Ford Explorer Paint Code Chart by Year: 1991-2026
The Ford Explorer paint code chart below helps you match your model year with the factory exterior color and paint code. Before ordering touch-up paint, spray paint, or body-shop paint, confirm the code on your Explorer itself.
Ford identifies the exterior paint code as EXT PNT on the Safety Compliance Certification Label around the driver’s door area. Ford says newer codes are normally two characters, while older models can use longer or combined codes.
Use the year charts as a lookup, then confirm the result against the label before buying paint.
Find Your Model Year
Start with the Explorer year because available colors and paint codes change between generations.
Locate EXT PNT
Open the driver’s door and find the Safety Compliance Certification Label around the door jamb.
Match the Exact Code
Compare the printed EXT PNT code with the year-specific chart before ordering touch-up or body paint.
What to Look For on the Label
INT TR HB
AXLE 3L
TR A
EXT PNT M7
Before You Order Paint
- Use the code on the SUV, not only the color name.
- Check for a second accent code on older two-tone Explorers.
- Confirm whether the finish is metallic, pearl, tri-coat, or tinted clearcoat.
- Do not match paint from an online photo or screen color alone.
| Code | Factory Color | 2025 | 2026 | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | Space White Metallic | Yes | Yes | Metallic |
| AZ | Star White Metallic Tri-Coat | Yes | Yes | Tri-Coat |
| D4 | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat | Yes | Yes | Tinted Clearcoat |
| K1 | Vapor Blue Metallic | Yes | Yes | Metallic |
| M7 | Carbonized Gray Metallic | Yes | Yes | Metallic |
| UM | Agate Black Metallic | Yes | Yes | Metallic |
| YZ | Oxford White | Fleet Only | No | Solid |
| T9 | Marsh Gray | No | Yes | Special Finish |
How to Use the Ford Explorer Paint Code Chart
Start with your Explorer’s model year, then find the factory color and corresponding Ford paint code.
Paint names alone are not enough. Ford has reused colors such as Oxford White, Ingot Silver, and various black finishes across different years.
For a broader explanation of Ford codes across multiple models, our Ford paint code chart and color list covers the wider Ford lineup.
Match Your Model Year
Use the Explorer model year shown on your registration or certification label.
A 2010 Explorer does not share the same palette as a 2017 or 2025 Explorer, even when the general colors look similar.
Confirm the Factory Color
Match both the color name and code.
Metallic, pearl, tri-coat, and tinted-clearcoat finishes can require different paint systems even when two colors look close on a screen.
Verify the EXT PNT Code
The code printed beside EXT PNT on your Explorer is the final reference.
Older Explorers may also use a second code for lower-body or two-tone paint. Ford service information confirms that two-part exterior codes can identify a primary body color followed by an accent color.
1991 to 1994 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
First-generation Explorers used a large selection of solid and metallic paints, plus several two-tone combinations.
Because Ford and aftermarket paint catalogs can list alternate supplier codes alongside the short Ford code, use the short code shown on your Explorer’s certification label when ordering paint.
| Year | Ford Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | EH | Medium Cabernet |
| 1991 | KA | Crystal Blue Metallic |
| 1991 | EL | Wild Strawberry Metallic |
| 1991 | DC | Medium Mocha Metallic |
| 1991 | PA | Deep Jewel Green Metallic |
| 1991 | PM | Bright Calypso Metallic |
| 1991 | YZ | Oxford White |
| 1992 | EH | Medium Cabernet |
| 1992 | EL | Wild Strawberry Metallic |
| 1992 | MA | Light Crystal Blue Metallic |
| 1992 | MK | Twilight Blue Metallic |
| 1992 | YZ | Oxford White |
| 1993 | EH | Medium Cabernet |
| 1993 | EL | Wild Strawberry Metallic |
| 1993 | MA | Light Crystal Blue Metallic |
| 1993 | MK | Twilight Blue Metallic |
| 1993 | YZ | Oxford White |
| 1994 | MA | Light Crystal Blue Metallic |
| 1994 | MK | Twilight Blue Metallic |
| 1994 | EG | Currant Red Metallic |
| 1994 | YZ | Oxford White |
Historical paint catalogs confirm colors such as Medium Cabernet, Crystal Blue Metallic, Wild Strawberry Metallic, Bright Calypso Metallic, Medium Mocha Metallic, and Deep Jewel Green Metallic on early Explorer listings.
Older catalog databases sometimes return additional cross-reference codes for the same paint formula. That is another reason to use the code printed on your SUV rather than copying a supplier number from an online catalog.
1995 to 2001 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
Second-generation Explorers continued using two-tone body combinations on certain configurations.
Ford workshop information lists primary colors separately from lower-body accent colors. A documented Explorer palette includes Harvest Gold B2, Autumn Brown B4, Medium Toreador Red FL, Spruce Green FS, Medium Wedgewood Blue LD, Deep Wedgewood Blue LL, Amazon Green SU, Ebony UA, White Pearl WF, and Oxford White YZ.
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| B2 | Harvest Gold |
| B4 | Autumn Brown |
| FL | Medium Toreador Red |
| FS | Spruce Green |
| LD | Medium Wedgewood Blue |
| LL | Deep Wedgewood Blue |
| SU | Amazon Green |
| UA | Ebony |
| WF | White Pearl Tri-Coat |
| YZ | Oxford White |
Documented lower accent codes include RC Medium Platinum, JL Dark Toreador Red, LD Medium Wedgewood Blue, and ST Estate Green. Exact availability varies by year, trim, assembly plant, and appearance package.
The 1996 through 2000 catalogs also show colors such as Medium Wedgewood Metallic, Silver Metallic, Light Prairie Tan Metallic, Amazon Green Metallic, and Twilight Blue Metallic.
2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
The third-generation Explorer retained Ford’s primary and accent color system on applicable two-tone models.
A 2005 Ford service reference states that the first part of a two-part exterior code identifies the main body color. A second part, when present, identifies the accent or two-tone body color.
2005 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| DX | Dark Blue Pearl |
| G2 | Redfire Metallic |
| G3 | Pueblo Gold |
| HC | Ivory Parchment Tri-Coat |
| JP | Silver Birch Metallic |
| LD | Medium Wedgewood Blue |
| T7 | Dark Stone |
| TK | Mineral Gray Metallic |
| UA | Ebony |
| YZ | Oxford White |
Paint databases also list Vermillion Red E4 for the 2005 Explorer.
For two-tone Explorers, do not assume the primary code identifies the lower cladding color. Check the complete label before ordering both paints.
If you own an older two-color Explorer, our Ford two-tone paint schemes guide provides more context on Ford’s multi-color body treatments.
2006 to 2010 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
Fourth-generation Explorers moved into colors such as Dark Cherry, White Chocolate, Dark Copper, Sangria Red, and Blue Flame.
The 2008 Explorer palette included D3, DX, G2, HH, HS, JP, NL, PV, UA, WS, and ZY.
2010 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| D3 | Colorado Red |
| JV | Sangria Red |
| SZ | Blue Flame Metallic |
| T5 | Dark Copper Metallic |
| T9 | Black Pearl Slate |
| UA | Ebony |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UI | Brilliant Silver Metallic |
| WS | White Suede |
| YZ | Oxford White |
The 2010 list is particularly useful because several codes continued elsewhere in Ford’s lineup while Explorer availability changed afterward.
2011 to 2015 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
The 2011 Explorer redesign introduced a very different exterior palette.
2011 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| DX | Dark Blue Pearl |
| FL | Toreador Red Metallic |
| FQ | Bordeaux Reserve Metallic |
| HT | Cinnamon Metallic |
| JQ | Golden Bronze Metallic |
| L6 | Kona Blue Metallic |
| U6 | Red Candy Tint |
| UA | Ebony |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UH | Tuxedo Black Metallic |
| UJ | Sterling Gray Metallic |
| UP | Gold Leaf Metallic |
| UX | Ingot Silver Metallic |
These codes are documented in 2011 Explorer paint data.
By 2012, Ford added colors including Ginger Ale JY and revised red options.
2013 and 2014 Explorer Codes
Common 2013 codes included:
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| J1 | Kodiak Brown Metallic |
| J4 | Deep Impact Blue Metallic |
| JY | Ginger Ale Metallic |
| RR | Ruby Red Metallic |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UH | Tuxedo Black Metallic |
| UJ | Sterling Gray Metallic |
| UX | Ingot Silver Metallic |
| W6 | Green Gem Metallic |
| YZ | Oxford White |
For 2014, Dark Side BT and Sunset D7 joined the lineup while several established colors remained available.
2015 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| BT | Dark Side Metallic |
| H5 | Caribou Metallic |
| H9 | Bronze Fire Metallic |
| J4 | Deep Impact Blue Metallic |
| J7 | Magnetic Metallic |
| RR | Ruby Red Metallic |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UH | Tuxedo Black Metallic |
| UX | Ingot Silver Metallic |
| YZ | Oxford White |
2016 to 2019 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
The facelifted fifth-generation Explorer added newer blacks, browns, reds, and blues.
2016 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| G1 | Absolute Black |
| H5 | Caribou Metallic |
| H9 | Bronze Fire Metallic |
| HN | Guard Metallic |
| J7 | Magnetic Metallic |
| N1 | Blue Jeans Metallic |
| RR | Ruby Red Metallic |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UX | Ingot Silver Metallic |
For 2017, Ford also offered Canyon Ridge C7, White Gold GN, and Smoked Quartz TQ.
2018 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| BK | Platinum Dune Pearl |
| EC | Cinnamon Glaze Metallic |
| FT | Blue Metallic |
| G1 | Absolute Black |
| J7 | Magnetic Metallic |
| R3 | Burgundy Velvet |
| RR | Ruby Red Metallic |
| UG | White Platinum Pearl |
| UX | Ingot Silver Metallic |
| YZ | Oxford White |
2019 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
2019 replaced Absolute Black with Agate Black UM in the documented palette.
Other codes included BK, EC, FT, J7, R3, RR, UG, UX, and YZ.
2020 to 2024 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
Sixth-generation Explorers introduced another major color change.
Important recent codes include Star White AZ, Atlas Blue B3, Rapid Red D4, Iconic Silver JS, Carbonized Gray M7, and Agate Black UM.
2022 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| AZ | Star White Pearl |
| B3 | Atlas Blue Metallic |
| C8 | Stone Blue Pearl |
| D4 | Rapid Red |
| JS | Iconic Silver Metallic |
| L9 | Forged Green Metallic |
| M7 | Carbonized Gray Metallic |
| R3 | Burgundy Velvet Metallic |
| UM | Agate Black |
| YZ | Oxford White |
For a deeper model-year breakdown, see our 2022 Ford Explorer colors chart.
2023 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| AZ | Star White Pearl |
| B3 | Atlas Blue Metallic |
| C8 | Stone Blue Pearl |
| C9 | Jewel Red Metallic |
| D4 | Rapid Red Tinted Clearcoat |
| JS | Iconic Silver Metallic |
| L9 | Forged Green Metallic |
| M7 | Carbonized Gray Metallic |
| UM | Agate Black Metallic |
You can also check our dedicated 2023 Ford Explorer colors chart for that model year.
For 2024 Explorers, confirm the EXT PNT code directly because availability can vary by trim and production configuration.
2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
Ford’s official order guides give the clearest data for the latest Explorers.
2025 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color |
|---|---|
| A3 | Space White Metallic |
| AZ | Star White Metallic Tri-Coat |
| D4 | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat |
| K1 | Vapor Blue Metallic |
| M7 | Carbonized Gray Metallic |
| UM | Agate Black Metallic |
| YZ | Oxford White Fleet Only |
The 2025 Ford order guide confirms these codes and identifies Star White, Rapid Red, and Vapor Blue as extra-charge colors in applicable configurations.
2026 Ford Explorer Paint Codes
| Code | Factory Color | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | Space White Metallic | Metallic |
| AZ | Star White Metallic Tri-Coat | Tri-Coat |
| D4 | Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat | Tinted Clearcoat |
| K1 | Vapor Blue Metallic | Metallic |
| M7 | Carbonized Gray Metallic | Metallic |
| T9 | Marsh Gray | Solid or Special Finish |
| UM | Agate Black Metallic | Metallic |
Ford’s January 14, 2026 Explorer order guide confirms all seven codes. It also marks Marsh Gray, Rapid Red, Star White, and Vapor Blue as extra-charge paint on applicable trims.
Ford’s current Explorer configurator shows the same 2026 color family.
Where Is the Ford Explorer Paint Code Located
Your Explorer itself is the final authority for its factory paint code.
Open the driver’s door and inspect the Safety Compliance Certification Label around the door jamb or latch pillar. Find the field marked EXT PNT.
Ford uses that field for the exterior paint identification code.
Find the Door Jamb Label
Look around the driver’s door opening rather than under the hood or on the VIN plate at the windshield.
The certification label also contains information for items such as wheelbase, axle, transmission, and interior trim.
Locate the EXT PNT Field
Read the characters printed beside EXT PNT.
Do not confuse the paint code with axle, transmission, trim, or wheelbase codes.
Check Older Explorer Codes
Older Explorers may show a primary code and an accent code.
Ford workshop documentation confirms that the first part represents the primary body color and the second identifies the accent or two-tone color when applicable.
How to Verify an Explorer Paint Code Before Buying
Do not order paint from the color name alone.
- Read the EXT PNT code from your Explorer.
- Match the model year to the chart.
- Confirm the factory color name for that code.
- Identify the finish type, especially pearl, tri-coat, or tinted clearcoat.
- Check for a second accent code on older two-tone Explorers.
- Give the exact code to the paint supplier rather than relying on a photo.
Pearl and tri-coat colors deserve extra attention because the final appearance depends on multiple coating stages. A paint pen or aerosol labeled only by a generic white or red description may not reproduce the factory finish correctly.
5 Common Ford Explorer Paint Code Problems
A correct factory code can still produce an apparent mismatch if the SUV’s paint history has changed.
Repainted Body Panels
A repaired door, bumper, fender, or quarter panel may have been blended or repainted previously.
The factory label still identifies the original build color, not necessarily the paint currently on a repaired panel.
Two Tone Exterior Colors
Older Explorers can have separate primary and lower-body colors.
Read the full paint information before ordering material for cladding or lower panels.
Faded Original Paint
Age and exposure can change how original paint looks compared with fresh paint.
For an older Explorer, a body shop may need to tint or blend the repair even when the factory code is correct.
Similar Ford Color Names
Do not identify paint from a marketing name alone.
For example, Ford has used multiple blacks, silvers, whites, reds, and blues across Explorer generations. The code separates the actual formulas.
Missing Door Jamb Labels
If the certification label is damaged or missing, avoid guessing from photos.
Use original vehicle documentation or ask a Ford dealer to check available build information for the VIN. For older vehicles, paint-library cross-references can provide another verification layer.
Best Way to Match Your Explorer Paint Correctly
The safest way to use a Ford Explorer paint code chart is to start with the year and finish with the code printed on the SUV.
The chart narrows the possible factory colors. The EXT PNT field confirms which one Ford assigned to your Explorer.
For newer Explorers, codes such as AZ, D4, M7, and UM are straightforward to cross-reference. Older two-tone models need extra care because the label can contain both primary and accent information.
Verify the label first, then order paint by the exact Ford code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is My Ford Explorer Paint Code
Your Ford Explorer paint code is shown beside EXT PNT on the driver’s-side Safety Compliance Certification Label. Match that code with your Explorer model year rather than identifying the color visually.
Can I Find My Ford Explorer Paint Code by VIN
The VIN itself does not display the paint code as an obvious decoded VIN character. Ford’s standard owner guidance directs you to the certification label and EXT PNT field, while a dealer may be able to retrieve additional build information using the VIN.
Where Is EXT PNT on a Ford Explorer
EXT PNT is on the certification label around the driver’s door opening. Look for the exterior paint field among the other build codes on the label.
Are Ford Explorer Paint Codes Always Two Characters
No. Modern Ford exterior paint codes are commonly two characters, but older Explorer labels and two-tone applications can contain additional paint information. Ford service documentation also shows primary and accent codes on applicable older models.
Can Two Ford Explorers Have the Same Color Name but Different Paint
Yes, similar marketing names or color families do not guarantee identical paint formulas. Always match the exact model year and EXT PNT code before ordering paint.
How Do I Buy the Correct Ford Explorer Touch Up Paint
Read the EXT PNT code first, then order touch-up paint using that exact code and the correct finish. Tri-coat and tinted-clearcoat colors may require more than a single base-color product.
