COLOR CODEHN/M7326 - Guard MetallicFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Ford Guard Metallic is a ghost of a color. Depending on the time of day, your Mustang or Escape might look charcoal, dark slate, or even black. Once the sun hits those curves, a deep, earthy forest green emerges. It was a short-lived favorite for a reason-it feels more like a custom boutique shade than a factory finish. Since your car has been braving the elements for several years, expect the original finish to have deepened or dulled slightly, making it look like a dark neutral until you get within a few feet of the panels.

Technical Details

This is a complex metallic finish. The secret to its shifting personality lies in a heavy load of fine metallic flakes. These flakes often sink to the bottom of the container, which can lead to mottling-those uneven dark splotches or stripes that happen when the metal particles aren't distributed. Because the base color is so dark, any mistake in how the flakes lay down will be visible under direct light. You need a consistent, even layer to ensure the green highlights pop correctly across the body lines of your Fusion or Taurus.

Best Practices

You can find your specific paint code on the driver's side door jamb; look for the EXT PNT label on the certification sticker. Before you spray or dab Ford Guard Metallic (check for code HN/M7326), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to wake up those heavy metallic flakes. Always test the color on the included card to verify the shade match before touching the car. To avoid an uneven finish, keep the container moving in steady passes and allow for the proper drying time between layers. If you are working in a garage or the shade, use a flashlight to check the flake distribution before you apply your final clear coat.