I'm going to get a touch up kit for my Ruby Red F150. I seen them listed from different sources identified by year i.e. RR 2014, RR 2015, etc. Is there a difference. I've had to have my 2015 RR repainted recently and they may have used 2017 mix paint but I'm not sure without asking them.

Also, who are the best resources for touch up kits. I haven't had good luck buying Ford's pens as far as matching.
Thanks.

 

In short- yes, there is a specific color code for each vehicle and the code is listed/labeled on each vehicle as well.........if you look online, you can find the location of where this code is posted for each model/year of vehicle

 

If your bodyshop is using waterborne paint they will not be able to provide touch up for you to take with. Waterborne in touch up has to be activated and used right away.They might be able to do it for you. I do it all of the time at my shop. Aftermarket touchup paint is solvent. When painting a car there are several color variants to choose from based on field formulas and origin of factory. Touchup paints in general are just what is considered a prime formula. It won't vary enough to be really noticeable if all you are doing is touchup. Keep in mind code RR is a applied in a 3 stage tinted clear coat process. Matching it in touchup form is practically impossible. Let's hope whatever you are touching up is very small. You can get really good touchup paint online at "paintscratch.com"
Good luck.

 

as beachkid stated.. yes the colors do vary year to year... they can also vary from one batch to another... (you can check this with Whites and reds and several other colors even in rattle cans and store mixed wall paints).. if your lucky enough you can get 2 cans filled from the same production date & batch thatll 100% match with each other... but if you grab 2 cans from different batches (even if mixed on the same production date) you can end up with 2 different "shades" in the color.. thats why touchup kits/pens/brushes" will get close but still be off a shade or so.. even if you have the paint mix ratios and can be very hard to match 2 colors together.