Mazda Cardinal Red Metallic (30P) Touch Up Paint

The Look

You are driving a bit of a time capsule. Mazda only ran this particular shade for a single production year on the Mazda5, making it a rare sight compared to the common silvers and greys of that era. Unlike the flashy, multi-stage reds Mazda released later, this is a more honest, deep rose tone that anchors the car to the road. Because your vehicle has likely seen nearly two decades of sun and weather, the original finish might be a shade lighter than when it left the factory. You should expect the fresh paint to look slightly more saturated, so patience is your best tool for a blend that looks right.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means your paint relies on tiny flakes to create its depth. The challenge here is keeping those flakes from bunching up. If you apply the paint too heavily or too close to the surface, the flakes will sink into heavy areas, leaving you with dark splotches or uneven stripes. To avoid this mottling, you want the flakes to land and stay suspended in the paint film rather than drowning in a thick layer.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Mazda Cardinal Red Metallic (check for code 30P), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can verify your code on the sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb. Once you are ready, test the color on the included card to see how it matches your current finish under natural light. When applying, keep the container moving across the repair area to ensure the metallic flakes distribute evenly. Work in a cool garage or the shade rather than direct sunlight, and stick to thin layers. Give each layer plenty of drying time so the finish doesn't get soft or saggy.