2009 Lotus Touch Up Paint (3 OEM Colors)

### The 2009 Lotus Vibe

Welcome to 2009-the year the world decided every sedan should be some flavor of "Banker Gray" or "Default Silver." But you? You were probably staring at an Elise or the then-brand-new Evora. While the rest of the industry was playing it safe, Lotus was still out there keeping the dream alive. We've focused our attention on the survivors of this era, the ones that escaped the beige apocalypse: British Racing Green, Starlight Black Metallic, and that head-turning Bright Yellow Metallic Tricoat. These weren't just colors; they were loud-and-proud statements on a fiberglass canvas.

Paint Health Check

By 2009, we were deep into the Thin Paint Era. Back in the day, we sprayed lacquer like we were frosting a cake, but 2009 was all about "Robot Efficiency." The factory robots got real stingy with the clear coat to save weight-which, to be fair, is the Lotus way-but it leaves you with a finish that's about as thick as a sticky note. On these composite bodies, you don't have to worry about the "tin worm" (rust), but you do have to worry about impact. Because the paint is thin and the car sits three inches off the asphalt, stone chips don't just mark the paint; they can cause the clear coat to lose its grip and start delaminating around the wound like a bad sunburn.

Restoration Tip

When you're touching up a 2009 finish, remember: Build layers slowly; don't blob it. Since the factory coat is so thin, a giant "mountain" of touch-up paint will stick out like a sore thumb and be a nightmare to level. Use a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick to dab small amounts of color into the chip. Let it dry, then add another layer. If you're working with that Bright Yellow Metallic Tricoat, patience is your only friend-you're layering depth, not just covering a hole. Seal those edges early to stop the wind from getting under the clear coat and lifting it off the fiberglass.