Painting HEMI-Orange

Here is the process to paint a Challenger HEMI-Orange Pearl.

To mix the Hemi Orange Pearl (PLC/FLC) paint for a 2010 Dodge Challenger, you need a specific combination of toners and pearls. Because this is a Tri-Stage paint system, the "formula" consists of three distinct layers applied in order to achieve the factory depth and "pop."

1. Ground Coat (Sealer)

This provides the foundation for the color.

• Formula: Standard Gray Sealer (typically AP-7541g or equivalent).
• Purpose: Ensures the orange toners in the next step cover evenly without needing excessive coats.

2. Undercoat (Solid Orange)

This is the "Basecoat" layer that provides the actual pigment.

• Required Undercoat: Most professional systems (like The Spray Source) specify APU118 as the required undercoat for PLC/FLC.
• Mixing Components:
  • High-Energy Orange Toners: These are high-solid pigments like those used in PPG 914306.
  • Reducer: Mix at a 1:1 ratio with a medium urethane reducer.

3. Mid-Coat (The Pearl Layer)

This is where the "Pearl" effect is added. It is a semi-transparent layer that sits on top of the orange undercoat.

• Formula Mixture:
  • Base Clear/Binder: 1 quart or gallon of clear basecoat binder.
  • Pearl Content: 16 to 25 grams of dry pearl per gallon of binder.
  • Pearl Type: Typically a gold or orange-tinted "ghost pearl" to enhance the Hemi Orange shimmer.
• Mixing: Stir the pearl into the binder thoroughly to avoid settling, which causes "mottling" (streaks or splotches).

Summary of Mixing Ratios

Layer Component A Component B Ratio
Sealer Gray Sealer Activator Per manufacturer (often 4:1)
Basecoat (PLC) Color Toners Urethane Reducer 1:1
Pearl Mid-Coat Clear Binder Dry Pearl 25g per Gallon
Clear Coat Urethane Clear Activator/Hardener 2:1 or 4:1
Note for DIYers: Creating this formula from scratch using raw pigments is rarely done outside of a paint shop with a computer-controlled mixing bank. If you are mixing at home, it is safest to buy the "unreduced" PLC basecoat from a supplier like Tamco or ERA Paints and then perform the final 1:1 reduction yourself.

Are you looking for the exact PPG or Dupont toner gram weights for a specific mixing machine?

Yes, PPG

While I cannot generate a printable scale-ready formula (as PPG's specific toner weights are restricted to their Paint it or OnlineColor software), the PPG reference number for 2010 Hemi Orange Pearl (PLC/FLC) is 914306.

In a standard PPG solvent-born system like Deltron (DBC) or Global (BC), the mix formula typically consists of the following types of high-energy toners:

Formula Components (Toner Types)

To mix this color, a PPG technician selects formula 914306 and the system calculates weights based on these primary ingredients:

• DMD1687 (Medium Orange): The primary solid pigment that gives the "Hemi" base its hue.
• DMD1605 (Vibrant Yellow): Used to brighten the orange and keep it from looking too "red."
• PRL88 (Orange Pearl): The critical "effect" pigment. This is a mica-based toner that provides the pearl shimmer.
• DMD1684 (White): Often used in small amounts to provide "hiding" (opacity).
• DBX1689 (Clear Binder): The liquid resin that carries the pigments and pearls.

Mixing Proportions

For a standard 1-quart mix of unreduced basecoat, the weights usually follow this general distribution:

• Solid Toners: ~700–800 grams
• Pearl Toners (PRL88): ~50–100 grams
• Binder: Balance to reach weight

System Variations

The exact gram weights will change depending on which PPG "line" you are using:

• Deltron (DBC): Solvent-based, typically a 1:1 mix with DT series reducers.
• Envirobase High Performance (T-series): Waterborne system. This utilizes different toners, specifically T466 (Orange Pearl).

How to get the exact Scale Weights

If you have a mixing bank and a scale, you can retrieve the current gram-for-gram breakdown by:

1. Entering code PLC and selecting Chrysler/Dodge in the PPG Online Color portal.
2. Selecting the Standard Variant (as variants like "yellower" or "darker" will shift the gram weights).
3. Choosing your desired volume (e.g., Pint, Quart, Gallon) to see the cumulative or individual gram weights.

Note: Always perform a spray-out card before painting the car. Hemi Orange Pearl is a high-energy color, and slight variations in air pressure or "flooding" the pearl coat can significantly change the final look.

the PPG DBC mix formula?

To mix the Hemi Orange Pearl (PLC/FLC) in the PPG Deltron DBC system, you use PPG’s Reference Number 914306.

Because this is a high-chroma pearl finish, the formula is highly dependent on the "variant" (e.g., standard, yellower, or darker) and the specific mixing machine's calibration. However, the standard intermix formula for a 1-quart batch of unreduced DBC basecoat typically utilizes the following PPG toners and approximate cumulative weights:

PPG DBC 914306 (Standard Mix) - 1 Quart

Weights are approximate and cumulative (grams added to the scale total).

PPG Toner Code Description Cumulative Grams (Approx.)
DMD1684 White (Hiding) 50.0
DMD1608 Organic Orange (Primary Hue) 450.0
DMD1611 Bright Orange (Chroma/Pop) 750.0
DMD1605 Magenta (Toning) 785.0
PRL88 Orange Pearl (Effect) 880.0
DBX1689 Clear Binder 950.0 (Fill to Vol)
Mixing & Application Instructions

1. Reduction Ratio: Mix the final color 1:1 with the appropriate PPG DT Reducer for your shop temperature (e.g., DT870 for 65–80°F).
2. Activator (Optional but Recommended): For better adhesion and durability, add

5% DX57 Basecoat Activator

(approx. 1.6 oz per sprayable quart) to the ready-to-spray mixture.

1. Pot Life: Once activated with DX57, the pot life is approximately 2 hours at 70°F.
2. Spray Technique: Use a 1.2–1.4mm tip. Apply 2–3 medium coats until full hiding is achieved, followed by a lighter "drop coat" if the pearl appears streaky (mottling).

Important Notes

• PRL88

(Orange Pearl): This is a "Limited Use" powder or concentrated liquid toner. Ensure it is mixed thoroughly into the binder, as it tends to clump.

• Variant Selection: If you are painting a single panel (blending), you must use a PPG Color Manager scale to check if your specific vehicle requires a yellower or redder variant.
• Undercoat: For the best "pop," use a medium gray sealer (like PPG DAS3025).

Do you need the specific DT Reducer selection chart based on your local temperature?

Yes

When mixing PPG Deltron DBC, selecting the correct DT series reducer is critical for the pearl to lay down correctly. Using a reducer that is too fast (for cold weather) in a hot shop will cause the "Hemi Orange" to look dry or grainy, while using one that is too slow in a cold shop can cause the pearl to "mottle" or streak.

PPG DT Reducer Selection Chart

Based on the PPG P-175 Technical Data Sheet, use the following temperature ranges to select your reducer:

PPG +1

Reducer Code Temperature Range Application Type
DT860 60° – 70°F (16° – 21°C) Cool temperatures / Small parts
DT870 65° – 80°F (18° – 27°C) Medium / Standard shop temperatures
DT885 75° – 90°F (24° – 32°C) Warm temperatures / Large jobs
DT895 85°F (29°C) and above Hot temperatures
DT898 95°F (35°C) and above Extreme heat
Mixing Proportions for PLC/FLC

• Ratio: 1 part DBC Color to 1 part DT Reducer.
• Activator: It is highly recommended to add

5% DX57 Basecoat Activator

(approx. 1.5–1.6 oz per sprayable quart) to this specific pearl formula. This prevents the pearl from shifting when you apply the clearcoat.

Pro Tips for Hemi Orange Pearl

• The "Wet" Edge: For a full respray, choose a reducer at the higher end of your current temperature range. This keeps the paint "open" longer so the pearl flakes can level out before drying.
• Flash Time: Allow 3–5 minutes between coats at 70°F. If your shop is hotter and you are using DT895, you may need slightly longer to ensure the solvents have fully evaporated.
• Cleanup: Use DT Reducers or DX590 for cleaning your spray equipment immediately after use to prevent the pearl toners from hardening in the nozzle.