3P - Medium Blue Metallic Ford Touch Up Paint

The Look

1983 was a year of transition for Ford, and this color sat right in the middle of it. It appeared across the entire lineup, from the Fairmont and the Ranger to the Mustang. It offers a period-correct, balanced blue that is not too dark or bright. Since your car has been on the road for four decades, the original finish likely weathered and lost its luster. Your repair will bring back a crispness the rest of the body has lost, so do not be surprised if the new paint looks a bit more vibrant than the aged panels around it.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes designed to catch the light. These flakes are heavier than the paint and settle at the bottom of the container quickly. If you apply the paint too thick, the flakes bunch up and create dark, blotchy areas or stripes known as mottling. This ruin the look of the repair because the light will hit those clumps at odd angles. Achieving a uniform look requires thin layers so the metallic particles lay flat and reflect light in a single direction.

Best Practices

Look for your paint code on the sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Ford Medium Blue Metallic (check for code 3P), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds to ensure the metallic flakes mix. Test the color on the included card to see how the metallic looks when dry. Keep the container moving to avoid pooling or heavy spots. Allow plenty of drying time between light coats in your garage or the shade. This prevents the paint from sagging and keeps the color consistent across the repair.