Compatible with the following Fords:

Models: Bronco I, Bronco II, Econoline, Ranger, Truck, Kentucky Truck
Years: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989

To determine if Candy Apple Red is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 2K/5681.

Paint Products in Candy Apple Red 2K/5681

Whether you’re repairing tiny rock chips, medium scratches, or larger damaged areas, we have the right product for you:

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

American-Owned Family Business

American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find Ford color code

How to Find Your Ford's Color Code

Ford paint color codes are on the drivers door jamb, on the color plate. The typical format is PM/M6599, though usually only PM appears. Example: PM corresponds to Bright Calypso Metallic Clearcoat PM/M6599; it may appear as PM Bright Calypso Metallic Clearcoat. Plates may show Exterior Paint Colors or EX PT; sometimes the color is embossed mid-plate. WB is wheelbase; above Wheel Base is EXT PNT, and to the right of EXT PNT is the code. Many mistake LX3 as the code.

More about Ford color codes
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Custom paint for your Ford

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your Ford in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Candy Apple Red that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Candy Apple Red

The Look

You likely recognize this shade from the flanks of a first-generation Bronco II or a square-body Ranger. Throughout the mid-eighties, this color was the backbone of the Ford truck and van lineup. It provided a punchy, high-visibility look for the Econoline and Bronco I without the complexity of modern tri-coats. It is an honest, hardworking red that defines the era of utility vehicles. Because it was so common on work trucks, it has a nostalgic feel that immediately brings back the look of a 1980s dealership lot.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which makes your life much easier than if you were dealing with metallics. You do not have to worry about flakes standing up or aluminum particles bunching together in dark streaks. The challenge with a solid red is the pigment density. Red is a heavy color that tends to sink to the bottom of the container, and it is also the first color to fade or "chalk" when left out in the sun. Since your Ford has likely been on the road for several decades, the original paint might be slightly more weathered than the fresh liquid in your hand.

Best Practices

Pop your driver's side door and look at the VIN sticker on the jamb to confirm your color data. Before you spray or dab Ford Candy Apple Red (check for code 2K/5681), you must shake the container for a full sixty seconds to wake up those heavy pigments. Test the color on the included card first to see how the new paint reacts against your aged finish. When you start the repair, keep the container moving to ensure an even flow and avoid puddles. Work in a garage or the shade to keep the surface cool, and allow plenty of drying time before you decide to add a second layer.

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Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

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Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

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Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our Ford Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your Ford is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching Ford color code '2K/5681' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.