl or metal to hide mistakes, the smoothness of your application will determine how well the repair disappears into the surrounding panels.

Best Practices

You can find your color identity stamped on a small circular aluminum disc located on the firewall inside the engine bay. Before you spray or dab Citroen Granada Red (check for code AC-426), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the heavy red pigments are fully mixed and not sitting at the bottom of the container. Test the color on the included card first to see how the hue reacts to the light. When you apply the paint, keep the container moving to avoid build-up and runs. Allow for plenty of drying time between light layers rather than trying to cover the spot in one heavy coat.