Volkswagen Harvard Blue Effect (LB5J/4P) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Harvard Blue is the suit and tie of the Volkswagen palette. If you drive a Passat or CC from the mid-2010s, this color gives your car a professional edge that brighter blues lack. It is a mature, executive shade that leans into grey and charcoal tones depending on the light. Because your car has likely seen a few years of road use, you will notice how well this color hides dust and light road film. It is a sophisticated choice that makes a standard sedan look like a premium touring machine.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is loaded with tiny flakes designed to catch and reflect light. While these flakes provide that signature shimmer, they can be temperamental. If the paint is applied too thick, the metallic particles tend to clump together or sink, creating dark, blotchy areas known as mottling. To get a match that blends with your original panels, you need to manage the flow carefully. The goal is to keep the metallic flakes suspended evenly so they sit flat on the surface rather than bunching up in heavy pools.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Volkswagen Harvard Blue Effect (check for code LB5J/4P), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds. This is non-negotiable for metallic colors; those flakes are heavy and settle at the bottom quickly. You can find your paint code on a white paper sticker located in the trunk, usually hidden in the spare tire well or under the carpet. Test the color on the included card to make sure the flake distribution looks right. When you are working in your garage or in the shade, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from loading up in one spot. Use several thin layers and allow for plenty of drying time between them to ensure the finish remains level and consistent.