Saab Laser Red (278) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Laser Red is the quintessential color of the final decade of Swedish performance. It served as the flagship shade for the 9-3 and 9-5 models, specifically those wearing the Aero or Viggen badges. This color makes your car look fast while standing still, but it carries the heavy burden of age. Since your Saab has likely lived outdoors for a significant portion of its life, the original pigment may have shifted toward a lighter orange or pink hue due to sun exposure. Your new paint will likely look deeper and more saturated than the panels that have been weathering the elements since 2001.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning it contains zero metallic flakes or pearl additives. While this makes it simpler to apply than a complex silver, it offers no camouflage for mistakes. Every stroke of the brush or pass of the nozzle is visible, so you must be precise. Because solid reds are notorious for oxidation, you need to ensure the surface is polished and free of any chalky white residue before you begin. If you apply new paint over oxidized old paint, the repair will look dull and fail to bond correctly.

Best Practices

Your paint information is usually found on a sticker located on the driver-side door jamb or occasionally inside the glove box. Before you spray or dab Saab Laser Red (check for code 278), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to fully suspend the heavy red pigments. Test the color on the included card to see how the fresh paint compares to your car's current level of fade. When applying the paint, keep the container moving to ensure an even coat and prevent runs. Focus on thin layers and allow for the proper drying time between each application to build a durable finish.