Ford Crosstrainer Touch Up Paint (12 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

The Ford Crosstrainer-the crossover that paved the way for the Freestyle-didn't hold back on the drama when it came to naming conventions. With 12 colors recorded, they really went all-in on the "Effect" suffix. Whether you're driving the sophisticated Merlot Red Effect, the rugged Pueblo Gold Effect, or the moody Dark Shadow Gunmetal Grey, Ford wanted you to know there was a lot happening in that clear coat. It's a palette that balances "suburban professional" with just enough metallic flake to catch the light at the grocery store.

What to Watch For

If you're looking for your paint code, don't go hunting in the trunk or under the hood. Ford kept it simple: open your driver's side door and look at the VIN sticker on the door jamb. You're looking for the letters "EXT PNT" followed by two characters.

Now, for the reality check: these Fords are famous for a specific quirk-aluminum hood bubbling. Because the hood is aluminum, you might see small "pimples" forming near the front edge. This isn't usually a sign of traditional rust, but rather a little chemical disagreement between the metal and the paint. You might also notice some thinning or "softness" on the roof and hatch seams where the sun likes to beat down. Don't panic; it's manageable, but it does mean your prep work needs a steady hand.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since almost every color on the Crosstrainer list (like Redfire Pearl or Norsea Blue) is an "Effect" or "Pearl" color, your biggest challenge isn't the color-it's the sparkles. Those tiny metallic flakes like to settle at the bottom of the bottle like heavy sand.

The Fix: Before you touch the car, shake your touch-up bottle or pen for a full two minutes. I'm serious-set a timer. If you don't mix those flakes thoroughly, your repair will look too dark and flat. When applying, use the "dabbing" method rather than a long brush stroke. Think of it like adding a tiny drop of water to a pond; let the paint find its own level. Two thin coats will always look better than one giant, gloopy "mountain" of paint.