Ford Medium Cypress Green Effect (F3) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from the mid-2000s, an era when Ford leaned into sophisticated, earthy tones for cars like the Ford 500 and the Crosstrainer. It has a deep, mossy character that feels more like a forest shadow than a bright leaf. Since your vehicle has likely lived through nearly two decades of sun and road salt, the original finish might be a shade or two lighter than when it first left the factory. This green is excellent at hiding light dust and road grime, but it requires a clean, even application to restore that original, quiet dignity.

Technical Details

The "Effect" in the name tells you there are tiny metallic flakes suspended in the paint. These flakes provide the depth you see in the sun, but they can be a headache for the unprepared. If the paint is applied too heavily or with inconsistent flow, the flakes will bunch up or lay down unevenly, creating dark spots or visible stripes. Because this is a darker metallic, it is particularly prone to mottling, which makes the surface look cloudy or dirty even when the paint is dry. Keeping those flakes distributed is the only way to get the finish right.

Best Practices

You can verify your color match by checking the manufacturing sticker on the driver's side door jamb; look for the characters labeled "EXT PNT." Before you spray or dab Ford Medium Cypress Green Effect (check for code F3), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Gravity causes the metallic particles to settle at the bottom of the container, and if they aren't fully mixed, the color will look dull or mismatched. Test the color on the included card before moving to the car to see how the flakes settle. When you are ready to work in your garage or the shade, apply thin, light layers and keep the container moving to prevent the metallic particles from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets hard and maintains its luster.