What is NL Ford paint code?
The NL paint code is a Ford color code used on certain markets to identify a specific factory-applied paint finish. It does not refer to a single universal color name across all models and years. To know the exact shade associated with NL, you must verify the vehicle’s paint code label and consult Ford’s official color catalogs or a dealer database.
In practice, NL is one of Ford’s short, two-letter codes that denote a particular color mix. Because color names and mappings can vary by year and market, the same NL code may map to different colors depending on when and where the vehicle was produced.
Understanding the NL paint code in Ford's system
Ford uses compact color codes on the vehicle’s sticker to indicate the paint finish. The NL code is one such code and forms part of the broader system that links a code to a color name and paint formula. The exact name and formula tied to NL can shift, so you should cross-reference with year-specific catalogs and regional charts.
NL as a regional code and its variability
Two-letter codes like NL are often assigned differently across markets (North America, Europe, Asia) and across model years. NL may represent a metallic, solid, pearl, or special-effect finish in a given context, and the corresponding color name can change over time. Always map NL to the correct color using the year-model market chart for your vehicle.
How to verify the exact color name
To confirm the exact color name and paint mix behind NL on your car, follow these steps:
- Locate the paint code label on the driver-side door jamb or inside the glove box or trunk lid, depending on the model/year.
- Read the NL code and note any additional characters on the label (some codes include numbers or other letters that refine the color or finish).
- Cross-check the code against Ford’s official color catalogs for your model year and market (available through a Ford dealership or Ford’s official databases).
- When in doubt, consult a Ford-certified body shop or color-matching service to identify the precise color and obtain an exact paint formula.
Note that the final color you see on a car can be affected by lighting, camera, and manufacturing tolerances, so a direct see-and-match at a shop is often required for a perfect repaint.
Where to find official references for NL
Relying on official color documentation ensures you map NL to the correct color name and paint formula. The most reliable sources are Ford’s own catalogs and dealer resources, supplemented by professional color databases.
- Ford color catalogs and paint-swatch guides by model year (often available through Ford dealers or the Ford Heritage/Classic portal).
- Ford VIN-based color lookup tools or parts lookup databases maintained by Ford and authorized dealers.
- Certified body shops and Ford-approved paint suppliers who carry year-specific color charts and mixing formulas.
- Reputable automotive color databases and enthusiast forums as supplementary references, verifying against official catalogs.
Use official sources as your primary reference; third-party databases are helpful for quick cross-checks but may lag behind or vary by market.
Frequently asked questions about NL paint code
Is NL the exact color name?
No. NL is a paint code used by Ford to identify a color mix. The actual color name depends on the year, market, and finish. To know the name, you must map NL against the appropriate year-market color catalog.
Can NL refer to more than one color?
Yes. Depending on when and where the vehicle was manufactured, NL can correspond to different colors or finishes. Always verify with the year- and market-specific color chart for accuracy.
What if my vehicle shows NL but no color name?
That means you should consult Ford’s official color catalog or a dealer to identify the exact color name and paint formula for that NL code on your model year and market. A color-matched repaint will rely on the precise color mix rather than the name alone.
Summary: NL is a Ford paint-code label used to identify a specific color finish in a given market and year. To ensure an accurate match, verify the NL code against official Ford color catalogs or consult a Ford-certified professional. Color names and mappings can vary by market and year, so cross-checking with the right chart is essential.
