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What is Ford paint code K?

On Ford vehicles, the paint code K refers to a specific color designation that can vary by model year and market. In practice, the single-letter code alone is not universal; it must be interpreted in the context of the car’s year and region.


Context: Ford’s color-coding system


Ford uses a color-code system to identify exterior paints on its vehicles. Codes are typically alphanumeric and tied to a specific year, model, and market (North America, Europe, etc.). A single letter such as K may appear by itself on some tags, but its color mapping is not fixed across all Ford production.


Limitations of a single-letter code


Because Ford’s palettes change over time and vary by region, the same code letter can refer to different colors on different cars. If you own a Ford from the 1990s, 2000s, or 2010s, or if your car was imported, the color associated with K could be different from another vehicle labeled K.


How to identify the exact color for your vehicle


To determine exactly which color Ford code K represents for a given vehicle, use the model year and market as a key and consult Ford’s color references or a dealer database. The general steps are:



  1. Find the paint-code tag on the vehicle (often in the driver’s door jamb, sometimes under the hood or in the trunk). The code may include a letter such as K and possibly additional characters.

  2. Note the car’s year, model, and where it was sold.

  3. Refer to Ford’s official color catalogs or the dealer’s database for that year and market to map K to the color name and finish.

  4. If you are repainting, compare paint chips from a reputable shop to confirm the close match.


Because paint finishes (solid, metallic, pearlescent) also affect appearance, confirming the exact shade may require comparing multiple samples.


Practical considerations for owners and restorers


Owners working with K should verify before ordering paint or parts, especially for older or imported models. When in doubt, contact a Ford dealer with the VIN to pull the precise color designation from Ford’s records.



  • Always check multiple sources (owner’s manual, door-jamb sticker, and official Ford catalogs) for consistency.

  • Be aware that lighting and aging can alter the perceived shade; use official color chips for accuracy.


Having the correct K color is crucial for a quality repair or restoration.


Summary


Ford paint code K is not a fixed color name. Its actual hue depends on the vehicle’s year and market. To identify the exact color, locate the paint-code tag on the car and consult Ford’s year-specific color catalogs or a licensed dealer. This approach ensures you match the correct shade and finish when repainting or ordering parts.

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What is the color code K?


So it is completely reasonable that, over time, the term "Key color" or "Key plate" got abbreviated to simply "K." And this "K" became universally recognized as representing Black in the CMYK color model.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.