2015 Ford Escape Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For any Ford vehicle, including your 2015 Escape, the paint code is found on the official manufacturer's sticker, also known as the Safety Certification Label. This label is located on the driver's side door jamb, usually on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors).

Open the driver's door and look for a white, silver, or black sticker. The paint code is typically a two-character code located under or next to the "EXT PNT" or "EXT TR" heading. For the 2015 Escape, you might see codes like J7, YZ, or UG. The sticker also contains other important information like your vehicle's VIN, axle ratio, and tire sizes, so it’s a good idea to know where to find it.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, your best bet is to call a Ford dealership parts department. Give them your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can look up the original factory color for you.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you've identified your paint code, you have several good options for sourcing touch-up paint. The right choice depends on the size of the repair and your budget.

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of paint pens, brush-in-bottle applicators, and aerosol cans. Their products are affordable and convenient for small chips and scratches. Make sure to match your exact paint code (e.g., "J7" for Magnetic Metallic).
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in perfectly matched factory colors. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including pens, bottles, aerosol cans, and even larger quantities for spray guns. Their kits often include primer and clear coat, giving you everything needed for a professional-looking repair.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a guaranteed match, especially for aging paint or tricky colors, a local automotive paint supplier can use a spectrometer to analyze your car's paint and create a custom mix. This is an excellent option for larger repairs where blending is critical.
• Ford Dealership: You can always purchase touch-up paint directly from your local Ford dealer's parts department. This ensures an OEM-quality product, though it may be more expensive than aftermarket options.

How To Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a good result requires patience and the right process. Follow these general steps for a lasting repair:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash and dry the chipped or scratched area to remove all wax, grease, and dirt. Use a prep solvent or isopropyl alcohol for a final wipe-down.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch has gone down to bare metal or plastic, applying a thin layer of automotive primer is essential. This helps the paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Let it dry completely.
3. Apply the Base Coat: Shake the paint pen or bottle thoroughly. Apply several thin, even coats of your color-matched base coat. Don't try to cover the chip in one thick layer, as this will lead to an uneven, blob-like finish. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time (usually 20-30 minutes) before applying the next.
4. Apply the Clear Coat: The clear coat protects the base coat from UV rays and scratches, and it provides the glossy finish. Apply one or two thin, even layers of clear coat over the base coat, extending just slightly beyond the repair area. Let it cure completely, which can take several hours or even days, depending on the product and conditions.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Repairing metallic and pearl finishes can be more challenging. The 2015 Escape was offered in several complex colors like Ruby Red (RR) and White Platinum (UG), which are tri-coat finishes.

• Metallic Paints: The metallic flake in paints like Ingot Silver (UX) and Magnetic (J7) can settle unevenly if not applied correctly. When using aerosol cans, spray in light, sweeping motions to ensure the flakes lay down uniformly. For brush applications, be gentle to avoid clumping the metallic particles.
• Tri-Coat and Pearl Paints: A tri-coat finish consists of a solid base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a final clear coat. This is not a single paint. When you order a tri-coat touch-up kit (like for White Platinum UG), you will receive two separate bottles for the base and mid-coat. You must apply them in the correct sequence to replicate the factory look. The mid-coat is what creates the depth and pearlescent effect, so applying it evenly is crucial.

For these complex colors, blending the new paint into the surrounding area is key for an invisible repair. If you're not confident, it's often best to leave tri-coat repairs to a professional.

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