2023 Ford Explorer Paint Color Codes

Quick Reference

Note: Some colors may be premium-cost options. Always confirm your vehicle's specific paint code before ordering touch-up paint.

Where to Find Your Paint Code

Ford makes it easy to find the paint code for your 2023 Explorer. The code is located on the Vehicle Certification Label, which is typically found on the driver's side door jamb or the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors).

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Look for a white or silver sticker on the door frame.
3. On this label, look for the "EXT PNT" or "EXT TR" heading. The two-character code next to it is your exterior paint code. For example, if you see "UM" next to "EXT PNT," your Explorer is Agate Black.

It's critical to use this code, not just the color name, to ensure a perfect match, as Ford may have multiple shades with similar names over the years.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you've identified your paint code, you have several excellent options for purchasing touch-up paint to fix minor scratches and chips:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of applicators, from simple pens for fine scratches to aerosol cans for larger repairs. They have a comprehensive database to match your Ford paint code.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer is a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. They offer perfectly matched paint in various sizes, including small touch-up bottles, spray cans, and even larger quantities for spray guns. They can match your 2023 Explorer's color code precisely.
• Dealer: Your local Ford dealership parts department can provide you with touch-up paint directly from the manufacturer. This is a guaranteed match but can sometimes be more expensive than aftermarket options.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a professional-grade repair, a local automotive paint supplier can custom-mix your paint code in an aerosol can or for use in a spray gun, providing a high-quality match.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a near-invisible repair requires patience and the right process. For small chips and scratches, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash and dry the damaged area to remove all wax, grease, and dirt. Use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol for a perfectly clean surface.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch has gone down to the bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This helps the new paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Apply Base Coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even layers of the base coat (your color) until the scratch is filled and the color is uniform. Allow each layer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 20-30 minutes).
4. Apply Clear Coat: To protect the paint and match the factory gloss, apply one or two thin layers of clear coat over the base coat. The clear coat provides shine and durability.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Star White (AZ) and Rapid Red (D4) are more complex and require special attention for a perfect match.

• Star White (AZ): This is a tri-coat color. It consists of a white base coat, a pearlescent mid-coat that gives it depth, and a final clear coat. When purchasing touch-up paint, you must ensure you get the complete kit that includes both the base and mid-coat.
• Rapid Red (D4): This is a metallic tinted clearcoat. The color and depth come from a combination of the base layer and the tinted clear itself. Like tri-coats, it's crucial to use the specific system designed for this color.

For these premium colors, practice on a piece of scrap metal or a hidden area to get a feel for how the layers combine to create the final shade. Achieving a flawless match with pearl or tri-coat paints can be challenging; for larger repairs, a professional body shop is often the best choice.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.