FHF - Deep Crimson Cry PearlDodge Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade was a short-lived gem for the 2008 Caravan. It moved away from the basic flat reds of the nineties, offering a moody, wine-like depth that made the family hauler feel more like a luxury trim. Because your Dodge has likely been on the road for over fifteen years, the original finish has probably faced plenty of sun and road salt. You should expect the factory paint to be slightly more matte or weathered than the fresh pigment in your hands, but this deep red is naturally forgiving when blending into older panels.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, not a simple metallic. While metallic colors use tiny aluminum flakes to reflect light, this paint uses mica to create a glow that seems to come from within the layers. Pearls are notorious for being angle-dependent. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the mica particles will sink and the repair will look much darker than the rest of the van. You want to build the color with light, even layers to ensure the mica sits correctly and catches the light the same way as the surrounding area.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Deep Crimson Cry Pearl (check for code FHF), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to get those heavy mica pearls off the bottom of the container. You can find your paint code on the silver or white sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Test the color on the included card first to see how the pearl settles. Whether you use a pen or a can, work in your garage or the shade to keep the surface cool. Keep the container moving at all times to avoid pooling, and give the area plenty of drying time before you move on to any final protection steps.