Oldsmobile Carbon Flash Metallic (WA501Q/GAR) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Carbon Flash Metallic is a modern heavyweight in the world of blacks. It moves away from the flat, piano-black look of the past and introduces a deep, obsidian base filled with glass-like metallic flakes. On a car like your Tornado, this finish provides a high-end, custom feel that reacts intensely to direct sunlight. In the shade, it appears as a classic, stealthy dark finish, but once you pull it into the light, the metallic particles create a sophisticated shimmer that highlights every curve of the bodywork.

Technical Details

This is a complex metallic finish, which means the orientation of the flakes is everything. Because the base color is so dark, any inconsistency in how you apply the paint will show up as dark patches or "stripes," a problem often called mottling. To get those flakes to lay down evenly, you must ensure the pigment and the metallic particles are perfectly suspended before you begin. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and lose their sparkle, leaving you with a dull, uneven finish that won't match the rest of the car.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Oldsmobile Carbon Flash Metallic (check for code WA501Q/GAR), you need to shake the container for a full two minutes. You will typically find your paint code on a silver or white Service Parts sticker located in the glove box or tucked away in the spare tire well of the trunk. To prevent the metallic flakes from bunching up, keep the container moving at all times and apply several light layers rather than one thick coat. Always test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic settles, and allow plenty of drying time between layers to ensure the finish remains crisp and clear.