Ford Charcoal Green Metallic (FT/M6861) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive shade of the turn-of-the-century Ford era. If you are working on a rugged Explorer or a high-mileage Econoline, you know this color acts like a chameleon. In the shade of your driveway, it looks almost black or charcoal, but direct sunlight pulls out a deep, forest-green personality. Since your vehicle has likely spent two decades weathering the elements, the original clear coat may have dulled. This dark pigment is excellent for hiding road grime, but it requires a careful touch to ensure the new patch does not stand out against the aged factory finish.

Technical Details

This finish relies on a complex metallic formula rather than a simple solid pigment. Inside the liquid, tiny silver and green flakes float in the binder to create depth. Metallic paints are notorious for a problem called mottling, where the flakes clump together to create dark, splotchy "tiger stripes." This happens if the paint is applied too heavy or if the flakes are not distributed evenly. If you do not maintain a consistent flow, the repair will look like a dark bruise instead of a crisp factory panel. It is the orientation of these tiny flakes that determines if your repair disappears or catches the light the wrong way.

Best Practices

To find your confirmation, look at the sticker on your driver's side door jamb for the label marked EXT PNT. Before you spray or dab Ford Charcoal Green Metallic (check for code FT/M6861), you must shake the container for at least sixty seconds to lift the settled metallic flakes. Test the color on the included card to verify the match against your specific level of paint fade. Work in the cool environment of your garage or a patch of shade to prevent the surface from getting too hot. Whether you are using a nozzle, brush, or pen, keep the container moving to avoid puddles. Allow for plenty of drying time between your light layers to let the metallic structure set properly.