1990 Alfa-Romeo Touch Up Paint (2 OEM Colors)

The 1990 Alfa-Romeo Vibe

By 1990, Alfa-Romeo was trying to prove it could play nice with the modern era. The flagship 164 was cutting a wedge through the wind, and the legendary Spider was entering its Series 4 sunset with smooth, body-colored bumpers. While the Italian palette was deep, the two colors that truly define the era are the ones we've meticulously preserved: the quintessential Alfa Red and the sophisticated Blu Chiaro Metallic. In 1990, owning an Alfa wasn't just about the drive; it was about having a car that looked like a million bucks-provided you could keep the paint on the metal.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the peak of The Peeling Era. By 1990, Alfa had fully committed to the basecoat/clearcoat system, but the chemistry hadn't quite figured out how to stay bonded for three decades. If your Alfa has spent any time in the sun, you're likely seeing "the Italian sunburn"-delamination. This is where the clear coat decides it's no longer on speaking terms with the color underneath, leading to white, flaky patches on the hood, roof, and trunk. Once that clear lifts, the pigment underneath is defenseless; that vibrant red will turn into a chalky pink faster than you can say "Pininfarina."

Restoration Tip

If you catch a rock chip or a small "bubble" where the clear is starting to let go, you have to act like a surgeon. Do not wait. Seal those edges immediately with a fresh touch-up to prevent air and moisture from traveling under the clear layer. If the clear has already started to flake, you'll need to lightly wet-sand the "shelf" (the edge where the clear meets the base) until it's smooth before applying your repair. This stops the peeling in its tracks and gives your new layers a fighting chance to bond. Remember: in this era, the clear coat is your only shield; once it's gone, the rust starts looking for a way in.