Smart Grey Metallic Tricoat (ECB/C78L) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your 2009 Fortwo carries a shade that makes a tiny car look like a sophisticated piece of industrial design. While many city cars from that era stuck to basic solid colors, this grey adds a technical, metallic depth that mimics the high-end finishes found on larger luxury sedans. Since your car has likely navigated tight city streets for over a decade, the original finish might have some road wear or light fading. Cleaning the repair area thoroughly is the best way to ensure your new paint matches the matured look of the surrounding panels.

Technical Details

This finish is a metallic tricoat, meaning the color and depth are built through layers. The main challenge with this type of paint is mottling, which happens when the tiny metallic flakes clump together and create dark streaks or spots. This usually occurs if you apply the paint too thick or hold your tool in one spot for too long. To get that factory-even look, you need to apply thin, light layers. This allows the metallic particles to settle flat against the surface, giving you a smooth reflection instead of a patchy or bruised appearance.

Best Practices

You can find your ID sticker by opening the passenger door and checking the pillar, or by looking under the front service flap. Before you spray or dab Smart Grey Metallic Tricoat (check for code ECB/C78L), you must shake the container for at least a full minute to properly mix the heavy metallic flakes. Test the color on the included card to see how many layers you need to reach the right depth. Work in a cool Garage or a spot with plenty of Shade to keep the paint from drying before it has a chance to level out. Keep the container moving at a steady pace and wait for the recommended drying time between each light coat.