COLOR CODEEL/WEL - Inferno Red Pearl TricoatPlymouth Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This red was the badge of honor for the Plymouth lineup as the brand reached its sunset years. Whether it is on a Voyager minivan that has hauled a decade of groceries or a Neon that served as a first car, the color carries a weight that standard reds lack. In the shade, it looks like a deep maroon, but it shifts to a bright crimson when hit by direct light. Since your car has likely been on the road for twenty years, the original finish has probably darkened or shifted slightly from the factory fresh tone.

Technical Details

This is a pearl tricoat, which makes it more complex than a standard solid paint. It relies on a multi-step process where the depth of the red changes based on how much paint you apply. The biggest risk is coat thickness. If you apply the pearl layers too heavily, the repair will turn too dark. If they are too thin, the shimmer will not match the rest of the panel. Because of the pearl particles, you must be careful about the flakes "stacking" or clustering. If the paint pools, it creates a blotchy, uneven look that is very noticeable on flat surfaces like a hood or roof.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, though on some Neons and Voyagers, you might need to check the metal strut towers under the hood. Before you spray or dab Plymouth Inferno Red Pearl Tricoat (check for code EL/WEL), you must shake the container for a full sixty seconds to get those pearl particles moving. Test the color on the included card first to see how many layers you need to match your specific car. Keep the container moving at all times to maintain a consistent flow. Apply the paint in thin, patient layers and respect the drying time between them to prevent the finish from sagging or looking muddy.