COLOR CODED3/HD3 - Platinum Silver MetallicDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Your Van-Wagon was built to work, and this silver was the uniform of choice for the early nineties. It is a practical, mid-tone silver that excels at hiding the layer of dust or road grime that comes with daily life. On a large vehicle like a Dodge van, this color provides a clean, professional appearance without the maintenance headaches of a darker shade. Since your vehicle has been on the road for over thirty years, the original finish has likely weathered, but this silver remains one of the most forgiving colors to repair because it blends into the surrounding panels better than most.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes to reflect light and create depth. These flakes are the reason the paint looks different under the sun than it does in the shade. The challenge with any metallic is mottling, which shows up as dark spots or stripes if the paint is applied too heavily in one spot. If the flakes do not lay flat and even, the repair will look like a different shade entirely, even if the color match is perfect. Consistency in your hand movement is the only way to ensure those flakes distribute themselves across the surface.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the safety certification label inside the driver side door jamb or stamped onto the radiator support plate under the hood. Before you spray or dab Dodge Platinum Silver Metallic (check for code D3/HD3), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Shaking is the only way to lift those heavy metallic flakes off the bottom of the container. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you touch the vehicle. Work in your garage or a shaded area to keep the metal cool. Apply two to three thin layers rather than one heavy coat, and give the paint plenty of drying time between each layer. To keep the finish even, keep the container moving at a steady pace and maintain a consistent spray distance.