2017 Lotus Touch Up Paint (2 OEM Colors)

The 2017 Lotus Vibe

By 2017, Lotus was finally playing with the big boys. The Evora 400 was prowling the streets, and the Exige was essentially a street-legal middle finger to everything heavy. In our database, we've zeroed in on the heavy hitters that actually mattered: Chrome Orange Tricoat and that classic Green. These weren't just colors; they were war paint for the track. Back then, if you weren't blinded by a Chrome Orange nose in your rearview mirror, you weren't driving on a Saturday.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the Thin Paint Era. In 2017, the boys in Hethel were obsessed with "adding lightness," and unfortunately, that included the paint booth. These cars were finished with modern basecoat/clearcoat systems, but the application was governed by "robot efficiency." The result? A finish so thin it's practically a suggestion. Because these cars sit three inches off the asphalt, they don't just "get chips"-they sandblast themselves. If you look closely at a 2017 model today, you're likely seeing "micro-blistering" where the fiberglass decided to outgas through the clear, or a front bumper that looks like it's been through a meteor shower.

Restoration Tip

When you're touching up a 2017 Lotus, remember: Build layers slowly; don't blob it. Since the factory finish is notoriously thin, a giant "mountain" of touch-up paint will stick out like a sore thumb. For that Chrome Orange Tricoat, you're dealing with a multi-stage process-take your time. Apply your base thin, let it flash, and build your depth with the mid-coat. If you try to fill a stone chip in one heavy pass, you'll end up with a dark spot that never levels out. Think of it like the car itself: keep it light, keep it precise, and don't overwork the surface.