Compatible with the following Fords:

Models: Ranger
Years: 1982

To determine if Desert Tan is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 9P (1982).

Paint Products in Desert Tan 9P (1982)

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

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Free Shipping on Orders $149+

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

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Affordable DIY Repairs

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

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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 Desert Tan 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

Desert Tan

The Look

This color defines the early eighties utilitarian aesthetic. As a primary launch color for the first-generation Ranger, it was designed to look rugged and stay clean even when the truck was actually working. It is essentially the color of dry earth, which makes it the most forgiving shade Ford ever produced for hiding road dust and trail grime. If your Ranger has spent decades under the sun, this tan has likely shifted slightly toward a flatter, chalkier tone, but it still maintains that classic adventure-ready personality that helped make the compact truck a legend.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearls hiding in the mixture. While this makes it much easier to match than a modern metallic, it also means the paint is less distracting to the eye. On a metallic finish, the sparkle hides small sanding marks or uneven surfaces. Because this tan is so flat and honest, it will reveal every bump or ridge in the scratch you are trying to cover. You should spend extra time making sure the area is smooth before you begin, as the solid pigment will settle into any imperfections and make them visible under the light.

Best Practices

You will find your color code on the driver's side door jamb label, listed next to the "EXT PNT" or "Exterior Paint" text. Before you spray or dab Ford Desert Tan (check for code 9P (1982)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Since there is no metallic flake to worry about, your main goal is to prevent the heavy tan pigments from sitting at the bottom of the container. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your weathered panels. When applying, use three or four thin layers rather than one heavy coat. In the garage or a patch of shade, let the paint dry completely between layers to build a finish that stays level and durable.

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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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Nov 26

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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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Sept 6

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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 '9P (1982)' 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.