COLOR CODECDI-44995 - CharcoalItasca Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Since your Itasca has been on the road since 2005, it has likely weathered its share of highways and sun-drenched campgrounds. This color was a cornerstone of the premium full-body paint packages that defined the 2005 lineup, providing a grounded, dark-neutral base. It was designed to give large motorhomes an automotive feel, and it does a much better job of hiding road dust and engine heat stains than a standard white finish ever could.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains a suspension of tiny shimmering particles. These flakes are heavier than the paint itself and tend to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix the liquid well, the first few strokes will look like a muddy gray instead of a crisp metallic. Before you spray or dab Itasca Charcoal (check for code CDI-44995), you need to shake it until the mixing ball rattles freely for at least sixty seconds. This ensures the flakes suspend so the repair does not look darker or flatter than the original finish.

Best Practices

You can usually find your specific color credentials on a data plate inside the driver's door frame or on the Component Information Sheet tucked into the wardrobe closet. When you are ready to begin, test the color on the included card to ensure the match is right. Whether you use a nozzle or a brush, the secret is thin, light layers. If you apply the paint too thick, the metallic particles will clump and create dark, uneven spots. Keep the container moving and allow for plenty of drying time between layers to build a finish that matches the rest of the coach. Working in the shade will prevent the paint from drying too fast and losing its level.