Dodge Phantom Black Pearl Tricoat (XT/LXT) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your Challenger or Charger isn't just painted black; it's wrapped in a finish that was designed to be the premium alternative to the standard Pitch Black. While a flat black looks like a void, this color has a soul that only wakes up when the sun hits the panels. Between 2013 and 2015, this was the choice for owners who wanted their muscle car to look aggressive in the shade but sophisticated at a car show. Since your car has likely spent a decade facing the elements, the original depth might be hidden under some road wear, but the metallic flake inside is what gives it that signature charcoal-to-midnight shimmer.

Technical Details

This is a tricoat finish, which is a triple-layered process that requires more patience than a standard metallic. You are dealing with a dark base followed by a translucent mid-layer packed with multi-colored pearl particles. The risk here is layering. If you apply the mid-coat too thick, the repair will look darker and muddier than the rest of the car. If you go too thin, you lose the sparkle that makes the color special. Because the pearl particles are heavy and like to sink to the bottom of the container, failing to mix them thoroughly will result in a finish that looks like plain black rather than a pearl.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Phantom Black Pearl Tricoat (check for code XT/LXT), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to get those pearls suspended. You will find your official paint code on the VIN sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb. Test the color on the included card first to see how many passes of the pearl layer you need to match the depth of your existing finish. Keep the container moving at a steady pace to avoid pooling, which causes the metallic flakes to cluster and look uneven. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and allow plenty of drying time between each layer so the finish sets properly without clouding.