2024 Ford Escape Paint Codes: Your Guide to Perfect Color Matching

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most recent Ford Escape models, including the 2024, you'll typically find the paint code located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label – often white or silver – that contains various vehicle information. The paint code is usually listed under "EXT PNT" or "EXTERIOR PAINT". It will be a short alphanumeric code, usually two characters long, like "YZ" for Oxford White or "UM" for Agate Black Metallic.

If you can't find it there, you might also check the owner's manual. Additionally, your Ford dealership's parts department can provide your exact paint code by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to keeping your 2024 Ford Escape looking pristine, having the right touch-up paint on hand is essential. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option at auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens that are a good choice for smaller chips and scratches. Make sure to select the product specifically designed for your Ford paint code.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paints, offering precise matches for a vast range of vehicles. They provide various application options, including paint pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, all mixed to your vehicle's specific paint code.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat is another excellent online resource for expertly matched touch-up paint. They also offer a variety of application methods and are known for their strong color accuracy, especially for complex colors.
• Ford Dealership: For the most accurate and factory-approved touch-up paint, your local Ford dealership can provide OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up paint specifically matched to your 2024 Escape's paint code. This is often the best choice for ensuring an exact match.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can make a big difference in the final appearance. Follow these general steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chip or scratch with soap and water, then dry completely. Use rubbing alcohol to remove any wax or polish residue.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, a thin coat of primer is recommended. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched paint. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the paint slowly until it's level with the surrounding surface.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a couple of thin coats of clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy finish.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Metallic and pearl/tri-coat paints, like those found on the 2024 Ford Escape (e.g., Star White Metallic Tri-Coat), can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered nature. Pearl and tri-coat finishes achieve their depth and unique shimmer through multiple layers of paint, including a colored base coat, a shimmering mid-coat (pearl or metallic), and a clear coat.

• Application is key: When applying touch-up paint to these finishes, it's crucial to apply thin, even coats. The orientation of the metallic flakes or pearl particles can affect how the color is perceived.
• Blend carefully: For larger repairs, blending the touch-up paint into the surrounding factory paint can help minimize the appearance of a difference. This is best left to a professional for larger areas.
• Consider a professional: For significant damage or if you're uncomfortable tackling these complex colors yourself, consider taking your vehicle to a professional body shop. They have specialized equipment and expertise to achieve seamless results.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.