Ford Paint Code Guide: Find and Check Your Colour

Where to find your Ford paint code

Use Ford’s official owner-manual finder for your exact model and year. Search the manual for paint, colour or vehicle identification plate, then inspect the label it identifies. Label locations and layouts vary; a position described for another model or market may not apply to your Ford.

Open the relevant door or access area normally and photograph a readable label without removing trim or damaging it. If you cannot find the reference, ask a Ford dealer to confirm the original paint details using the vehicle information. The VIN identifies the vehicle; it is not itself the paint code.

Read and record the whole reference

1. Take one photograph of the whole identification label and one closer image of the paint field.
2. Copy the letters and numbers exactly. Keep any colour name and supporting catalogue reference alongside the label code.
3. Explain whether you are repairing bodywork, an alloy wheel, a mirror or another part. Different finishes can use different references.
4. If a listing and label appear to disagree, send both to our paint team before ordering.

Do not choose a reference solely because it has the same number of characters as an example online. A vehicle label can also contain engine, trim, weight and other identification information.

Examples of Ford colour codes

Ford’s own repair-paint catalogue shows colour names with specific references. These examples illustrate why the code matters; they are not a recommendation for every Ford.

Compare the reference for your own vehicle rather than ordering a familiar colour name. Similar names, market names and alternate references need checking, especially if the car has been repaired before.

Can I order Ford touch-up paint by registration?

Yes. Start with our paint-by-registration ordering page and check the vehicle details. The registration helps identify the vehicle; it does not by itself confirm the exact factory paint code. We use the information supplied to establish the paint details for your order.

Add a known code if you have it, and tell us about a replacement panel, a respray or a different colour you want to use. The original factory colour may not describe paint applied later.

Choose the paint format and check a dried test

A brush-in-lid bottle gives control for small spots of missing paint. A fine-tip applicator helps with small chips and narrow marks. A colour aerosol is for a suitable prepared spray repair.

Compare the actual pack contents. Our standard car colour aerosols are basecoat and need compatible clear lacquer; the standard fine-tip paint is direct gloss. Follow the supplied instructions for bottles and other finishes.

1. Prepare a separate suitable test piece with the coating stages your paint requires.
2. Mix or shake and apply the paint as instructed.
3. Let the sample dry, then compare beside the clean panel in daylight from several angles.
4. If the colour or effect is wrong, stop and send the reference and test information to our team.

For the repair itself, read our stone-chip guide or painted-bumper guide. Touch-up paint cannot repair weakened metal, dents or a failing coating.