2016 Volvo Touch Up Paint (21 OEM Colors)

The 2016 Volvo Vibe

2016 was the year Volvo stopped playing nice and started looking like it owned the Swedish skyline. Between the sleek redesign of the XC90 and the bulletproof charm of the XC70 and S60, Gothenburg was firing on all cylinders. Our database is packed with 21 shades for this era-a full-blown Scandinavian rainbow. Whether you're rocking the "look-at-me" Rebel Blue, the earthy Twilight Bronze Pearl, or the understated Luminous Sand Effect, these cars were designed to look expensive even when they were covered in road salt.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the "Thin Paint Era." By 2016, the robots in the factory had become masters of efficiency, which is great for the company's bottom line but a headache for your front bumper. This isn't the thick, tank-like lacquer of the 80s; it's a high-tech basecoat/clearcoat system applied with surgical precision. The Osmium Grey Effect and Crystal White Tricoat look stunning, but they're susceptible to "Robot Efficiency" syndrome-meaning the coats are thin. You'll likely find chips on the hood of your XC60 or V60 from nothing more than a stiff breeze and a pebble. We've also seen the clear coat start to protest around high-vibration areas like the trunk lid trim and behind the door handles.

Restoration Tip

When you're touching up a 2016 finish, the golden rule is: Build layers slowly; don't blob it. Because modern factory paint is so thin, a giant "mountain" of touch-up paint will stick out like a sore thumb. Apply your color in thin, patient passes. If you're working with a complex pearl like Rich Java Metallic or a tricoat like Crystal White, less is always more. Let the paint level out naturally between coats so you don't end up with a high spot that needs aggressive sanding later.