23 - Dark Red Metallic Ford Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade was the workhorse of the early eighties, designed specifically for the rigs that built the country. It is a deep, grounded red that avoids the flashiness of modern sports cars in favor of a serious, industrial presence. Since your heavy duty truck has been on the road for over forty years, the original finish has likely developed a unique character from decades of sun and work. This color is about restoring that classic, heavy-duty integrity and giving the metal back its original strength.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes designed to catch the light and add depth. These particles are much heavier than the paint itself and will sink to the bottom of your container almost immediately. If you apply the paint without constant mixing, you might see "mottling," where the flakes bunch up and create dark, uneven clouds on the surface. Because it is a metallic, the way the light hits the repair depends entirely on how evenly those flakes lay down during application.

Best Practices

You can find your specific paint information on the certification label located on the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Ford Dark Red Metallic (check for code 23), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the flakes are fully suspended. Test the color on the included card before you touch the actual metal to verify the match against your existing finish. When you start the repair, keep the container moving in smooth, steady passes to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Finally, allow for plenty of drying time between each thin layer to build a durable, level surface in your garage or in the shade.