COLOR CODE7Q/6196 - Dark Shadow Blue MetallicLincoln Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color captures the peak of 1980s luxury. Released for just one year in 1987, it defines the presence of the Town Car Signature Series and the sporty Mark VII LSC. It is a sophisticated, brooding shade that feels right at home on a car with plenty of chrome. In the shade or under streetlights, it appears nearly black, but once the sun hits those large body panels, the deep blue undertones emerge. Since your Lincoln has been on the road for decades, the original finish has likely shifted slightly due to UV exposure, so your repair will help restore that heavyweight executive character.

Technical Details

You are working with a metallic finish, which means there are tiny aluminum flakes suspended in the paint. This gives the car its depth, but it requires a careful touch. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and bunch together, creating dark patches or stripes. This is called mottling, and it ruins the illusion of a smooth factory finish. Before you spray or dab Lincoln Dark Shadow Blue Metallic (check for code 7Q/6196), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those flakes are evenly distributed.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the silver identification sticker located inside the driver side door jamb, usually near the latch. To get the best results, test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic flake settles. Whether you are using a pen or a can, keep the container moving in steady, rhythmic passes. If you stop moving while the paint is flowing, the color will pool and look darker than the rest of the car. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and allow plenty of drying time between thin layers rather than trying to cover the damage in one heavy coat.