COLOR CODEJ1 - Kodiak Brown MetallicFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is one of Ford's most deceptive and sophisticated shades. At first glance in a dark garage or under evening streetlights, your vehicle looks like it might be wearing a standard black. However, as soon as the sun hits the panels of your Escape or Explorer, the finish transforms into a deep, chocolate bronze. It has a heavy metallic presence that gives big vehicles like the Expedition and Edge a more expensive, custom-tailored feel. Since your car has likely been on the road for a few years, you have probably noticed that this dark base is excellent at hiding light road grime, though the deep pigment will show every tiny swirl mark if the surface isn't kept polished.

Technical Details

This is a complex metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes suspended in the pigment to catch the light. Because the color is so dark, the biggest risk during a repair is creating a blotchy look. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallic particles can sink or bunch together, making the touch-up look like a dark bruise rather than a clean match. You want the flakes to sit evenly so they reflect light at the same angle as the original paint, which is why a steady flow is more important than heavy coverage.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Kodiak Brown Metallic (check for code J1 on the driver's side door jamb label next to EXT PNT), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds. Those heavy metallic flakes love to settle at the bottom, and if they aren't mixed, the color will look too thin and dark. To ensure the bronze pop matches your specific vehicle, test the color on the included card first. When you begin the repair, keep the container moving at a consistent spray distance to prevent the paint from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time to settle before adding the next, and always apply a clear coat to lock in those metallic flakes and provide the necessary gloss.