2016 Ford Transit Paint Codes: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2016 Ford Transit vans, you'll find the paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label with various vehicle information. The paint code is usually listed under "EXT PNT" or "Exterior Paint". It will be a two-character code, often followed by a two-character internally-used plant code, so focus on the first two. Always double-check your specific vehicle, as sticker locations can vary slightly.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips, several reliable brands offer paint matched to your 2016 Ford Transit:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many Ford colors. You can often find them at automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint, offering a wide range of Ford colors in various applicators, including pens, bottles with brushes, and spray cans. They pride themselves on color accuracy.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a truly custom and potentially more accurate match, especially if your paint has faded or if it's a complex multi-stage color, a custom-mix from a specialist like Tcoat can be a good option.
• Dealership: Your local Ford dealer can provide OEM touch-up paint. While sometimes more expensive, it guarantees an exact match to the original factory finish.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a good result with touch-up paint requires a few steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the chip or scratch with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Ensure it's completely dry.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): For deeper chips that expose bare metal, apply a thin coat of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Apply several thin layers of your base coat paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Build up the paint until it's level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl colors, apply extra thin coats with proper flash-off time in between to aid flake/pearl orientation.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a couple of thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This is crucial for durability and a seamless look.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2016 Ford Transit generally uses solid and metallic finishes rather than true pearls or tri-coats, understanding how these more complex finishes work can still be beneficial for metallic colors, as the metallic flake also needs careful application:

• Multiple Layers are Key (Metallics): For metallic paints, applying several very thin coats is crucial. This allows the metallic flakes to lay down evenly, preventing a blotchy or "tiger stripe" appearance. Rushing this step can lead to a noticeable difference in shimmer.
• Even Application: Maintain a consistent distance and speed when applying spray paint to ensure an even distribution of paint and metallic flakes. Any unevenness will cause the metallic flakes to reflect light differently, leading to a visible mismatch.
• Test Panel: If you're particularly concerned about color matching, especially with a metallic, consider practicing on a spare piece of metal or an inconspicuous area first. This allows you to get a feel for the paint and application technique.
• Blend, Don't Just Cover: For larger repairs, professional body shops will "blend" the new paint into the existing paint to create a seamless transition. For touch-ups, strive to apply the paint only to the damaged area, but if working near an edge, a very light feathering of the clear coat can help.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.