COLOR CODES8 - Charcoal Pearl MetallicDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the grit of the 1980s distilled into a single color. When Dodge launched the first Dakota in 1986, they chose this heavy gray to signal that these trucks meant business. Whether it is on a Sport Utility model like the classic Ramcharger or an early-year pickup, this color provides a serious, industrial aesthetic. It does not demand attention with bright pigments, but it has a depth that reveals itself once you get close. Since your vehicle has likely spent decades in the sun, you might notice the original finish has matured, but the deep charcoal tone remains a definitive look for this era of Mopar design.

Technical Details

You are working with a Pearl Metallic finish. This means the paint contains both traditional metallic flakes and pearlescent pigments that catch the light at different angles. This complexity makes it great at hiding road grime, but it requires care during application. If the pigments settle or pile up in one spot, you will see mottling-dark streaks or stripes that ruin the uniform look. This happens because the heavy flakes want to sink to the bottom of the container. By keeping a consistent flow and steady hand, you ensure those pearls stay suspended and catch the light exactly as they did on the showroom floor.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Charcoal Pearl Metallic (check for code S8), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can usually find your paint code on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or on a metal tag attached to the radiator support under the hood. Once you have located the code and mixed the paint, do not move straight to the vehicle. Test the color on the included card first to see how it matches the aged finish of your car. When you are ready to work in your garage or the shade, apply thin layers and keep the container moving to prevent the metallic particles from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets flat and even.