COLOR CODEER/M6445 - Dark Cranberry MetallicFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This shade represents the peak of early 90s Ford style. While the Ranger and Explorer were built for utility, this deep burgundy gave them a sophisticated edge that felt just as at home in a driveway as it did on a trail. Because your vehicle has likely been on the road since the George H.W. Bush administration, the finish has probably lost some of its original depth to the sun. It is a hardworking color that hides road dust better than a flat red, but it only really finds its voice when the light hits those metallic flakes.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means your biggest hurdle is flake control. Those tiny shimmering particles like to sink to the bottom of the container, and if they are not distributed evenly, you will end up with dark patches or strange stripes across your repair. This effect, often called mottling, happens when the paint stays too wet or goes on too heavy in one spot. Before you spray or dab Ford Dark Cranberry Metallic (check for code ER/M6445), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to wake up the metallic pigments.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb, usually listed right next to the "EXT PNT" label on the VIN sticker. Since your paint has likely faded over the last few decades, do not expect a factory-fresh match immediately. Test the color on the included card first to see how it sits against your aged finish. When you are ready to apply, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the paint from pooling. If you are using a brush or pen, use light, thin layers rather than one thick glob, and give it plenty of drying time before deciding if you need more coverage.