Volvo Vanilla Cream Pearl Tricoat (491) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defines the sophisticated era of the Volvo C70. It is not the flat, sterile white you find on a base-model sedan. It is a rich, buttery ivory that feels deeply connected to the luxury convertible lifestyle of the late 2000s. Because your car has likely spent years with the top down or parked in the sun, the finish has likely developed a character of its own. It is a warm shade that glows in late-afternoon light, making the car look expensive even when it is standing still.

Technical Details

You are working with a Pearl Tricoat finish, which is significantly more complex than a standard metallic. This means the color is achieved in stages: a solid cream base followed by a translucent pearl mid-coat. The depth you see on your fender comes from the way light passes through that pearl layer and bounces off the cream underneath. The risk here is layering. If you apply the pearl layer too heavily, the repair will look darker or more yellow than the rest of the car. If you apply it too thin, the shimmer will not match. It is a balancing act of depth rather than just a simple color match.

Best Practices

Pop your hood or check the driver-side door jamb to find your identification plate; the code is usually a three-digit number located near the bottom of the tag. Before you spray or dab Volvo Vanilla Cream Pearl Tricoat (check for code 491), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the pearl particles are fully suspended. Since this is a multi-step process, you must test the color on the included card first. Apply the base, let it dry, and then add one or two coats of the pearl mid-coat to see which density matches your specific car. When applying, keep the container moving to prevent the pearl from pooling in one spot, which can cause dark blotches. Work in the shade to ensure the paint dries at a natural pace, giving the pearl time to settle flat.