1956 Ford Touch Up Paint (18 OEM Colors)

The 1956 Ford Vibe

Welcome to the peak of the "Chrome and Color" era. In 1956, Ford wasn't just selling transportation; they were selling optimism in two-tone packages. Whether it was a Fairlane Sunliner or a hard-working F-100, the 1956 palette was a masterclass in saturation. With 18 colors in our database, we've tracked everything from the head-turning Sunset Coral and Mandarin Orange to the cool, sophisticated Peacock Blue. This was the year of the "Lifeguard Design" safety push, but the only thing safer than those deep-dish steering wheels was a coat of Colonial White paired with Fiesta Red-a combination that still stops traffic today.

Paint Health Check

Since we are firmly in the Single Stage Era, your biggest enemy isn't peeling-it's "The Chalk." Back then, Ford used baked-on alkyd enamels. These paints are thick and durable, but they are chemically "open." Over decades, the sun bakes out the resins, leaving behind a dull, chalky layer of oxidation. If you're looking at a Nocturne Blue Metallic or Pine Ridge Green Metallic that looks grey and lifeless, that's the aluminum flake in the paint literally rusting on the surface. Unlike modern clear coats that flake off like a bad sunburn, this paint just slowly turns into dust. It's thirsty for oils, and if you let it stay dry, the elements will eventually reach the metal.

Restoration Tip

The golden rule for 1956 enamel: It needs wax or it dies. If you're working with original paint that's gone chalky, don't just reach for the heaviest sandpaper you can find. Start with a high-quality rubbing compound and a slow-speed buffer to "exhume" the color buried under that oxidation. You'll know you're doing it right because your buffing pad will turn the exact color of the car-don't panic, that's just the dead surface coming off. Once you hit fresh pigment, seal it immediately. These single-stage finishes are porous; without a heavy carnauba wax or a modern sealant, the "chalk" will be back before the next oil change.