Suzuki New Gray Metallic (ZGA) Touch Up Paint

The Look

The XL-7 was the king of the Suzuki lineup back in 2007, and this gray was designed to make that large crossover body look expensive. It is a classic mid-to-late 2000s shade that manages to hide road grime from long family trips while still catching the sun when it is clean. Since your Suzuki has likely seen its fair share of highway miles by now, you will notice that this color holds up well against minor fading. However, because it relies on a specific luster, it really needs a quality clear coat to return to that factory showroom state.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes to give the surface depth and shine. If those flakes do not lay down flat and even, you will end up with dark patches or "zebra stripes" that look like unnatural shadows on the door. Before you spray or dab Suzuki New Gray Metallic (check for code ZGA), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to wake up those heavy metallic particles that settle at the bottom of the container. If you skip the shaking, the color will look too dark and thin because the "sparkle" is still stuck at the bottom of the tube.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on a sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb or occasionally under the hood on the radiator support. When you start the repair, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes and avoid putting on one thick, heavy layer. If you are using a pen, use light dabs rather than long strokes to keep the flakes from piling up. Test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic flakes behave before you commit to the actual panel. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish stays level and crisp.