Hyundai Rio Tomato Pearl (ZC) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defines the high-energy era of the late nineties for Hyundai. Whether it is draped over the curves of a sporty Tiburon or the practical lines of an Elantra, this red was designed to stand out. It is far from a flat, boring fleet red; the finish has a distinct warmth and glow that makes the car look like it is moving even when it is parked in your driveway. Since your car has likely been facing the elements for over twenty years, you are working with a finish that has aged with a lot of character, but still retains that signature punchy attitude.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means it contains tiny mica flakes that create a shimmering effect under the sun. While this pearl adds a sophisticated depth that solid paints lack, it requires a careful touch. The mica flakes are heavy and love to settle at the bottom of the container. If they are not distributed evenly, you risk "mottling," which looks like dark, cloudy patches or stripes on your repair. The benefit of a pearl is the way it hides minor imperfections by reflecting light, but the risk is an uneven "tiger stripe" look if the application is too heavy in one spot.

Best Practices

You will usually find your identification tag on the driver's side door jamb or mounted to the firewall under the hood. Before you spray or dab Hyundai Rio Tomato Pearl (check for code ZC), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those pearl particles are fully suspended. Red pigments are notorious for fading after decades in the sun, so you must test the color on the included card to see how it matches your car's current state. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and always keep the container moving to ensure the mica flakes land evenly. Give the paint plenty of drying time between light layers rather than trying to cover the damage in one heavy pass.