Mazda Sangria Red Pearl (36Y/JV) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your vehicle comes from a specific era where Mazda began transitioning toward the deep, liquid reds they are known for today. While it is not as bright as the modern Soul Red, this color offers a sophisticated, wine-like depth that looks grounded on the Mazda6 and rugged on the Tribute. Since your car has been on the road for well over a decade, you will likely notice that the original finish has matured. This deep red is excellent at hiding light road dust, but it reveals every swirl mark when the sun hits it directly.

Technical Details

This finish is a true pearl, meaning it relies on microscopic mica flakes rather than larger aluminum bits to create its glow. These mica particles do more than just sparkle; they actually bend light as it passes through the paint layers. Before you spray or dab Mazda Sangria Red Pearl (check for code 36Y/JV), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds. If those pearl particles stay clumped at the bottom of the container, your repair will look like a flat, dark maroon that does not match the rest of the panel. Pearl finishes are notoriously sensitive to how thick you apply them, so a heavy hand can make the spot look darker than the surrounding area.

Best Practices

To find your confirmation, open the driver's door and look at the black identification sticker on the center pillar; your code is listed next to the "EXT PAINT" prompt. Before you start the actual repair, test the color on the included card to see how the pearl settles. Whether you are using a nozzle or a pen, keep the container moving to ensure the mica stays suspended in the liquid. If you are filling a deeper scratch, apply several thin layers rather than one thick one. This prevents the color from "pooling" and keeps the light-reflecting particles distributed evenly. Give the paint plenty of drying time between these layers to ensure the final clear coat bonds properly without dragging the color.