Dodge Medium Red Metallic (MD/SMD) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the era of the high-top conversion van and the neighborhood church wagon. While most fleet owners chose a basic white or tan, this red gave the massive Dodge Ram Van a touch of class that solid colors couldn't match. It is a deep, honest red that avoids looking like a fire engine thanks to its subtle metallic shimmer. Because your van has likely spent years hauling families or gear under the sun, the original paint might have lightened a bit compared to the fresh pigment in your hands. This red is excellent for hiding the dust of a long road trip, but it demands a clean surface to really show off its depth.

Technical Details

You are dealing with a metallic finish, which means the appearance of the color depends entirely on how the tiny silver flakes inside the liquid settle. Red is a notoriously difficult pigment because it can look dark or "muddy" if those flakes aren't distributed evenly. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallic particles will sink and create a dark blotch that won't match the rest of the panel. The goal is to get those flakes to lay flat and uniform. This finish provides a great balance of shine and durability, but it requires patience to avoid a mottled or tiger-striped look.

Best Practices

Open your driver-side door and look at the jamb for a sticker that lists your paint details. You are looking for a three-digit string next to the PNT label. Before you spray or dab Dodge Medium Red Metallic (check for code MD/SMD), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those metallic flakes aren't sitting at the bottom of the container. Always test the color on the included card to see how the flakes react to your technique. When you move to the vehicle, keep the container moving to ensure the metallic particles land in a light, even mist rather than a heavy puddle. Give each layer enough drying time so the next pass doesn't move the flakes you just laid down. If you are working in a garage or the shade, keep the air still to prevent dust from landing in your wet finish.