Saab Graphite Green Pearl (288) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color captures the moody, executive spirit of the early 2000s. It is an understated shade that often masquerades as charcoal or black in the shade, only revealing its deep olive forest tones when the sun hits the body lines of your 9-3 or 9-5. Since your car has likely spent two decades weathering the elements, the original finish has a depth that makes it stand out from modern, flatter greens. It is a sophisticated choice that rewards a clean surface, but be aware that dark tones like this will highlight every spec of dust or stray fingerprint if you are not careful during your final wipe-down.

Technical Details

This is a complex pearl finish, which means it relies on microscopic mica flakes to refract light. These flakes are heavier than the pigment and love to sink to the bottom of the container while it sits in your Garage. If you do not mix the contents thoroughly, you risk a patchy finish where the green looks uneven or cloudy. Dark pearl paints are notorious for showing "tiger stripes" if you apply the paint too heavily in one spot. You want to build the color with light, even passes to ensure the mica lays down flat and reflects light in a uniform direction across the repair area.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Saab Graphite Green Pearl (check for code 288), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb near the bottom of the pillar, though some models may hide it inside the glove box. Test the color on the included card to verify the match against your current paint fade. When you start the work, keep the container moving at a steady pace to prevent the paint from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface is no longer tacky before you apply the next. If you are using a pen, use light dabs rather than long strokes to keep the pearl flakes from clustering.