COLOR CODEBC2/DT8852 - Light Blue MetallicDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

If you are working on a late-eighties Ram Van or a classic D-Series pickup, you are handling a color that defines the era of the American workhorse. This shade was a staple on the job site and at the campground, providing a bright, clean look that helped these heavy-duty vehicles feel a bit more approachable. Because your Dodge has likely been on the road for over thirty years, the original finish has probably survived its share of sun and weathering. This blue is famous for its ability to hide light road dust, but it is deep enough to show off the boxy body lines of the Ram Wagon once you get it cleaned up and polished.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes of aluminum to give the paint its depth and shimmer. These flakes are heavier than the pigment, so they have a natural tendency to sink to the bottom of your container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, you will deal with mottling-which looks like dark, cloudy streaks or "tiger stripes" across the repair area. This happens because the flakes clump together instead of laying flat and reflecting light evenly. To avoid this, you must ensure the flakes stay suspended in the liquid so the blue remains consistent across the entire panel.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on a metal plate under the hood, usually attached to the radiator support or the inner fender, or on a sticker inside the driver-side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Dodge Light Blue Metallic (check for code BC2/DT8852), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to ensure those metallic flakes are evenly distributed. Do not skip the step of using a test card; test the color on the included card to see how the metallic behaves before you touch the truck. When you apply the paint, keep the container moving at a steady pace to prevent the flakes from piling up in one spot. Give the surface plenty of drying time between layers so the metallic settles correctly and does not shift while the paint is still wet.