2016 Ford Explorer Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2016 Ford Explorer, the paint code can typically be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label often referred to as the "Service Parts Identification" label or "Vehicle Certification" label. On this label, you'll see various pieces of information about your vehicle. Look for a section labeled "EXT PNT" or "EXTERIOR PAINT". The two-character code next to this is your paint code. It’s always a good idea to confirm this with your VIN at a Ford dealership parts department or a reputable automotive paint supplier if you have any doubts, especially for less common colors.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2016 Ford Explorer, several reliable sources offer color-matched paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up paint in pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They provide a good selection of factory-matched colors for Ford vehicles.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed, exact-match touch-up paint. You can order paint by your vehicle's year, make, model, and paint code, ensuring a very accurate match. They offer paint in small bottles with brushes, pens, and aerosol cans.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paint solutions that are color-matched to your specific vehicle. They are known for high-quality formulations, especially for more complex colors.
• Dealer: Your Ford dealership parts department can provide genuine OEM touch-up paint specifically formulated for your 2016 Explorer 's exact color. This is often the most precise option, though sometimes a bit more expensive.

How to use touch-up paint

Using touch-up paint effectively can significantly improve the appearance of minor paint damage. Follow these general steps for a good result:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants. Ensure the area is completely dry.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper chips that have gone through to the metal or plastic, a thin layer of primer is recommended. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched touch-up 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. For brush applications, use a fine-tipped brush and apply small dabs.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply one or two thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and restore the gloss. Allow the clear coat to cure completely.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Your 2016 Ford Explorer offers several sophisticated paint types, including metallic, pearl, and tri-coat finishes. These require a bit more care for accurate touch-ups:

• Metallics: Metallic paints contain small metal flakes that reflect light, giving the paint a sparkle. When touching up, try to apply the paint in thin, even coats to avoid creating a blotchy or uneven metallic effect.
• Pearls and Tri-Coats: Colors like Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat are multi-stage paints. They consist of a base color, a mid-coat (pearl or tinted clear), and a final clear coat. Touch-up kits for these colors will typically include separate bottles for each stage. It's crucial to apply these layers in the correct order and with very thin, even coats to achieve a seamless blend. Practice on a discreet area or a test card if you're unsure. The pearl or tinted mid-coat is key to the depth and color shift of these paints, and applying too much or too little can dramatically alter the final appearance.

For any significant paint damage, especially on pearl or tri-coat finishes, professional repair by an experienced body shop is always recommended for the best results.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.