2024 Ford Explorer Paint Color Codes

Whether you need to cover up a pesky rock chip or repair a minor parking lot scrape, finding the exact paint color code for your 2024 Ford Explorer is the first step to restoring its flawless factory finish. Ford's paint lineup for the 2024 Explorer features a dynamic mix of solid, metallic, and premium tri-coat options, making an exact match absolutely critical for a seamless repair.

Quick reference: 2024 Ford Explorer Paint Codes

Below is the list of factory paint colors offered for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific code on your vehicle before ordering paint, as variations can occur.

Note: If you are uncertain about your specific color, check your VIN with a local Ford dealer or auto paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Ford makes finding your paint code relatively easy. For the 2024 Explorer, you will need to locate the Vehicle Certification (VC) Label.

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Check the door jamb or the B-pillar. Look for a white, rectangular sticker with black text and a barcode.
3. Locate the "EXT PNT" section. Towards the bottom left of this label, you will see "EXT PNT:" followed by a two-digit code (which can be numbers, letters, or a combination). This two-digit code is your exact exterior paint color code.

If your door jamb sticker is missing or illegible, you can call any Ford dealership's parts department, provide them with your 17-character VIN, and they can pull up your exact factory paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your paint code, you have a few excellent options for sourcing your touch-up paint:

• Your Local Ford Dealer (Motorcraft Paint): Dealerships sell OEM Motorcraft touch-up pens and brush bottles. These are guaranteed to match the factory specifications perfectly and usually cost around $20.
• AutomotiveTouchup: A highly recommended online supplier that custom-mixes paint based on your exact factory code. They offer paint pens, small bottles, and aerosol spray cans (ideal for larger repairs like bumper scuffs).
• Dupli-Color: Available at most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone, Advance Auto, or O'Reilly). Dupli-Color's Exact-Match line is very popular and features a convenient 2-in-1 pen/brush applicator.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Another specialized online vendor that provides high-quality custom-mixed urethane basecoats for precise color matching, along with premium clear coats.

How to use touch-up paint

For a professional-looking repair, preparation and patience are key. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean the area: Wash the damaged area with car soap, dry it, and wipe it down with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol. You want the surface completely free of oils and dirt.
2. Apply primer (if bare metal or plastic is exposed): If the scratch goes all the way down to the metal or raw plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive touch-up primer. Let it dry completely.
3. Apply the basecoat: Shake your touch-up paint vigorously. Apply the paint in light, thin layers rather than one heavy blob. Allow 15-20 minutes of drying time between each coat. Repeat until the color covers the scratch completely.
4. Apply the clearcoat: Once the final color coat has dried (wait at least 30-60 minutes), apply the clearcoat. The clearcoat seals the paint, provides UV protection, and restores the factory gloss.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

If your 2024 Explorer is painted in Star White (AZ) or Rapid Red (D4), you are dealing with a complex tri-coat or tinted clearcoat finish. These are notoriously difficult to touch up seamlessly.

• Understand the layers: A tri-coat consists of a solid base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clearcoat.
• Practice first: Because the final color depends on how many layers of the pearl mid-coat you apply, always practice on a piece of glossy scrap metal or heavy cardboard first. Count how many mid-coats it takes to match your car's finish.
• Feather the edges: When applying pearl mid-coats, feather the edges outward slightly to blend the repair into the surrounding original paint.
• Manage expectations: Touch-up pens will never look 100% perfect on a pearl white car. For large scratches on tri-coat paint, consider a professional respray.

If the damage is too large for a touch-up pen, or you simply want a flawless factory finish, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.