What Is Tuxedo Black Paint? | Ford’s Code UH Metallic

Whether you call it Tuxedo Black paint or Ford code UH, it’s an OEM automotive finish, not a universal household color. It’s sold as touch-up paint, aerosol sprays, and basecoat/clearcoat refinish systems for repairing scratches, chips, and panels. Because the name gets applied loosely across multiple sellers, knowing the exact code matters more than the color’s nickname.

What Makes Tuxedo Black Metallic Distinct?

Tuxedo Black is a metallic two-stage finish. Unlike a solid black, the metallic flakes catch light and give the surface a subtle sparkle that shifts with the viewing angle. Ford applied this color across a wide range of vehicles, and retailers consistently list these compatible models:

• F-Series trucks (F-150 and Super Duty)
• Fusion and Taurus / Taurus X
• Edge, Explorer, Escape, Expedition
• Flex, Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Transit

Model years span 2008 through 2016, with availability varying by vehicle. The finish requires a clear coat in basecoat systems to deliver proper gloss and exterior durability — spraying the base color alone leaves it dull and prone to damage.

How To Identify The Correct Tuxedo Black

Ford stamps the paint code on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb, right next to the EXT PNT label. Look for the characters UH to confirm the finish. Always check this before ordering, because “Tuxedo Black” is used as a color name across multiple sellers and may not match non-Ford finishes — a separate Mazda listing pairs code UH with a different code (40K) for the Tribute, proving the same name can appear in different catalog systems.

Application And Common Mistakes

Most touch-up products need a brief shake before use. U-POL’s aerosol instructions say to shake the can for at least 60 seconds and test the spray on scrap plastic, metal, or the included card before touching the vehicle. For chip repairs, clean the area first and apply thin coats, letting each layer flash before the next.

The most common mistakes boil down to three shortcuts:

• Ordering by name only without verifying code UH on the vehicle label.
• Assuming all “Tuxedo Black” products are identical across brands or automakers.
• Using a basecoat without a clear coat when the product requires one for durability.

When the color matches and the clear coat goes on correctly, the repair blends well with factory paint. If you’re shopping for the right product and want to compare tested options side by side, our tested picks for the best Tuxedo Black paint cover the touch-up pens, aerosols, and kits that actually match code UH.

FAQ

Is Tuxedo Black The Same On Every Ford?

No. Tuxedo Black Metallic is code UH, but Ford used other blacks like Ebony (UA) and Black (A1) across its lineup. Verify the code on your door jamb sticker before ordering, since the same name is sometimes applied loosely across sellers.

Can I Use Tuxedo Black Touch-Up Paint On Other Cars?

Only if the other vehicle’s paint code matches UH precisely. The metallic flakes and tone are specific to Ford’s formula, so using it on a different automaker’s finish will leave a visible mismatch.

Does Tuxedo Black Need A Clear Coat?

Yes, for basecoat/clearcoat systems, a clear coat is required for correct gloss and exterior durability. Skip it and the finish will look flat and fade quickly in sunlight.