Honda Orange (YR22) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from the mid-seventies. It arrived during the first generation of the Civic, a period when manufacturers weren't afraid to let a car stand out in a parking lot. It is a pure, high-energy hue that defined the early Japanese import scene. Because your car has likely seen five decades of sun and weather, the existing finish might look a bit different than it did in 1974. This specific orange is honest and bright, lacking the moody undertones found in modern paints. It gives your vintage Honda a personality that most modern grayscale cars simply cannot replicate.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it contains no metallic flakes or pearl powders. The benefit for you is a much easier repair process. You do not have to worry about tiny silver particles standing up on end or creating dark shadows. However, solid colors like this are notoriously unforgiving when it comes to surface preparation. Any tiny scratch or bump on the metal will show through the pigment once it dries. Since there is no metallic sparkle to distract the eye, your focus should be on getting the surface as smooth as possible before you begin.

Best Practices

You will usually find the identification sticker on the driver side door jamb, though on these classic models, you might also find a stamped metal plate on the firewall under the hood. Before you spray or dab Honda Orange (check for code YR22), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. These heavy orange pigments tend to settle at the bottom of the container, and failing to mix them thoroughly will result in a translucent or streaky finish. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current level of vintage fade. Whether you use a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Allow plenty of drying time between your layers to ensure the color builds up evenly without sagging.