2014 Ford F-150 Paint Codes: Your Comprehensive Guide

Looking to touch up a scratch or planning a larger paint repair for your 2014 Ford F-150? Knowing your truck's paint code is the first step to achieving a seamless finish. This guide provides all the essential information you need, from decoding your paint options to finding the best touch-up solutions.

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2014 Ford F-150 trucks, your paint code can be found on the driver's side door jamb sticker. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver label on the door frame (B-pillar) or on the edge of the door itself. The paint code is usually listed under the "EXT PNT" or "Exterior Paint" heading. It will typically be a two-character code, which might be alphanumeric. In some cases, a longer color name may also be present next to the code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor chips or scratches on your 2014 Ford F-150, several reputable brands offer color-matched solutions:

• Dupli-Color: A popular choice for DIY enthusiasts, Dupli-Color offers a wide range of automotive touch-up paints in pen, bottle, and aerosol forms. Their products are readily available at most automotive parts stores and online.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint that is formulated to precisely match your vehicle's factory color. They offer various product sizes and types, including pens, bottles with brushes, aerosol cans, and even larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their website allows you to easily find your paint code by year, make, and model.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat provides high-quality, custom-mixed aerosol cans and touch-up bottles. They are known for their accurate color matching, especially for more complex colors like metallics and pearls.
• Dealership: Your local Ford dealership can also provide touch-up paint specifically designed for your 2014 F-150. While often a bit more expensive, you can be assured of an exact factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

For the best results when using touch-up paint, follow these general steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants.
2. Prime (if necessary): For deep scratches or areas where bare metal is exposed, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even coats of your color-matched base coat paint. Allow each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it is level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl colors, proper application direction and even coverage are crucial for a consistent look.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply several thin layers of clear coat. This protects the paint, adds gloss, and helps blend the repair with the original finish. Again, allow adequate drying time between coats.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some of the 2014 Ford F-150 colors, like White Platinum Pearl (UG) and Ruby Red Metallic (RR), are complex multi-stage paints. These often consist of a base color, a mid-coat (for the pearl or metallic effect), and a clear coat. For these colors, achieving a perfect match with touch-up paint can be more challenging.

• Layering is Key: When applying pearl or metallic touch-up paint, multiple thin layers are essential. The way light reflects off the metallic or pearl flakes determines the final color and sheen. Applying too much paint at once can lead to a darker, duller, or mismatched appearance.
• Test Before Applying: If possible, test the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card first to ensure the color match and application technique are correct.
• Blend Carefully: For larger repairs, blending the touch-up paint into the surrounding factory paint is critical to avoid a noticeable patch. This often involves feathering the paint out into the existing clear coat.

If you are unsure about matching a pearl or tri-coat color, or for any larger repairs, it's always best to consult with a professional body shop.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.