Jaguar Madeira Pearl (1881/CGH) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is a rare, one-year-only shade that captures the elegance of the late nineties. Because it only appeared on the 1999 lineup, you are likely maintaining an XJ or an early S-Type that has held onto its classic British character. The color is deep and sophisticated, acting as a dark maroon or plum that can look almost black when you are parked in the shade. When the light hits the curves of the car directly, the red wine tones come to life, providing a visual depth that many modern flat colors lack.

Technical Details

This finish is a pearl, meaning it relies on microscopic mica flakes rather than the larger flakes found in traditional metallic paints. These particles are what give your Jaguar that signature glow in the sun, but they can be temperamental. Because your car has been on the road for over two decades, the original finish has likely weathered the elements, so a match requires patience with layering. If you apply the paint too thick in one go, the mica won't sit correctly and the repair area may look darker or muddier than the rest of the panel.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Jaguar Madeira Pearl (check for code 1881/CGH), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds to pull those mica particles off the bottom. You can usually find your paint code on a label inside the driver's door jamb or on a plate under the hood near the radiator. Test the color on the included card first to see how the depth builds with each pass. When you are ready to apply it to the car, keep the container moving to ensure the pearl spreads evenly across the surface. Allow for plenty of drying time between thin layers to build up the maroon richness safely.