Recently purchased some touch up paint directly from Ford for my 2017 F150, the color is magnetic metallic grey (J7).
Before I purchased, I double checked the paint code on the door sticker and confirmed the code.
When I got home and applied the paint on a couple small rock chips on my hood, I immediately saw the paint was much lighter.
I let the paint dry, but it was still very light. Thinking there was an error in the paint mix, I exchanged it for a
new container. Same result.

I've never had any problem with Fords touch up paint in the past, so why is this happening and what can I do
(short of going to a body shop and having them custom mix a color) to get the correct color match?

 

I have had the same results with three manufacturer's (Ford, GM and FIAT) supposed "factory" touch up paint in recent times. I think one manufacturer makes the paint for everyone and frankly, they do a lousy job. I've never been happy and I have been using these sticks for years with other cars.
It is better than nothing. With one car, I went to a parts store and bought about four other sticks and came much closer than the factory.

 

Have you tried Toyota? They have magnetic metallic in their lineup of colors.

 

Same color, same issue. The paint pen i got with my 15 was dead on a perfect match, I bought a new pen from the dealership with my 18 and its wayyyy off, both J7 magnetic but the newer one is much lighter for some reason, I ended up taking my truck to a chip repair shop.

 

I went to the local paint shop supplier and got a small vial of paint. IT's a bit pricy (relatively speaking). I gave them my VIN and my gas lid. They scanned it and gave me a darn near perfect match. I noticed the "factory" stuff was bit light too, it would darken after putting the clear. But if you look close you could notice. When I got the touch up from the local supplier it takes some effort to notice. I have a +18 blue jeans.

 

Another option is to mix a little black touch-up paint to it and see if you can get it to match. I’d try that before throwing the pen away. Add a teensy amount at a time (like just the tip of a brush worth’s) and mix until it matches.

 

I have the same year and color, I ended up using this with better results.
https://www.drcolorchip.com/store/sq...ueegee-kit.php

 

I was unaware the paint code was on the door sticker.
My autobody supplier told me the paint codes are now embedded into the VIN number and ar no longer on the door sticker.

Anyway...I also discovered that just because Ford calls the paint a certain name, there could be variations of shades within that named colour.
Case in point, I went to get some paint mixed up for my truck...Oxford White...the paint tech said there were 4 variations of Oxford white.

We went to my truck and did a color swatch match and yup, there were 4!

Using the color match, we mixed up a spray can of perfectly matching Oxford white paint.

My advice is go through a paint supply store.

 

I bought genuine Ford touch up for my 18 Lead foot and it is a mile off. Ended up buying from some body shop on eBay and got a good match.

 

Dr. Colorchip is your friend!

Dr. Colorchip