COLOR CODE44435 - Black MetallicFleet Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the ultimate survivalist of the paint world. It spent over three decades as the go-to choice for heavy-duty fleet vehicles, but it also carries a high-performance pedigree as the color famously used for the stripes on the 1967 Eleanor Mustang. Since your vehicle has likely spent years enduring the elements, you are working with a finish that is tough as nails but reveals a subtle, sophisticated shimmer when the sun hits it. It is a no-nonsense black that looks professional in the driveway and hides the wear and tear of the road far better than a standard flat black.

Technical Details

This finish is a true metallic, which means it is packed with tiny flakes designed to give the paint depth and character. These flakes are heavy and have a habit of sinking to the bottom of the container while it sits. If you do not mix them thoroughly, the color will look uneven, resulting in dark and light patches that stand out against the original finish. Because metallic paint is less about the pigment and more about how the light reflects off those suspended particles, getting the flow right is the difference between a repair that vanishes and one that looks like a striped mistake.

Best Practices

You will usually find your color information on a sticker inside the glove box or tucked into the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Fleet Black Metallic (check for code 44435), you must shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure the metallic flakes are fully integrated. Test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic settles as it dries. When you are ready to apply the paint, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the finish from pooling, and allow plenty of drying time between your light coats. For the smoothest result, always work in a cool garage or the shade to keep the paint from drying too quickly and clumping on the surface.