AXR - Black Fleet Touch Up Paint

The Look

Since your vehicle has been on the road since the turn of the millennium, this color represents the era of the reliable workhorse. Originally designated for basecoat models in 2000, this shade was designed to give commercial fleets a uniform, professional appearance that could handle the rigors of the road. It is a deep, commanding black that prioritized utility and longevity over the flashy trends of the early 2000s. While it might look like a standard dark finish at first glance, it provides a clean, authoritative look that grounds the vehicle and hides the smaller imperfections of a hard-working life.

Technical Details

You should be aware that this is a metallic finish, often containing a very fine pearl or crystal pigment that gives the paint its characteristic depth. Because of these tiny reflective particles, you have to be careful about mottling, which is when the metallic flakes bunch up and create dark or light stripes. This matters to your final finish because if the flakes aren't distributed evenly, the repair will look cloudy or uneven compared to the original factory paint. Achieving a consistent look requires a steady hand and a focus on how those pigments settle as you apply the color.

Best Practices

You can typically find your identification sticker on the driver-side door jamb or tucked away on the firewall under the hood. Before you spray or dab Fleet Black (check for code AXR), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the metallic particles are floating freely and not clumped at the bottom. Always test the color on the included card first to see how the aging of your original paint might affect the match. When you start the repair, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the paint from pooling, and allow enough drying time between layers so the finish stays flat and smooth in your garage or in the shade.