COLOR CODERS563 - RedFleet Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color served a thirty-four-year tenure as the face of heavy-duty workhorses and commercial machinery. It is a bold, utilitarian shade designed for visibility and ruggedness rather than luxury. Because your vehicle has likely been in service for decades, the finish has faced substantial sun exposure. Over the years, these pigments tend to lose their punch and shift toward a lighter or chalkier tone. When you repair a chip or scratch, you are reviving a piece of industrial history that once signified a brand new addition to a professional line of equipment.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, so you do not have to worry about metallic flakes or pearl shifts when you try to match the texture. While solid colors are easier to apply without creating uneven patterns, red pigments are heavy and prone to fading over time. The biggest challenge you will face is the contrast between the fresh, vibrant pigment in your container and the weathered surface of your vehicle. Because there is no sparkle to hide your work, you need to be precise about where you stop your repair. Working in a cool garage or deep shade is vital so the paint does not dry too fast on the surface.

Best Practices

Locating your identification plate is the first step. On these models, check the driver-side door jamb or the metal plate under the hood. Before you spray or dab Fleet Red (check for code RS563), you need to shake it for 60 seconds so the heavy pigments mix. Test the color on the included card to see how it matches the current state of your finish. When you are ready to apply the paint, keep the container moving to prevent the liquid from pooling. Allow for plenty of drying time between each thin layer to build up the color correctly.