2020 Mazda Touch Up Paint (12 OEM Colors)

The 2020 Mazda Vibe

Ah, 2020. While the rest of the world was busy figuring out how to use Zoom, Mazda was busy perfecting the "expensive look" on a middle-class budget. This was the year of the sophisticated soul. You couldn't swing a spray gun without hitting a CX-5 or the newly minted CX-30, and the MX-5 Miata was still out there proving that fun doesn't need a massive footprint. We've got 12 distinct shades in our vault for this year, ranging from the moody Polymetal Gray Pearl to the legendary Bright Red Tricoat. It was an era of deep, liquid-looking pearls and metallics that made every commuter parking lot look like a high-end gallery.

Paint Health Check

Now, here's the rub. We're deep into the **Thin Paint Era**. Those factory robots in Hiroshima are marvels of efficiency, but they're stingy with the clear coat. By 2020, "Robot Efficiency" meant the paint was applied in layers so precise they're practically measured in thoughts and prayers. If a stray pebble even thinks about glancing off your Mazda3 or Mazda6, you're likely going to see a chip. The Soul Red and Machine Gray were the worst offenders-absolutely stunning to look at, but thinner than a diner's Sunday morning coffee. Because the coats are so lean, these cars don't just "scratch"; they crater.

Restoration Tip

When you're dealing with paint this thin, you have to play the long game. Forget the "one and done" approach. To get a seamless repair on these modern finishes, build your layers slowly and don't blob it. Because the factory clear is so shallow, a thick glob of touch-up paint will stick out like a sore thumb. Apply a tiny amount, let it shrink down, and repeat until you're level with the surrounding surface. If you're working with those high-depth colors like Snowflake Pearl Tricoat, patience is your only friend-rushing the dry time is a one-way ticket to a mismatched patch.