COLOR CODEHN_ - VermillionFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Since your Probe has been on the road since 1991, this bright red likely serves as a vibrant reminder of Ford's aerodynamic era. This specific shade was a short-lived hero for the first-generation Probe, offering a punchy, classic look that stood out against the era's emerging sea of teal and silver. Because your car is over thirty years old, the original finish has probably faced significant sun exposure, which can cause the pigment to lose its factory depth. When you begin your repair, you might notice the fresh paint looks more intense than the aged panels, but it will bring back that sharp, sporty character your car had on the showroom floor.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it lacks the metallic flakes or pearls found in more modern reds. Solid pigments are dense and offer excellent coverage, but they are particularly susceptible to oxidation. If the surface of your car feels slightly rough or looks chalky, that is oxidized paint, and the new layer from your nozzle or brush will not bond correctly until that layer is cleaned away. The benefit of a solid red is that you do not have to worry about flake orientation or "mottling" stripes, but you must be mindful of the thickness. Applying it too heavily can lead to sags, so patience is your best tool for a flat, even repair.

Best Practices

You can find your paint information on the driver's side door jamb sticker, usually listed next to the "EXT PNT" label. Before you spray or dab Ford Vermillion (code HN_), you need to shake the container for at least two full minutes to ensure the heavy red pigments are completely mixed. Red is a transparent color by nature, so it often requires multiple thin layers to reach its full opacity. Test the color on the included card before touching the vehicle to see how it matches your current level of fade. Keep the container moving at a steady pace to avoid pooling, and allow plenty of drying time in a cool garage or the shade between each coat.