Volvo Titanium Grey Metallic (455) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is the backbone of the Volvo aesthetic from the mid-2000s. Whether you are driving a versatile V70 or a sleek C70, this shade represents a specific era of Swedish design that favored executive "stealth" over flashy brights. It is a hardworking color that hides road salt and dust remarkably well, which is likely why it was the go-to choice for so many S60 and S80 owners. On a cloudy day, it looks like deep, cold steel, but once you get it under direct sunlight, the metallic depth gives the car a much more expensive presence. Since your Volvo has likely been on the road for at least a decade, you will find that this grey holds its character better than most, provided you get the flake orientation right during your repair.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes that reflect light at different angles. The biggest challenge you face is avoiding mottling, which looks like dark, cloudy streaks in the finish. This happens when the metallic particles clump together rather than spreading out evenly. Because these cars have aged, the original paint on your doors or hood might have shifted slightly in tone due to UV exposure. When you apply the new paint, the thickness of your layer will dictate how dark it looks. Thicker layers stay wet longer, allowing the flakes to sink and making the color appear darker, while thinner layers keep the flakes near the surface for a brighter, silver-heavy look.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Volvo Titanium Grey Metallic (check for code 455) on your car, you need to locate your ID plate on the driver-side B-pillar or under the hood to confirm the match. Metallic flakes are heavy and settle at the bottom of the container quickly, so you must shake your pen or can for at least two minutes to get a consistent mix. Test the color on the included card to see how your movement affects the shade. To keep the repair looking uniform, keep the container moving at a steady pace and avoid letting the paint puddle. If you are working in a garage or the shade, make sure you have plenty of light so you can see the "wetness" of the application; you want even, thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Wait for the recommended drying time between layers to ensure the metallic particles stay exactly where you put them.