Volvo GL Touch Up Paint (23 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Volvo gave us 23 distinct ways to celebrate the "brick" lifestyle, and they really went for it with the earthy aesthetic. From the stately Richelieu (Wine) Red to the unapologetically 80s Nougat Brown Metallic and Cornado Gold Metallic, these cars were the kings of the suburban driveway. While modern cars stick to a boring grayscale, the GL series lived in a world of Cyprus Green and Rose Beige. It's a palette that says, "I have a library card and I'm not afraid to use it."

What to Watch For

Before you start, you need to find your "Secret Swedish ID." Pop the hood and look at the metal plate on the driver or passenger side strut tower (those big round towers near the wheels) or the firewall. You're looking for a three-digit number-something like 189 or 412. Now, for the reality check: these cars are famous for their "sunburn." If your roof or hood looks like it's peeling after a long day at the beach, that's the clear coat saying goodbye. Also, keep an eye on those bright reds like Tomato Red; they have a habit of wanting to turn into a lighter shade of pinkish-orange if left out in the sun too long. Fixing these spots is totally doable, it just requires patience to get the thickness right.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since many GL colors like Mystic Silver or Redwood Metallic are packed with tiny metallic flakes, your touch-up bottle is basically a snow globe. Shake that bottle for at least 60 seconds-longer than you think you need to-to wake up those sparkles. When applying, don't try to fill a deep chip in one go. If you drop one big blob of Avalon Blue into a chip, the metallics will sink to the bottom and look dark. Instead, dab in a thin layer, let it dry for 15 minutes, and come back for a second pass. Think of it like painting a fingernail: thin layers always win the day.