Saab Espresso Black Metallic (289) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your Saab 9-3 or 9-5 wears a color that is much more complex than a standard black. In a dimly lit garage or under a cloudy sky, this finish passes for a deep, traditional black. However, once you pull the car into the light, the gold and bronze metallic flakes reveal themselves, giving the paint a rich warmth reminiscent of a dark roast. Because these cars have lived through many years of sun and road debris, you might notice that the original paint has lost some of its depth, making a fresh touch-up particularly noticeable if it isn't applied with care.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes that must lay flat to reflect light correctly. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will bunch up and create dark, muddy patches known as mottling. It is a dual-stage color, so the metallic base will look slightly dull until you apply the final clear coat to bring out that signature espresso glow. Managing the flow is the most important part of getting a match that disappears into the surrounding panels.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Saab Espresso Black Metallic (check for code 289), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb, usually on a sticker at the bottom of the pillar. Test the color on the included card to ensure the flake density looks right before you touch the car. When you begin, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling or the metallic particles from settling unevenly. Allow the full drying time between thin layers to build up the color gradually rather than trying to cover the damage in one go.