Where is the paint code on a Ford F150?
The exterior paint color code for a Ford F-150 is most commonly found on the driver-side door jamb sticker. If that label isn’t accessible or legible, there are a few other standard places to check, and the code can also be verified through dealer records or Ford’s databases. This guide explains where to look and how to read it for touch‑up paint or color matching.
Where to Look for the Paint Code
Use these locations as your first checkpoints. They cover the most common placements across model years for the F-150.
- Driver-side door jamb (the B-pillar area) where the door latches. This is the standard source for most F-150s and will usually display a short alphanumeric code labeled “Paint” or “PNT.”
- Inside the door edge or on the edge of the door itself (sometimes the label is on the front edge or near the latch area, depending on the year).
- Radiator core support label in the engine bay. A smaller placard under the hood near the radiator often includes the paint code alongside other vehicle specification codes.
If the label is damaged, missing, or hard to read, turn to the alternative verification methods described below to confirm the exact color code.
Alternate verification methods
When the standard labels aren’t available, these options help you confirm the color code with confidence.
- Check the original window sticker or build sheet if you have it from new purchase or previous owners. The paint code is typically listed there.
- Use the VIN to retrieve the color code from Ford’s official databases or request it from a Ford dealer using the VIN.
- Consult a professional body shop or a paint supplier with access to Ford’s color database; they can cross-check the code and provide a precise match.
These alternatives are useful for older models or vehicles with worn labels.
How to Use the Paint Code
Once you locate the code, you can apply it in the following ways to ensure an accurate color match.
- Order exact color touch-up spray or spray cans from Ford or reputable aftermarket suppliers by providing the code and color name.
- Give the code to a body shop or paint technician to guarantee the correct shade and finish (metallic, pearl, or tri-coat, if applicable).
- Verify whether the code denotes a specific finish or special effect so you can select the correct clearcoat or topcoat.
Accurate color matching minimizes visible differences between repaired panels and the rest of the vehicle.
Summary
For Ford F-150 owners, the paint color code is usually found on the driver-side door jamb sticker, with radiator-support labels in the engine bay as a secondary source. If labels are missing or illegible, use the VIN to query Ford’s databases or consult a dealer or professional paint shop to confirm the exact code and ensure a precise color match. With the correct code, you can order touch-up paint or coordinate a color-matched repair with confidence.
