42210/5477K - Dark Red Fleet Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is an authoritative, deep crimson that served as the backbone for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles for over three decades. It is a mature shade that lacks the orange undertones found in sportier reds, giving it a professional and grounded appearance. Since your vehicle likely spent its life working outdoors, the original finish has probably faced significant sun exposure. This red is excellent at hiding light road dust, but it will show water spots if you let them bake in the sun.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearl additives to worry about. Solid colors are the most forgiving for quick repairs because you avoid the risk of tiger stripes or uneven shimmering. The challenge with a deep red like this is pigment density. Reds tend to be more transparent than whites or grays, so the color beneath your repair matters. If you are covering a dark scratch, the repair will look deep and rich, but if you are dabbing over a light-colored primer, you might need an extra layer to reach the proper depth of color.

Best Practices

Before you apply Fleet Dark Red (always verify code 42210/5477K on the service identification label in your glove box or door jamb), shake the container vigorously for at least sixty seconds. Even without metallic particles, the heavy red pigments settle at the bottom and need to be fully incorporated for a true match. Test the color on the included card and let it dry to see how it compares to your weathered paint. When you start the repair, keep the container moving to ensure an even layer and avoid heavy buildup. Since this is a basecoat, it will look matte when it dries; a clear topcoat is required to provide the shine and UV protection necessary to keep the red from fading again.