Honda Chateau Red Metallic (R-61M) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your 1980s Accord carries a specific kind of nostalgia, and this deep, wine-pressed red is the reason why. Before you spray or dab Honda Chateau Red Metallic (check for code R-61M), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Since your car has likely lived through three decades of sun and weather, the original finish has probably shifted toward a softer, flatter tone. This color was a hallmark of the third-generation Accord, offering a sophisticated alternative to the era's basic solids. It remains a handsome, mature shade that hides road dust well but demands a clean surface to truly show off its depth.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes suspended in the pigment to catch the light. The challenge with older metallics is keeping those flakes from bunching together or sinking to the bottom of the container. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallic particles will pool and create dark, uneven patches. You want the flakes to lay down flat and even. A clearcoat is necessary to protect these particles and provide the gloss that matches the rest of your factory panels.

Best Practices

Open your driver's side door and look at the jamb; you will find the identification plate containing your paint code there. To get the best results with your R-61M, you must ensure the metallic flakes are fully distributed. Shake the container vigorously for at least a full minute until the mixing ball rattles freely. Test the color on the included card to see how it looks against your aged paint. When applying, keep the container moving and use thin, light layers. This prevents the heavy pigment from sagging and ensures the metallic sparkle remains uniform across the repair. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface is no longer tacky before you add the next.