FORD USA – OEMatch Automotive Basecoat Paint in DARK HIGHLAND GREEN (PDWAXPD)

This OEMatching Automotive Basecoat is precisely matched to FORD USA DARK HIGHLAND GREEN (PDWAXPD), engineered to deliver factory-accurate color performance for both professional painters and DIY users. If you are painting a complete vehicle, whether you are just doing a refresh on your OEM paint, changing the color to a different color code, or doing a complete metal up restoration, we have a complete vehicle paint kit for this color here. 👉 Download and read the instructions and tips and tricks here 👈

This paint color is designed as a 2 stage system, which means it doesn't require a specific undercoat. This makes this paint color beginner friendly and much easier to spray and match vs a tri-stage. All of our OEMatch Basecoats require a Gray AP-7541g Sealer as the ground coat and then needs to be topped with one of our Alpha Automotive Clearcoats for the gloss and protection. This Alpha Automotive Basecoat offers smooth application, consistent coverage, and a true OEM finish. Perfect for spot repairs, panel resprays, or full restorations.

Color details:

• Make: FORD USA
• Color Name: DARK HIGHLAND GREEN
• Color Code: PDWAXPD
• Mix Ratio If "Non-Reduced": 1:1 (Basecoat : Ar-30xx Reducer) - "Ready To Spray" means there is no reduction or added reducer needed.
• Stage System: 2-Stage

How to build a paint kit:

• On the website we have a paint kit builder that allows you to choose what you are painting and we create a complete cart to make sure you get all of the paint components needed for your project!.
• Build Your Own Paint kit and choose just the items and quantities you need for your project.
• All OEMatch Basecoats require our Gray AP-7541g Sealer as the ground coat and then needs to be topped with one of our Alpha Automotive Clearcoats. Please make sure you at least get those for your project.

2-stage paint application:

1. Decide the panels that need to be painted / blended into. With OEM paint, you want to blend into surrounding panels to guarantee a good match and final result.
2. Clean all panels you plan to paint with wax & grease remover or isopropyl alcohol
3. Complete any bodywork and high build priming as needed
4. Sand the panels with 600 grit or a gray scuff pad to make sure there is no shiny areas
5. Reclean the panels with wax & grease remover or isopropyl alcohol
6. If complete panel replacement: Seal the replacement panel completely and blend into the surrounding panels as needed with our AP-7541g Gray Sealer If spot repair on an OEM painted panel: Spot seal the repair area with our AP-7541g Gray Sealer, blending into the panel to have a slow transition of sealer into the sanded factory paint
   *Allow the sealer to air dry for 1hour (after dry to touch) before moving on.
7. Spray 2-4 coats of OEMatch Basecoat , blending into the surrounding panels or the OEM sanded finish if doing a spot repair. You are looking for full coverage and effect. You are ready to spray the next basecoat layer when the finish is “matte” and dry to the touch. PRO TIP: You can check masking with a gloved finger to confirm its dry
8. Once you have full paint coverage and are happy with your blends, wait 1 hour and move on to the next step: Clearcoat!
9. Follow the mixing ratios on the Alpha Automotive Clearcoat and then spray 2-3 medium wet coats on the complete panels. This will encapsulate the blended paint and give the entire panel fresh clearcoat that has deep gloss and protection.
   
   Pro Tip: Recoat clearcoat when the previous coat is “fingerprinty” - you can check this by touching surrounding masking. Usually about 10 mins
10. Let dry for at least 8 hours - then unmask / assemble!

What is blending?

Blending (also called "feathering out" or "melting in") means you gradually taper your new basecoat outward so that the metallic orientation, pearl load, and color tone flow naturally into the existing OEM finish. Instead of stopping the color at a hard tape line, you create a smooth visual transition. The clearcoat then covers the entire panel (or the blend area + full panel), locking everything in and making the repair seamless.