Ford Hot Red (E5) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive shade of the early nineties for the small car enthusiast. Whether it was hugging the corners on a boxy Festiva or brightening up the curvy lines of a 1994 Aspire, this color was designed to make an economical car feel high-energy. It is a bright, punchy primary red that refuses to blend into the background. Because your car has likely spent decades in the sun, you might notice the original finish looks a bit chalky or dull compared to the fresh paint in your hand. Red is notorious for oxidation, so this fresh pop of color is exactly what those older panels need to look healthy again.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means you do not have to worry about metallic flakes or pearl powders settling unevenly. While solid colors are generally more forgiving for a beginner to apply, red has its own set of rules. Red pigments are naturally more translucent than colors like white or black, so the color of the primer underneath can actually change the final look. If you are covering a dark scratch, you will need more layers to reach full opacity. Before you spray or dab Ford Hot Red (check for code E5), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the heavy red pigments are fully suspended in the liquid.

Best Practices

You can find your color identification on the driver's side door jamb label, listed next to the "EXT PNT" lettering. To get the best match, always test the color on the included card before you touch the car. If you are using a can, keep the container moving in steady passes to avoid any heavy buildup that might cause a sag. Since this is a basecoat, it will dry to a matte or satin finish. You must apply a clear coat once the drying time has passed to get that high-gloss shine and to protect the red pigment from UV fading. Work in a cool garage or the shade to prevent the paint from drying too fast on the surface.