Jeep Black Cherry Pearl Metallic (FM9/DT3490) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a rare gem from a single year of production. Whether you are patching up a rugged Wrangler YJ or a wood-paneled Grand Wagoneer, this finish defines the transition era of Jeep design. It is a moody, shape-shifting pigment that behaves like a secret. In the shade or under garage lights, your Jeep looks almost entirely black. Once you pull it into the direct sun, the finish erupts into a deep, wine-red glow. Since your vehicle has likely been on the road or the trail since 1990, keep in mind that the original paint has probably darkened or flattened over the decades, so the fresh paint might look slightly more vibrant than the weathered panels around it.

Technical Details

Because this is a pearl metallic, you are dealing with a complex layers of heavy flakes and translucent pigments. These particles love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, you will end up with a muddy brown spot rather than a crisp cherry shimmer. Pearl finishes are also prone to mottling, which creates dark streaks or "striping" if the paint piles up too heavily in one spot. Before you spray or dab Jeep Black Cherry Pearl Metallic (check for code FM9/DT3490), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the pearl and metallic elements are fully suspended in the liquid.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on a small metal plate riveted to the driver's side firewall inside the engine bay, often near the brake booster. On some models, it might be on the radiator support. Before applying anything to the vehicle, test the color on the included card to see how the pearl reacts to your lighting. When you start the repair, keep the container moving at all times to prevent the metallic flakes from clustering. Work in your garage or a patch of shade to keep the surface cool. Apply the paint in very thin, even layers, and allow plenty of drying time between each one to prevent the dark pigments from sagging.