2023 Ford Transit Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2023 Ford Transit vans, your paint code can be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label similar to the one shown below. The paint code is typically a two-character code directly under the "EXT PNT" heading (Exterior Paint). It may also be identified near the VIN or bar code.

Best touch-up paint sources

For minor scratches, chips, or dings, touch-up paint is an excellent solution to protect your Ford Transit's finish and maintain its appearance:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a comprehensive range of factory-matched colors in pen, bottle, and aerosol forms. You can often find Dupli-Color products at automotive parts stores and online retailers.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed, factory-match automotive paints. They offer a precise match to your Transit's original paint formula, available in pens, bottles, spray cans, and larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their website allows you to easily find your specific color by year, make, and model.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat offers custom-mixed touch-up paints that are precisely matched to your vehicle's unique paint code. This is an excellent option for a perfect match, especially for more complex colors.
• Dealership Parts Department: Your local Ford dealership can provide OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up paint specifically designed for your Transit. This ensures the highest level of color accuracy and quality.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless repair with touch-up paint involves a few key steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure proper adhesion.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches or chips that expose bare metal, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Apply several thin coats of the base color, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and restore the original gloss. Again, apply in thin layers.
5. Cure and Buff: Allow the touch-up paint to cure completely (this can take several days). Once cured, you can lightly buff the area with a polishing compound to blend it with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some colors, particularly metallic and pearl finishes, can be more challenging to match perfectly. While the 2023 Ford Transit primarily features solid and metallic finishes in its common palette, understanding how these paints work is helpful:

• Metallic Colors: These paints contain tiny metallic flakes that reflect light, giving the paint a shimmering effect. When applying touch-up paint to metallic finishes, it's crucial to apply thin, even coats to ensure the metallic flakes lay down consistently, preventing a blotchy appearance.
• Pearl/Tri-Coat Colors: While less common for the Transit's core palette, pearl and tri-coat paints involve multiple layers to achieve their unique depth and color shift. A base color coat is followed by a translucent mid-coat containing pearl pigments, and then a clear coat. If your vehicle has a pearl or tri-coat finish, it is especially important to use a touch-up kit specifically designed for these types of paints, often including separate bottles for each layer. For the best results with these complex finishes, consider professional application or a custom-mixed paint that accounts for all layers.

Always confirm your paint code with your VIN at a dealership or reputable paint supplier to ensure the most accurate color match for your 2023 Ford Transit.

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