COLOR CODEEH/M6156 - Medium CabernetFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

If you own a Bronco or an F150 from the early nineties, this deep wine red defines the era of the classic square-body Ford. It is a sophisticated, heavy-hitter color that makes a rugged truck look more like a top-tier cruiser. Before you spray or dab Ford Medium Cabernet (check for code EH/M6156), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This shade was a staple on the Explorer and Ranger as well, often serving as the primary color in those iconic two-tone factory paint jobs. Because your vehicle has likely been on the road for three decades, the original finish has probably matured under the sun, so your main goal is reviving that deep, cellar-aged character.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it relies on pure, dense pigment rather than metallic flakes to get its point across. The benefit of a solid red like this is the incredible depth it provides; once it is covered with a clear layer, it looks like you could reach your hand right into the finish. However, solid dark reds are notorious for showing their age. If your truck has been sitting outside, the old paint might have a milky or chalky oxidation on the surface. You must clean the area thoroughly, or the new paint will sit on top of that dead layer and look like a mismatch. Since there are no metallics to worry about, you do not have to fret over "tiger stripes," but you do need to watch out for runs if you apply it too heavily.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the safety certification label located on the driver's side door jamb. Once you have the code confirmed, take your tool to a covered garage or a patch of shade to avoid direct sunlight, which can cook the paint before it levels out. Test the color on the included card to see how the new pigment looks against your weathered factory finish. When you are ready to apply, keep the container moving to ensure an even coat. Use thin layers and give the paint plenty of drying time between each application. If you try to rush it by adding a thick glob, you will trap solvents underneath, which leads to a soft finish that will eventually dull or peel.