Ford Graphite N/M Pearl (ZN) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you are driving a 1995 Ford Probe, you own a piece of mid-90s sport-compact history. This specific shade was a one-year wonder, designed to give the Probe a moody, sophisticated edge that standard silvers couldn't touch. It is a complex, shapeshifting grey that often teases the eye with subtle blue or violet undertones depending on how the sun hits the curves of your car. Since your car has been facing the elements for nearly thirty years, the original finish has likely mellowed, meaning any new pigment will look remarkably crisp and deep by comparison.

Technical Details

Before you spray or dab Ford Graphite N/M Pearl (check for code ZN), you need to understand that this is a pearl finish, not a simple solid grey. The "N/M" typically denotes a non-metallic base, but the "Pearl" tells the real story: it contains translucent mica particles that catch the light. The biggest risk here is mottling-those annoying dark streaks or "tiger stripes" that happen when the pearl particles clump together. To avoid this, you must apply the paint in thin, even layers. If you go too heavy too fast, the finish will look muddy and lose that signature 1995 depth.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb, usually on a printed sticker near the latch. Because the pearl particles in the liquid are heavy, they love to sink to the bottom of the container. Shake your tool for at least two full minutes to ensure the mica is fully suspended. Always test the color on the included card to see how the pearl lays down before moving to the car. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling. Let each layer sit for a full drying time before adding the next; rushing a pearl finish is the fastest way to ruin the match.