Ford Burgundy Velvet Tricoat (R3/M7356) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Ford went for a sense of maturity when they rolled out this deep, wine-colored finish. If you drive a Fusion or an Edge, you know this color looks like a glass of Cabernet held up to the light. It was a staple for models like the Flex and C-Max between 2017 and 2022 because it managed to look expensive without being flashy. Since your car has likely seen a few seasons of road salt and sun, the original finish might have darkened slightly, making a careful touch-up even more important to maintain that sophisticated curb appeal.

Technical Details

This is not a simple "one and done" color. This finish is a Tricoat, meaning it relies on a specific layering process to achieve its depth. It uses a solid base followed by a translucent mid-coat packed with pearl and metallic flakes. The danger here is the "depth trap." If you apply too many layers of the mid-coat, the repair will look darker and muddier than the rest of the panel. Because the metallic particles like to clump together, you have to be mindful of how the paint lands on the surface to avoid dark spots or tiger stripes.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Burgundy Velvet Tricoat (check for code R3/M7356), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find that paint code on the driver's side door jamb, usually right under the barcode next to the "EXT PNT" label. Because the pearl settles at the bottom of the container, shaking is the only way to ensure the flakes mix properly with the pigment. Always test the color on the included card first to see how many coats of the pearl layer you need to match your car's current shade. Work in a cool Garage and keep the container moving to ensure a light, even Flow. Give each layer enough Drying time so you don't drag the previous coat, and remember that several thin passes always look better than one heavy one.