Ford Black (YC/M1724) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the deep, no-nonsense black that defined the rugged nineties for Ford. It is the color of the Bronco parked on a dirt trail and the Econoline van that kept your local business running. Because your vehicle has likely been on the road for a few decades, the original finish might have lost some of its factory luster, but this pigment remains the honest standard for a classic American build. It provides a heavy, dark anchor for any restoration, though you should be prepared for the reality of owning a black vehicle: it will show every speck of road dust and every fingerprint the moment you finish your work.

Technical Details

This specific paint is a solid finish, meaning it contains no metallic flakes or pearl additives. The benefit of a solid color is that it is much easier to match and blend than complex modern paints because you do not have to worry about the "flop" or how sparkles catch the light. The trade-off is that black is the most unforgiving color in existence. Without metallic to hide imperfections, any ridge or uneven layer will stand out. You must be precise with your surface preparation, as this finish will highlight every tiny scratch or swirl mark left behind.

Best Practices

You can find your color code on the driver's side door jamb, usually located on the safety compliance label under the "EXT PNT" heading. Before you spray or dab Ford Black (check for code YC/M1724), you need to shake the container vigorously for at least sixty seconds to ensure the pigments are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card to see how it looks against your vehicle's current, aged finish before you touch the actual metal. While applying, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling or sagging. Give the area plenty of drying time before you move on to any sanding or clear coating to ensure the repair stays flat and durable.