2022 Ford F-150 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

Ford makes it easy to find your truck's paint code. Open the driver's side door and look for the Safety Compliance Certification Label (also called the Service Parts identification sticker) on the door jamb or B-pillar. This sticker contains a wealth of information about your F-150, including the build date, VIN, and axle ratio.

You'll find the paint code along the bottom edge of this label, next to "EXT PNT" or "EXT TR". The two-character code is what you'll need to order the correct touch-up paint.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several good options for sourcing touch-up paint:

• 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 small chips to aerosol sprays for larger repairs. They have a color-match guarantee and are a great DIY-friendly option.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in perfectly matched OEM paints. You can order your 2022 F-150 color in any quantity, from small touch-up bottles to gallon cans. They also sell all the necessary supplies, including primers, clear coats, and sandpaper.
• T-Coat Custom Mix: For a perfect match, especially on more complex colors, a local automotive paint supplier can use your paint code to custom-mix a batch of paint. This is the preferred method for professional body shops.
• Ford Dealership: Your local Ford dealer's parts department can sell you touch-up pens or small bottles of the exact factory paint. This is a reliable, if sometimes more expensive, option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

For a professional-looking repair, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash and dry the chipped or scratched area to remove all dirt, wax, and grease.
2. Apply Primer: For deep scratches that go down to the bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This helps the new paint adhere properly and prevents rust.
3. Apply the Base Coat: Carefully apply thin layers of your matched color (the base coat). Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the paint until it's level with the surrounding area.
4. Apply the Clear Coat: After the base coat has fully cured, apply one or two thin layers of clear coat. This protects the base coat and gives the repair a glossy finish that matches the factory paint.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Star White (AZ), Space White (A3), and Rapid Red (D4) are more complex than standard solid or metallic paints. These are often called "tri-coats" or "pearls" because they involve a multi-layer process from the factory.

• Star White (AZ) and Space White (A3): These are tri-coat paints, meaning they have a solid base coat, a pearlescent mid-coat, and a final clear coat. Achieving a perfect match requires applying both the base and mid-coats in the correct sequence.
• Rapid Red (D4) and Smoked Quartz (TQ): These are tinted clearcoats. The final clear layer is itself tinted with color, which creates a unique depth. When touching up, it's crucial to use the specific tinted clearcoat designed for that color code.

For these complex colors, it is highly recommended to purchase a kit that includes all necessary layers (base, mid, and clear) from a reputable supplier like AutomotiveTouchup or to have the repair done by a professional.

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