Dodge Chinese Rose (550 (1956)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive palette of 1956 optimism. This shade is a soft, mid-century pastel that captures the era of tailfins and chrome better than almost any other. While it was available across various Dodge models, it is most famous for appearing in the eye-catching tri-tone paint schemes alongside Sapphire White and Jewel Black. Since your Dodge has been on the road for nearly seventy years, this pink has likely become a part of its character. It is an unapologetic, sunny color that demands a clean surface to really pop against the brightwork of your classic.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish. Because there are no metallic flakes or pearl additives in this formula, you do not have to worry about "mottling" or the paint looking striped if your hand isn't perfectly steady. The main challenge with a light pastel like this is coverage. Light colors can be somewhat translucent, meaning if you are trying to hide a dark scratch or a patch of gray primer, the old blemish might try to show through the new layers. Patience is your friend here; you want to build the color until the repair is completely opaque and matches the depth of the surrounding panels.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Chinese Rose (check for code 550 (1956)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You will usually find this paint code stamped on the cowl tag, which is located on the firewall inside the engine compartment. Before you begin the repair, test the color on the included card to make sure the pigment has mixed properly. Because these older formulas rely on heavy pigments to get that specific pink hue, shaking the container is the only way to ensure the color isn't too light or too dark. Keep the container moving as you apply the paint to prevent any pooling, and allow plenty of drying time between each thin layer. Working in a cool garage or the shade will help the paint lay flat and smooth.