Daihatsu Pearl White Tricoat (W16) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color gives your car a depth that standard white just cannot match. When Daihatsu chose this for its 2007 to 2010 lineup, it was meant to elevate models like the Terios and Materia above the utilitarian look of basic fleet vehicles. It is a practical choice because the pearl finish hides road dust and light scratches better than a solid color. Since your vehicle has been on the road for a while, keep in mind that the original finish may have developed a slightly warmer character over the years. This isn't a simple flat color; it responds to the sun with a subtle glow that changes based on the angle of the light.

Technical Details

You are working with a pearl finish, which is a three-stage system. This means the repair involves a base white layer followed by a semi-transparent pearl layer. Tricoats are notorious for being sensitive to thickness. If you apply the pearl layer too heavily, the spot will look darker or more yellow than the rest of the car. The benefit is a finish that looks expensive and deep, but the risk is mismatching the density of the pearl. You must use a light touch and build the color slowly to ensure the new paint blends with the aged panels.

Best Practices

Most Daihatsu identification plates are located on the firewall in the engine compartment or on the passenger side door pillar. Before you spray or dab Daihatsu Pearl White Tricoat (check for code W16), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The heavy pearl particles settle at the bottom of the container and need to be fully suspended for a correct match. Test the color on the included card to see how many layers of pearl it takes to reach the right shade. Apply your base white first, let it dry, then add the pearl mid-coat in very light passes. Keep the container moving to avoid build-up, and allow plenty of drying time between each thin layer.