What Color Is Honda’s Crystal Black Pearl?

Crystal Black Pearl is a deep, glossy black paint used by Honda that appears jet black in the shade and reveals a subtle pearl-like shimmer—often with faint blue-violet highlights—under bright light. It’s widely offered across Honda’s lineup and is typically identified by the paint code NH-731P.

How It Looks in Different Light

In low light or overcast conditions, Crystal Black Pearl reads as a classic, inky black. Under direct sunlight or strong artificial lighting, microscopic pearl flake in the finish catches the light, creating a soft, refined sparkle that can shift slightly toward cool blue or violet tones depending on the angle and intensity of the light. The effect is understated—more a sophisticated sheen than a flashy metallic sparkle.

Why Honda Calls It “Pearl” (Not Metallic)

Unlike metallic paints that use aluminum flakes for a pronounced glitter, a pearl (or mica) finish uses fine mica/ceramic particles to create depth and a silky luster. On Crystal Black Pearl, those particles add dimension to the black basecoat, enhancing gloss and giving the surface a richer, more liquid appearance without looking overtly sparkly.

Key Characteristics at a Glance

The following points summarize the defining traits of Honda’s Crystal Black Pearl for shoppers or owners comparing finishes.

• Color family: Black with a subtle pearl (mica) effect
• Appearance: Jet black in shade; faint blue-violet shimmer in bright light
• Finish type: Pearl/mica with clear coat (not a solid or heavy metallic)
• Common paint code: NH-731P (suffixes may vary by supplier or year)
• Availability: Offered on many Honda models across multiple model years; also used by Acura on select vehicles

Together, these characteristics make Crystal Black Pearl a popular choice for drivers who want a classic black with an upscale, light-reactive finish.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Crystal Black Pearl

Because dark finishes highlight dust, swirl marks, and water spots, Crystal Black Pearl benefits from careful washing and protection practices.

• Use a two-bucket wash method and pH-balanced shampoo to minimize micro-scratches.
• Dry with clean, plush microfiber towels to reduce water spotting.
• Avoid automatic brush car washes; touchless or hand-wash is gentler.
• Apply a quality sealant or ceramic coating to enhance gloss and ease cleaning.
• Park in shade when possible; promptly remove bird droppings and sap.
• For chips or scratches, use touch-up paint matching NH-731P for best blend.
• If swirls appear, consider a light machine polish with a fine finishing polish.

With consistent, careful maintenance, the pearl layer stays crisp and the black base retains its deep, mirror-like look.

Models Commonly Offered in Crystal Black Pearl

Honda has offered Crystal Black Pearl across a broad range of vehicles, making it a frequent sight on roads and in showrooms.

• Honda Civic (various trims and years)
• Honda Accord (sedan and hybrid, various years)
• Honda CR-V and HR-V
• Honda Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline
• Honda Odyssey
• Honda Fit and Insight (select years)
• Select Acura models have also used a similarly named/colored finish

Availability can vary by model year and trim, so checking a specific vehicle’s window sticker or build configurator is recommended.

How It Compares to Other Honda Blacks

Shoppers weighing black finishes may encounter other Honda or Acura blacks with different looks and maintenance implications.

• Berlina Black (solid): A pure, non-pearl black with no shimmering flake; can show swirls more readily but has a classic, uniform look.
• Other brand-specific blacks: Some feature warmer or bronze-toned pearls; always view cars in daylight to compare undertones.

If you want a touch of depth and light play without a metallic sparkle, Crystal Black Pearl typically strikes the right balance.

Summary

Honda’s Crystal Black Pearl is a rich, jet-black paint with a refined pearl effect that subtly shimmers—often in cool blue-violet tones—under strong light. Identified most commonly by paint code NH-731P, it’s available across many Honda models. It offers a premium, dimensional look while remaining understated, though like most dark finishes, it benefits from careful washing and protective coatings to keep its mirror-like gloss. Viewing the color in person and in varying light is the best way to appreciate its depth.

What color is black pearl?

Black pearls, often called Tahitian pearls, aren’t actually black. They typically range from dark gray to charcoal gray, with iridescent overtones like peacock, green, and blue. The most prized black pearls exhibit these vibrant overtones, while the most common is a black-green. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Body Color: While the name suggests black, the dominant color of black pearls is usually a shade of gray, from pale dove gray to dark charcoal gray. 
• Overtones: What makes black pearls so captivating are their iridescent overtones. These are secondary colors that shimmer on the surface, often including peacock, green, blue-green, silver, and even aubergine (a purplish-brown). 
• Rarity: True black pearls are rare, with the most valuable being those displaying peacock, green, and blue overtones. 
• Cultured Pearls: Black pearls are primarily cultured in the Pinctada margaritifera oyster, which is native to French Polynesia, hence the common name “Tahitian pearls”. 
• Natural Color: Unlike some other pearl types, Tahitian pearls are not dyed. Their dark colors and overtones are naturally produced by the oyster. 

What is Honda’s signature color?

red color
In 2001, Honda designated the red color as a corporate color, “Honda Red”. In addition to an exciting image associated with Honda products and its motor sports activities, the deep rich red color is adopted to convey the Honda brand’s quality feel and engineering capabilities.

What is the paint code for Honda Crystal Black Pearl?

The Honda paint code for Crystal Black Pearl is NH731P. You can find this code on the vehicle’s color identification plate, which is usually located on the driver’s side door jamb. This code is used for various Honda models and years, including the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V, Ridgeline, and Passport.

What is crystal pearl paint?

Crystal pearlescent clearcoats are part of the colour change effects and their main characteristic is to bring, in superimposition through an automotive topcoat, a “light” colour effect produced by the topcoat components, through reflection and light.