Hummer Merlot Jewel Metallic (79/WA517Q) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Since your H3 or H3T represents the final chapter of the Hummer brand from 2010, its finish deserves respect. This color is a sophisticated, deep wine red that shifts from a dark burgundy in the shade to a vibrant sparkle in the sun. It was a rare choice for the final production run, making your vehicle stand out from the typical blacks and silvers usually seen on the trail. It gives the rugged, boxy frame of the Hummer an upscale, premium feel that aged much better than the flatter colors of that era.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with tiny flakes that provide its depth. The challenge here is ensuring those flakes lay down flat. If they clump or lean in different directions, you will see dark patches or streaks, a phenomenon known as mottling. Because this is a dark metallic, every uneven layer will show. It is a basecoat that requires a clear topcoat to reach the correct gloss level and to protect those flakes from oxidizing.

Best Practices

Before you dab or spray Hummer Merlot Jewel Metallic (double-check for code 79/WA517Q on the service sticker inside your glove box), you must shake the container for a full sixty seconds to distribute the metallic flakes. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current aging, as sun exposure can change how the original paint looks over time. When applying, keep the container moving to avoid heavy spots or pooling. If you are working in a garage or the shade, allow for extra drying time between light layers to build the color safely without runs.