Ford Paint Codes & Color Chart by Year (1964–2026)
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Ford Paint Code List & Color Chart: Find Your Code by Year and Model (1964–2026)

Last updated: October 2026. Checked against Ford order guides and Ford Authority.

Your Ford paint code is a short code (usually two characters, such as YZ, UX or DR) printed after EXT PNT on the Vehicle Certification Label on the driver’s door jamb. The code identifies the exact factory color; the marketing name can change by model and year.

Examples from the 2025 touch-up catalogs: YZ is Oxford White, UX is Ingot Silver Metallic, PQ is Race Red and DR is Avalanche. Use the chart below to match your code, then open the year and model guides for the full list.

The core problem is simple: a color name is not a definition. A specific marketing descriptor, such as “Ocean Blue,” may be utilized in 1966 and again in 2004, yet the chemical composition, metallic flake density, and spectral values of these two paints are entirely distinct. Relying on nomenclature for restoration or repair is a recipe for disaster.

The only immutable source of truth is the Ford Paint Code—a two-character alphanumeric identifier that links a specific vehicle to a precise mixing formula stored in the databases of paint manufacturers like PPG, DuPont (Axalta), and Sherwin-Williams.

Diagram of a Ford door jamb label with the EXT PNT paint code field highlighted
Diagram of a Ford door jamb label with the EXT PNT paint code field highlighted.

Ford Paint Code Chart: Quick Reference (2025 Models)

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Grid of Ford paint color swatches labeled with two-letter paint codes
Grid of Ford paint color swatches labeled with two-letter paint codes.

These code and color pairs are the ones listed for the 2025 Ford Mustang and F-Series touch-up paint catalogs. Ford reuses a code across models and sometimes renames the color, so always confirm against the label on your own vehicle.

CodeColor nameListed for
YZOxford WhiteMustang, F-Series
A3Space WhiteMustang, F-Series
AZPristine White TricoatMustang, F-Series
UMBlackMustang, F-Series
UXIngot Silver MetallicMustang, F-Series
JSIconic Silver MetallicMustang, F-Series
M7Carbonized GrayMustang, F-Series
UJSterling Gray Metallic (cladding)Mustang, F-Series
DRAvalancheMustang, F-Series
R7Glacier Gray TricoatF-Series
T9Marsh GrayF-Series
RRRuby Red TricoatMustang, F-Series
D4Lucid Red Pearl TricoatMustang, F-Series
PQRace RedMustang
B3Atlas Blue PearlMustang, F-Series
E7Velocity BlueMustang, F-Series
HXAntimatter BlueMustang, F-Series
K1Vapor BlueMustang
Source: PaintScratch 2025 Ford Mustang and F-Series touch-up paint catalogs, checked October 2026. Other years and models use different pairings: see the guides below.

Need a different year? Jump to the 2025 Ford color chart, the F-150 paint code chart by year, the Mustang chart, the Explorer chart or the Bronco chart.

How to Locate Your Code

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  1. Open the driver’s door and look at the white or silver compliance sticker on the door post or jamb.
  2. Find the box labeled EXT PNT.
  3. Note the two-digit code (letters or numbers) listed there. You can cross-reference this code on the AutomotiveTouchup Ford Catalog to match your exact vehicle year and color name
Find Your Ford Paint Code in 3 Steps
Match the code, not the color name.
STEP 1
Open the driver’s door
Find the Vehicle Certification Label on the door jamb.
STEP 2
Read EXT PNT
The characters after EXT PNT are your exterior paint code.
STEP 3
Match it to the chart
Look the code up by year and model before ordering paint.
Sample 2025 codes
YZ
Oxford White
UX
Ingot Silver Metallic
DR
Avalanche
PQ
Race Red (Mustang)
B3
Atlas Blue Pearl
M7
Carbonized Gray
Common mix-ups
LX3 is often mistaken for the paint code.
WB often means wheelbase, not a color.
Interior colors use the trim code, not EXT PNT.
The same code can carry different names across models.
Source: PaintScratch 2025 Ford Mustang and F-Series catalogs and paint code guide, October 2026. Confirm against your own door jamb label.

The Ford Paint Code System: Anatomy and Evolution

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To the uninitiated, the alphanumeric soup on a vehicle’s door tag can appear indecipherable. However, Ford has maintained a relatively consistent, albeit evolving, system for paint identification since the mid-20th century. Understanding the logic behind these codes is the first line of defense against costly mixing errors.

The Two-Character Standard

Since the late 1960s, Ford has standardized on a two-character paint code system. While the internal engineering codes (often referred to as “M-codes,” such as M6887A) provide the full chemical specification used at the factory, the service code found on the vehicle is the primary key for aftermarket matching.

  • The Alphanumeric Mix: Codes may consist of two letters (e.g., YZ), a letter and a number (e.g., D1), or, in older models, single characters.
  • The M-Code Correlation: The two-character code is essentially a shorthand. For instance, the code YZ found on a door jamb corresponds to the M-code M6887A. This distinction is vital because a single service code (like YZ) might remain constant for years, even if the underlying M-code is tweaked slightly for environmental compliance (such as the shift from solvent-based to waterborne paints). Paint suppliers track these variants by year.

The “Marketing Name” Trap

One of the most significant insights for collectors is the disconnect between the marketing name and the paint code. Ford’s marketing department frequently renames colors to suit the “personality” of different models.

  • Case Study: The paint code G1.
    • On a Ford Mustang, this code is marketed as Shadow Black.
    • On a Lincoln Navigator, the exact same paint (Code G1) might be marketed as Absolute Black.
    • On a Ford Ranger, it might simply be listed as Black.
  • Implication: When ordering touch-up paint, ignoring the name and ordering strictly by code G1 ensures you receive the correct pigment, regardless of what the brochure called it.

Historical Variances (Pre-1970)

The pre-1970 era presents unique challenges. During the 1960s, Ford frequently used single-letter codes that were recycled annually.

  • The Case of Code “M”: In 1965, Code M referred to Wimbledon White, a creamy, warm white famously used on the Shelby GT350.
  • The Recycling Risk: That same letter “M” might refer to a completely different hue in a different decade or on a Lincoln model from the same era.
  • Resolution: For vehicles of this vintage, the paint code must always be cross-referenced with the Model Year and the Assembly Plant to ensure accuracy.

Locating the Paint Code: A Model-Specific Field Guide

The first practical hurdle in any paint repair workflow is locating the physical code on the vehicle. While the driver’s door jamb is the industry standard today, historical models and specific truck configurations offer exceptions that can confound even experienced technicians.

The Modern Standard (1980–Present)

For the vast majority of Ford vehicles produced in the last 45 years, the Vehicle Certification Label (commonly called the door tag) is the “Rosetta Stone” of vehicle data.

Primary Location: Driver’s Door Jamb

On models such as the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, and Fusion, open the driver’s door and inspect the B-pillar (the vertical post where the door latches). You will find a rectangular sticker containing the VIN, tire pressures, and various codes.

  • The Identifier: Scan the bottom of the sticker for the abbreviation EXT PNT (Exterior Paint).
  • Reading the Code: The code will be printed directly next to or below this header. It is almost always two characters.
    • Visual Cue: If you see a long string like “WB” near the paint code, ignore it; “WB” typically stands for “Wheelbase,” not a paint color. The paint code is distinct.

Secondary Location: Door Edge

On some trucks (Ranger, F-Series) and vans (E-Series, Transit), the sticker may be affixed to the rear edge of the driver’s door itself rather than the body pillar. This is common on vehicles where the pillar is too narrow or obstructed by trim.

Classic Era Locations (1960s–1970s)

Restoring a classic Ford requires a different approach, as data plates were metal tags riveted to the vehicle rather than adhesive stickers.

  • Mustang (1964.5–1973): The data plate is riveted to the rear face of the driver’s door. The paint code is a single character under the heading COLOR. Note that if the door has been replaced during a previous restoration, this tag may not match the car’s actual color. In such cases, checking the “buck tag” (often found on the radiator support or inner fender under the hood) is a necessary backup step.
  • Bronco (First Gen, 1966–1977): The location of the tag migrated. Early models often had the tag on the inside face of the glove box door. Later models moved it to the driver’s door. This inconsistency makes verification via VIN decoding essential for early Broncos.

The VIN Myth vs. Reality

A persistent misconception among vehicle owners is that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) itself contains the paint code. This is incorrect. The VIN contains the engine type, assembly plant, year, and safety restraint system data, but it does not encode the exterior color.

  • The Workaround: However, the VIN is the key to unlocking the paint code via a dealer database or an online “As-Built” data lookup tool. When the physical sticker is missing or illegible (common on work trucks or salvaged vehicles), providing the VIN to a Ford parts counter allows them to retrieve the original build sheet, which does list the paint code.

Specific Model Anomalies

  • Ford Ranger (2000s): Often found on the driver’s door edge, but occasionally on the B-pillar. Snippets indicate the code is typically below the barcode.
  • Imports & Partner Vehicles: Vehicles built during Ford’s partnership periods (e.g., the Ford Probe, which was Mazda-based) may have paint codes located on the firewall or under the hood, reflecting the manufacturing practices of the partner brand.

Table 1: Master Paint Code Location Reference

EraModel FamilyPrimary LocationSecondary LocationCode Indicator
1964-1970Mustang/CougarDriver Door (Rear Face)Radiator Support (Buck Tag)“COLOR” Header
1966-1977BroncoGlove Box Door (Inner)Driver Door Jamb“COLOR” Header
1970-1979F-Series TruckDriver Door JambDoor Edge“PAINT” Header
1980-PresF-Series (F-150/250)Driver Door B-PillarDriver Door Edge“EXT PNT”
1990-2011RangerDriver Door EdgeB-Pillar“EXT PNT”
2000-PresEscape/ExplorerDriver Door B-PillarLiftgate Jamb (Rare)“EXT PNT”
2021-PresMustang Mach-EDriver Door B-PillarFrunk Area (Rare)“EXT PNT”

Technical Analysis: Chemical Composition and Paint Types

The transition of Ford paint codes over the years is not merely cosmetic; it represents a fundamental shift in chemical engineering. Restorers must understand these technologies to ensure that new repairs adhere to old layers without reaction or failure.

Single Stage Enamels (Pre-1980s)

Classic colors like Rangoon Red (J) or Wimbledon White (M) were originally applied as single-stage enamels or lacquers. In this system, the pigment and the gloss resin are mixed together.

  • Restoration Insight: When polishing original single-stage paint, the pad will turn the color of the car. This is normal. Modern repairs usually replicate these colors using a base/clear system for longevity, but this can alter the “depth” or “warmth” of the color compared to a true single-stage restoration.

Base Coat / Clear Coat (1980s–Present)

Starting in the 1980s, Ford transitioned to the two-stage system standard today.

  • Layer 1 (Base): Provides the color and metallic/pearl effects. It dries to a matte finish.
  • Layer 2 (Clear): Provides the gloss and UV protection.
  • Identification: Paint codes from this era (e.g., Vermilion Red E4) are typically matched with a two-stage formula.

The Rise of Tri-Coats and Tinted Clears

Modern Ford colors, particularly the premium “extra cost” options, often utilize a Tri-Coat system. This is chemically distinct and requires a specific application protocol.

  • The Structure:
    1. Ground Coat: A base layer (often white, silver, or gold) that sets the reflective foundation.
    2. Mid-Coat (Transparent): A translucent layer containing tinted pearls. This is the critical step; the number of passes determines the final darkness and richness of the color.
    3. Clear Coat: The final seal.
  • Example Codes:
    • RR: Ruby Red Metallic (Tinted Clearcoat/Tri-Coat).
    • UG: White Platinum (Tri-Coat).
    • AZ: Star White Metallic (Tri-Coat).
    • D4: Rapid Red Metallic (Tinted Clearcoat).

Critical Repair Insight: Applying Tri-Coat Touch-Up

Touching up a Tri-Coat scratch is significantly more difficult than a standard color. A single bottle of “Ruby Red” will likely not match. You must purchase a kit containing the ground and mid-coat.

  1. Preparation: The area must be perfectly smooth.
  2. Base Application: Apply the ground coat until coverage is opaque. Allow to dry.
  3. Mid-Coat Application: This is the variable. Apply thin layers. After each layer, compare it to the surrounding factory paint. One layer might be too light; three might be too dark. This manual calibration is why Tri-Coat repairs are expensive at body shops.
  4. Clear Coat: Essential for the pearls in the mid-coat to “pop” and refract light correctly.

Waterborne vs. Solvent (The 2000s Shift)

In the late 2000s, environmental regulations (especially in Europe and California) forced a switch from solvent-based paints to waterborne base coats.

  • The Impact: A code like YZ (Oxford White) has existed for decades. However, a YZ formulated in 1995 (solvent) has a slightly different metamerism (how it looks under different light sources) than a YZ formulated in 2015 (waterborne).
  • Actionable Advice: When ordering paint for a full panel repaint, ensure the supplier knows the year of the vehicle, not just the code, to adjust the toner formulation for the correct paint system match.

The “Peeling Paint” Controversy: Aluminum Body Corrosion

No discussion of modern Ford paint codes is complete without addressing the systemic issue of paint adhesion on aluminum body panels—a topic that has spawned lawsuits, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), and significant consumer frustration. This issue specifically impacts the resale value and maintenance of vehicles like the F-150 (2015+), Expedition, Explorer, and Mustang.

The Mechanism of Failure

The root cause is iron contamination. Aluminum panels (hoods, tailgates) are prone to galvanic corrosion if they come into contact with iron particles (dust from the factory, tools, or stamping dies) before being primed.

  • The Reaction: The iron particles embedded in the aluminum surface react with moisture (even through the paint) to create a galvanic cell. This pushes the paint up from the metal surface.
  • Symptoms: Unlike steel rust, which bubbles up brown or red, aluminum corrosion manifests as blisters that, when popped, reveal a white, chalky dust (aluminum oxide). The paint often peels away in large flakes.

Affected Models and Years

While prominent in the 2015+ aluminum F-150, this issue traces back to the early 2000s when Ford began using aluminum hoods on steel bodies to save weight.

  • Explorer/Mountaineer (2000–2010): Notorious for hood lip corrosion.
  • Mustang (2005–2014): Hood leading edges frequently bubble.
  • Expedition/Navigator (2000–2018): Liftgates and hoods.
  • F-150 (2004–Present): Hoods and, for 2015+ models, the entire body.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Ford has issued service guidance for aluminum-panel paint and corrosion complaints over the years. Bulletin numbers and procedures change, so do not rely on a number from a web page. Ask your dealer to search Ford’s technical service bulletins for your VIN and request the current procedure in writing before authorizing work.

Recommendation for Owners

If you identify bubbling paint on an aluminum panel:

  1. Do not pick at it. Breaking the paint seal accelerates the oxidation.
  2. Verify the Warranty: Ford’s corrosion warranty typically covers “perforation” (holes) for 5 years/unlimited miles. Surface bubbling often falls into a grey area where claims are denied because the metal isn’t “perforated.”
  3. Ask about service bulletins: When visiting a dealer, ask them to check for any technical service bulletin that applies to your VIN, which may aid in “goodwill” assistance requests.
  4. Repair via Specialist: Ensure any body shop you use is certified for aluminum repair. Using steel wool or steel brushes on aluminum will re-contaminate the panel and cause the paint to fail again within months.

Comprehensive Ford F-150 Paint Code Encyclopedia (1975–2026)

The F-Series is the canvas of the American road. Its colors reflect the shifting tides of American culture—from the earth-toned 70s to the monochrome 2000s and the matte/pastel revival of the 2020s.

The Dentside Era (1975–1979)

Characterized by non-metallic gloss colors and two-tone “Tu-Tone” combinations (Victoria, Deluxe).

YearPaint CodeColor NameInsight
1975ARaven BlackThe standard non-metallic black.
1975MWimbledon WhiteA creamy off-white; high restoration demand.
1975GChrome YellowHigh-visibility industrial yellow.
1975QParrot OrangeA rare, vivid 70s safety orange.
1976IBahama BlueA bright teal-blue, very era-specific.
1977BDark Jade MetallicOne of the first popular metallic truck colors.
1978HDark Brown MetallicOften paired with Creme (U) for the “Root Beer” look.
1979SMidnight Blue MetallicA deep navy that hid dirt well.
19796Bright YellowContinued the trend of bright “work” colors.

The Bullnose & Bricknose Era (1980–1996)

Transition to base/clear paint systems. Introduction of reds that defined the era.

YearPaint CodeColor NameInsight
19801GSilver MetallicEarly use of heavy silver flake.
19854ADark Teal MetallicA definitive 80s hue.
1990EHCabernet RedA deep burgundy; prone to clear coat failure if neglected.
1992YOOxford WhiteReplaced Wimbledon White as the standard “fleet” white.
1994E4Vermilion RedThe legendary bright red of the Lightning performance truck.
1994PBEmerald Green MetallicThe most popular green of the 90s.
1994UABlack ClearcoatReplaced Raven Black (A); deeper gloss.
1996TSSilver FrostA lighter, “ice” silver metallic.

The Modern Era (2004–2014)

The era of “Toreador Red” and the rise of pearlescent whites.

YearPaint CodeColor NameInsight
2004FLToreador Red MetallicA medium red pearl; extremely common.
2004CXDark Shadow GrayA precursor to modern Carbonized/Magnetic grays.
2008G3Pueblo GoldUsed extensively as the lower accent on King Ranch models.
2009SZBlue Flame MetallicLaunch color for the F-150 Raptor. Very bright.
2011UGWhite Platinum Tri-CoatThe first widespread use of tri-coat white on trucks.
2013N1Blue Jeans MetallicA dark, non-flashy blue popular with fleets.
2014RRRuby Red MetallicThe first tint-clear red; deeper than E4.

The Aluminum Age (2015–2026)

Complex metallics, “flat” gloss colors, and Raptor exclusives.

YearPaint CodeColor NameTypeNotes
2018J7Magnetic MetallicMetallicThe dominant dark grey of the decade.
2018JXLead FootGlossA non-metallic grey; highly sought after resale.
2021HXAntimatter BlueMetallicLooks black until hit by direct sunlight.
2021M7Carbonized GrayMetallicReplaced Magnetic; slightly lighter.
2021CNCode OrangeSolidRaptor Exclusive. High visibility.
2023AZStar White MetallicTri-CoatA cleaner pearl white than UG.
2023B3Atlas BlueMetallicA vibrant “Ford Blue” oval match.
2025JSIconic SilverMetallicCurrent standard silver.
2025D4Lucid Red Pearl TricoatTri-CoatListed in the 2025 F-Series and Mustang catalogs alongside Ruby Red (RR).
2025E1Blue EmberMetallicA color-shifting dark blue.

Ford Mustang Color History: Icons of the Road

The Mustang palette is more than a list of colors; it is a cultural timeline. From the “Grabber” high-impact colors of the muscle car era to the “Mystichrome” technological marvels of the 2000s, Mustang paint codes are collector items in themselves.

First Generation Icons (1964.5–1973)

  • Rangoon Red (J): The original 1964.5 launch red. A single-stage non-metallic that defines the classic pony car look.32
  • Wimbledon White (M): The racing color of the United States. Used on the Shelby GT350 with Guardsman Blue (F) stripes.
  • Highland Green (R): The “Bullitt” color (1968). A dark, brooding metallic green made famous by Steve McQueen.
  • Grabber Blue (G/J): Introduced in 1969. A non-metallic, high-intensity sky blue. It was designed to look good on television and has been revived in 2010 and 2017 due to cult status.

The Fox Body Era (1979–1993)

  • Bright Red (2G/EP): The quintessential “5.0” Mustang color.
  • Calypso Green (P2): A rare, teal-green metallic that encapsulates early 90s aesthetics.
  • Reef Blue (PC): A vibrant metallic blue often paired with silver ground effects on GT models.

SN95 & New Edge (1994–2004)

  • Mystic (LF): 1996 Cobra exclusive. The first color-shifting production paint, changing from green to purple.
  • Mystichrome (G6): 2004 Cobra exclusive. An evolution of Mystic, shifting from blue to green to purple to black. Formulated by BASF, this paint was so controlled that for years, body shops needed a VIN to order it.
  • Competition Orange (CY): A very bright, non-metallic orange used on the 2003-2004 Mach 1.

Modern Muscle (2005–2026)

  • Gotta Have It Green (HD): A tri-coat high-impact lime green (2013-2014).
  • Kona Blue (L6): A deep, ink-like dark blue metallic that became a fan favorite.
  • Avalanche Gray (DR): First seen on the GT350, a non-metallic light grey that sparked the “flat grey” industry trend.
  • Eruption Green (FA): A 2022+ color. A modern, heavy-metallic take on Highland Green.
  • Cyber Orange (SB): A pearl tri-coat that shifts from yellow to orange.
  • Vapor Blue (MY): New for the 2024 S650 Mustang, a desaturated blue-grey metallic.

Table 2: Mustang “Grabber” Color Evolution

Color NameClassic Code (1970)Modern Code (2010s/20s)Description
Grabber BlueJCI / AEVivid non-metallic sky blue.
Grabber OrangeUU3Bright “school bus” yellow-orange.
Grabber GreenZ–Vivid non-metallic lime.
Grabber YellowD–Bright primary yellow.
Grabber Lime–F9High-impact metallic lime (2020).

Ford Ranger & Bronco: Truck Colors Reimagined

While often sharing codes with the F-150, the Ranger and Bronco lines have historically featured unique palettes tailored to the “adventure” lifestyle segment.

Ford Ranger (1983–2011 & 2019–Present)

  • Splash Era Colors (1990s): The “Splash” trim level introduced vibrant colors like Canary Yellow (BZ) and Bright Island Blue (KM) to the small truck market, treating the truck as a lifestyle accessory rather than just a tool.
  • The Comeback (2019+): The reintroduced Ranger featured Saber (PL), a metallic copper-orange, and Hot Pepper Red (EA), a spicy metallic red that emphasizes the truck’s sporty positioning.

Ford Bronco (1966–1996 & 2021–Present)

The Bronco’s paint history is split into two distinct eras: the utilitarian classic era and the modern retro-lifestyle era.

  • Classic Era: Colors like Boxwood Green (P) and Sky View Blue (E) defined the first generation. These were pastel, non-metallic shades.
  • Modern Era: The 2021 Bronco launch leveraged “Heritage” colors.
    • Area 51 (KU): A blue-grey-green “flat” gloss color. It became an instant sales hit, influencing the entire industry.
    • Cactus Gray (NE): A slightly green-tinted grey/white.
    • Cyber Orange (SB): Positioned as the hero color for the launch.
    • Yellowstone (S6): A heritage yellow available on special editions.

Table 3: Modern Bronco & Ranger Exclusive Codes

YearPaint CodeColor NameModelsNote
2021+KUArea 51Bronco, Maverick, F-150Retired in 2024; highly collectible color.
2021+NECactus GrayBronco, Ranger, MaverickNon-metallic appearance.
2022+FAEruption GreenBronco, MustangModern take on Mallard/Highland Green.
2023+H5Azure Gray Tri-CoatBronco, F-150A cooler, bluer version of Area 51.
2023+S6YellowstoneBronco HeritageLimited edition solid yellow.

Restoration & Repair: A Technician’s Guide to Ford Paint

Identifying the code is only step one. Applying the paint correctly—especially with modern formulations—is where many projects fail. This section synthesizes best practices for using Ford paint codes in real-world repair scenarios.

Dealing with Fade and Metamerism

A 2010 F-150 in Vermilion Red (E4) will not match a fresh bottle of E4 paint.

  • The Physics of Fade: Red pigments are notoriously susceptible to UV degradation. Over 10 years, the red shifts toward pink or chalky white.
  • The Solution: For older vehicles, do not buy “off the shelf” touch-up paint. Visit a professional automotive paint supply shop. They can use a spectrophotometer (a camera that reads paint color) on your fuel door or hood to adjust the factory E4 formula to match the current, faded state of your truck.

The “Door Jamb vs. Body” Discrepancy

On many assembly lines, the body is painted by robots, while the door jambs and inner hood areas are cut in by hand or different automated heads.

  • The Result: The paint in the door jamb (where the code sticker is) often lacks the clear coat thickness or the metallic flop of the exterior panels.
  • Advice: Never color match against the door jamb. Always match against an adjacent exterior panel (e.g., the fender if painting a door).

Step-by-Step: Tri-Coat Touch-Up Workflow

For owners of White Platinum (UG) or Ruby Red (RR) vehicles, follow this protocol for chips:

  1. Clean: Use isopropyl alcohol to remove wax and grease from the chip.
  2. Prime: If metal is visible, use a micro-dabber to apply grey epoxy primer. Let cure for 24 hours.
  3. Ground Coat: Shake the “Step 1” bottle vigorously. Apply a thin layer inside the chip. Do not overflow. Let dry 20 mins. Repeat until the grey primer is covered.
  4. Mid-Coat: Shake the “Step 2” bottle. Apply one thin coat. Let dry. Check color. It will likely look light. Apply a second thin coat. Check again. Stop when it matches the surrounding deep color. Warning: It will look dull/matte. Do not panic.
  5. Clear Coat: Apply the clear topcoat. This will activate the pearl effect and protect the repair.
  6. Leveling: After 48 hours, use 2000-grit sandpaper on a block to level the paint blob, then polish with compound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tell my paint color from the VIN number?

A: No, the VIN does not contain the paint code directly. However, a Ford dealer can enter your VIN into their OASIS system to pull the “As-Built” data, which will list the paint code. You cannot read it directly off the dashboard VIN plate.

Q: Why does my paint code show up as two different names online?

A: Ford shares paint codes across its brands (Ford, Lincoln) and models. Code J7 is “Magnetic” on an F-150 but might be “Magnetic Gray” on a Fusion. Code G1 is “Shadow Black” or “Absolute Black.” As long as the code matches, the paint formula is identical.

Q: My F-150 hood is bubbling. Is this covered by warranty?

A: Generally, Ford’s corrosion warranty covers “perforation” (rust-through) for 5 years. Aluminum corrosion often bubbles but doesn’t “perforate” the metal immediately, leading to denied claims. However, asking the dealer to check for any technical service bulletin that applies to your VIN, and negotiating from that, may help, especially if the vehicle is just out of warranty.

Q: What is the most popular Ford color of all time?

A: Statistically, Oxford White (YZ/Z1) and Raven Black (A/UA) are the highest volume due to fleet sales. For enthusiast popularity, Mustang Red (Race Red/Torch Red) and Grabber Blue are consistently the most cited favorites in polls.

Q: Where is the paint code on a 2002 Ford Ranger?

A: Check the rear edge of the driver’s door (not the jamb). It should be a sticker near the latch mechanism, look for “EXT PNT”.

Q: What does a Ford paint code look like?

A: It is usually two characters (letters, numbers or both) printed after “EXT PNT” on the door jamb label. Some catalogs pair the short code with a longer factory formula number, for example PM and M6599, so the short code is the one to match on the label.

Q: Is “WB” or “LX3” my paint code?

Door jamb label showing which field is the paint code and which are commonly mistaken for it
Door jamb label showing which field is the paint code and which are commonly mistaken for it.

A: Check the EXT PNT field first. PaintScratch notes that many people mistake LX3 for the paint code, and that WB on many Ford labels refers to wheelbase rather than color. Some two-tone trucks do use a second code, so see our guides to WB, WB 145 and two-tone paint codes.

Q: Where do I find the interior color code?

A: Interior colors are not part of the EXT PNT paint code. Use the trim code on the same door jamb label and decode it with our Ford interior trim code chart.

Q: What if the door jamb label is missing or unreadable?

A: Ask a Ford dealer parts department to look up the original paint code from your VIN. See our Ford color code by VIN guide and the touch-up paint code location guide.

Q: Which Ford paint code is UX?

A: UX is Ingot Silver Metallic in the 2025 Ford Mustang and F-Series touch-up catalogs. Oxford White is YZ. Details: Ford UX paint code and Ford YZ paint code.

Q: What is the Ford Avalanche paint code?

DR. It is a light gray, sometimes listed as Avalanche Gray, used on Ford trucks and vans and on the 2026 Bronco.

Q: What is the paint code for Ford Neptune Blue?

CD. It is new for the 2027 Super Duty and 2027 F-150.

Q: Is Birch Sand the same as Desert Sand?

No. Birch Sand is code S8 on the 2027 F-150, and Desert Sand is code VA on the Bronco. Check the code on your door jamb.

Conclusion: The Code is the Key

In the world of automotive stewardship, knowledge is preservation. The Ford paint code system, while occasionally cryptic, provides the unbroken thread connecting a 1965 Mustang Fastback to a 2026 F-150 Lightning. It allows us to distinguish between the utilitarian “Wimbledon White” of the past and the pearlescent “Star White” of the future.

For the owner, decoding this information is the difference between a seamless repair and a glaring mismatch. It is the tool that empowers one to stand up to a peeling paint defect with TSBs in hand, or to confidently order a replacement mirror cap that matches a 10-year-old truck perfectly. As environmental regulations continue to push paint technology toward waterborne and high-solid formulations, the reliance on these precise engineering codes will only deepen. Whether you are preserving a classic or maintaining a daily driver, the two digits on your door jamb are the DNA of your vehicle’s identity.

More Paint Code Lookups

Ford Paint Code Guides by Color, Code & Model Year

This master list is the hub for our full Ford paint-code library. Use the guides below to match your exact color — including the latest 2024–2026 palettes — by color name, two-character paint code, or specific model and year.

By Color Name

By Paint Code

By Model & Year (2018–2026)

Ford Avalanche Paint Code (DR)

Avalanche is Ford’s light gray solid color, and its paint code is DR. Ford has used DR on the F-150, Super Duty, Ranger and Transit, and for 2026 it was added to the Bronco as a $395 option on most trims, including Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and Raptor. Some paperwork calls it “Avalanche Gray”, but the code is the same DR, so order touch-up paint by DR plus your model year, not by the name.

Ford Neptune Blue Paint Code (CD)

Neptune Blue is a new color for the 2027 Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350 and F-450, XL through Platinum Plus) and the 2027 F-150. Its paint code is CD, and it is a $395 extra-charge color. Because it is brand new, aftermarket touch-up paint may not be on sale yet; until it is, ask a Ford dealer for Motorcraft paint by code CD.

Ford Birch Sand Paint Code (S8)

Birch Sand is a new light tan color for the 2027 Ford F-150, paint code S8. It is offered on the XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, Tremor and Raptor, but not the King Ranch. It is a different color from the Bronco’s Desert Sand (VA), so if you are not sure which one you have, read the two-character code after EXT PNT on the driver’s door-jamb label.

CodeColorTypeOffered on
DRAvalancheSolid light grayF-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Transit, 2026 Bronco
CDNeptune BlueExtra-charge ($395)2027 Super Duty, 2027 F-150
S8Birch SandLight tan2027 F-150 (all trims except King Ranch)

New and Returning Ford Colors (2026 and 2027)

Ford’s 2026 lineup adds Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat (paint code NL, a $995 extra-cost option on Bronco Base, Big Bend and Badlands) and Avalanche Gray, while phasing out Azure Gray, Eruption Green and Robin’s Egg Blue. Returning 2026 colors include Oxford White, Shadow Black, Velocity Blue Metallic, Ruby Red Tinted Clear Coat and Shelter Green Metallic — all decoded in the charts above.

  • Neptune Blue (code CD): new for the 2027 Ford Super Duty, available on all trims including F-250, F-350 and F-450, as a $395 option, according to Ford Authority (September 6, 2026). The same report says Argon Blue Metallic and Avalanche were dropped from the 2027 Super Duty color list.
  • Avalanche (code DR): returned to the 2026 F-150 as a $395 option on STX, XLT, Lariat and Platinum after being dropped for 2025, per Ford Authority (November 23, 2025).

Prices and availability change by trim and build date. Check the Ford order guide or your dealer before ordering.

Author

  • David Jon Author

    I'm a long-time Ford and automotive enthusiast, and I've been writing about cars. I started Fordmasterx as an effort to combine my two passions – writing and car ownership – into one website.

    I hope that you find everything you need on our website and that we can help guide you through all your automotive needs.

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