Ford’s Tuxedo Black Metallic — factory paint code UH — is one of the most requested dark colors Ford has ever offered. It is a metallic black loaded with fine aluminum flake under a high-gloss clear coat, which is why it looks almost liquid in sunlight and nearly bottomless at night. It is not a flat or matte black; the depth comes from that metallic layer reflecting light back through the clear coat.

It looks stunning, but it is also one of the most demanding colors you can own. Here is what the paint actually is, what it costs, which models offer it, and how to keep it looking the way it did on the showroom floor.

Which Ford Models Offer Tuxedo Black?

Tuxedo Black has appeared across much of Ford’s lineup, including the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape, Edge, Expedition, and Bronco, though availability varies by model year and trim. On most models it is offered as a factory option costing around $495 — a modest upcharge for one of the most head-turning colors on the lot. Because it is a standard production color rather than a limited edition, ordering it new rarely involves any drama; the challenge is keeping it flawless afterward.

What Does Tuxedo Black Cost Beyond the Factory Option?

If you are buying used or need paint work, costs climb quickly:

• Factory option (new): roughly $495 depending on model and year.
• Touch-up pen (Motorcraft, code UH): about $15–$25 — fine for small stone chips.
• Panel respray or bumper blend: typically $300–$800 at a reputable shop, since metallic black must be blended carefully to match flake and gloss.
• Full professional respray: $3,000–$10,000+ depending on vehicle size, shop quality, and how much disassembly is involved.

Metallic finishes punish cheap work. A bargain respray often shows up as a slightly different shade of black in direct sunlight, which defeats the entire purpose of the color. For anything larger than a chip, a trusted auto repair shop with a proper paint booth is worth the money.

Finding Your Paint Code

Before ordering any touch-up paint, confirm your code. Open the driver’s door and check the certification label on the door jamb — you will see EXT PNT: UH for Tuxedo Black Metallic. Always order paint matched to the code rather than the color name; Ford has used several blacks over the years, and “close enough” is visibly wrong on a metallic finish.

Maintenance: Keeping Black Looking Black

No color shows neglect faster than black. Dust, water spots, swirl marks, and fine scratches that would be invisible on silver are all on full display here. A few habits make a real difference:

• Wash with the two-bucket method using a microfiber wash mitt — one bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing the mitt. This alone prevents most swirl marks.
• Skip automatic brush car washes. The brushes leave fine scratches that show up as spider-webbing in sunlight on black paint. Touchless washes or hand washing are far safer.
• Dry immediately with a clean microfiber towel to prevent water spots, which etch into the clear coat if left to bake in the sun.
• Apply wax or sealant every 3–6 months, or consider a ceramic coating ($500–$2,000 professionally applied) for longer-lasting protection and easier washing.
• Park in shade or a garage whenever possible — UV exposure dulls clear coat over time, and it shows first on black.

If the paint already has swirl marks, a one-step machine polish followed by a sealant restores most of the depth. For the best results on a neglected finish, have paint correction done by a professional auto detailing service before applying any long-term coating.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Not ready to commit to a factory respray? A high-gloss black vinyl wrap ($2,500–$3,500 installed) gets you very close to the Tuxedo Black look, protects the original paint underneath, and is removable when you sell the car. DIY paint jobs are the riskiest option: metallic black demands proper surface prep, an HVLP spray gun, and a dust-free space. Without those, the result almost always looks worse than the worn paint you started with.

Tuxedo Black vs. Shadow Black: Don’t Mix Them Up

Ford also offers Shadow Black (paint code G1), and buyers confuse the two constantly. Shadow Black is a solid, non-metallic black — flat, uniform, and cheaper to touch up. Tuxedo Black Metallic (UH) has the metallic flake that gives it depth and sparkle in sunlight. If you are ordering touch-up paint or shopping for a used Ford, check the door jamb label rather than trusting the color name on the listing. Ordering G1 paint for a UH car (or vice versa) will leave you with a repair that never quite matches.

The Downsides Nobody Mentions

Tuxedo Black has real trade-offs. Black absorbs more heat than any other color, so the cabin gets noticeably hotter in summer and the air conditioning works harder. Every speck of dust shows within a day of washing. Stone chips reveal light-colored primer underneath, making them more visible than on lighter cars. And on the plus side for resale, black remains one of the most popular car colors in America, so a well-kept Tuxedo Black Ford tends to hold its value well.

Is Tuxedo Black Right for You?

If you enjoy detailing your car and want the deepest, most dramatic look Ford offers, Tuxedo Black is hard to beat — nothing else on the road has quite the same presence at night. If you want a low-maintenance daily driver that still looks clean between washes, a lighter metallic like Iconic Silver will be kinder to your weekends. Either way, keep up with routine car maintenance and your Ford will reward you for years.