Dodge Claret Red Pearl Metallic (GM4) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a definitive slice of late-eighties Chrysler design. It was a sophisticated choice for its time, often found on everything from the family-favorite Caravan to the more executive Dynasty. It carries a deep, wine-red tone that feels much more upscale than a standard flat red. However, because your vehicle has likely been on the road for three decades, you should expect the original finish to have darkened or shifted slightly from the sun. This shade does a decent job of hiding road film, but it only truly glows when the surface is clean enough for the light to hit those underlying flakes.

Technical Details

You are working with a Pearl Metallic finish, which means there is a lot happening inside the mixture. Unlike a solid paint, this contains both tiny metallic particles and translucent pearl pigments that catch the light at different angles. The risk here is settling; if the container sits for even a few minutes, the heavy flakes will sink to the bottom. If you apply it without a thorough mix, the color will look like a flat burgundy instead of a shimmering red. It is a rewarding color to apply, but it demands that you pay attention to the consistency of the mixture to ensure the repair doesn't look like a dark smudge on your fender.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Claret Red Pearl Metallic (check for code GM4), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds to suspend those pearl particles. You can usually find your code stamped on a metal plate located on the radiator support under the hood or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Always test the color on the included card before you touch the vehicle to see how the metallic flake lays down. When applying, keep the container moving to ensure the flakes distribute evenly across the repair area. Allow plenty of drying time between light coats rather than trying to cover the spot in one heavy pass.