Why is there color differences in the vehicle paint?

Factory paint on various parts and panels of the vehicle, particularly metallic and 'mica' paints, will vary for numerous reasons. These may include, but not be limited to:

1. Variation based on the substrate on which the paint is applied. For example, the exact same paint on a steel panel will look a different shade on a plastic or mixed material bumper bar or fascia panel 
2. Paint application may occur at different times and locations during the manufacturing process. This is normally minimised in most Ford assembly plants globally, but different application locations and times may still occur infrequently. For example, a removable panel such as a boot (deck) lid or bonnet (hood) might be painted separately to the main body and assembled doors. Even though this is done using the same equipment and paint, there may be slight variations visible as a result
3. Slight adjustments can be made between vehicle painting on the assembly line in the paint shop that may cause the metallic or mica to lay down differently from vehicle to vehicle
4. Most commonly, light reflects very differently on curved vs. flat surfaces, and is more easily contained when there's a break line such as the edge of a panel or door, causing the appearance of a different colour when one does not exist
5. Finally, the colour of the undercoating used between different assembly plants may change the shade of the same colour on different vehicles produced in different assembly plants

If you are concerned about any difference in paint colour on your vehicle, please contact your local Ford dealership.