The Complete Automotive Paint Codes Cheatsheet: Find & Match Your Vehicle’s Perfect Color

Introduction: Understanding Automotive Paint Codes

Automotive paint codes are alphanumeric identifiers that manufacturers use to specify the exact color formulation for a vehicle. These codes ensure consistent color matching for repairs, restorations, and custom work. Every manufacturer uses a unique coding system, and understanding these codes is essential for achieving a perfect color match when repainting or touching up a vehicle.

Why Paint Codes Matter:

• Ensures exact color matching for repairs and touch-ups
• Essential for restoration projects and maintaining vehicle value
• Prevents mismatched panels and visible repair spots
• Saves time and money by avoiding trial-and-error color matching
• Required information for quality body shops and paint suppliers

Locating Your Vehicle’s Paint Code

Common Paint Code Locations by Manufacturer

Decoding Paint Code Labels

Most paint code labels contain:

• VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
• Paint Code: Color identifier (may be labeled as “C/TR”, “PNT”, “PAINT”, etc.)
• Trim Code: Interior color/material
• Date of Manufacture: Production date
• Other Codes: Assembly plant, transmission type, etc.

Paint Code Systems by Manufacturer

American Manufacturers

Ford Motor Company

• Format: Single letter, two letters, or letter-number combination
• Examples:
  • M7103A (Race Red)
  • UX (Medium Titanium)
  • Z1 (Oxford White)
• Special Notes:
  • Base coat/clear coat indicated by two-stage code
  • Special editions often get unique codes
  • Model year matters; same code can be different shades across years

General Motors

• Format: WA#### or RPO code (GXX)
• Examples:
  • WA8555 (Arctic White)
  • WA140X (Black)
  • GAN (Silver Ice Metallic)
• Special Notes:
  • GM changed to WA codes in early 2000s
  • RPO (Regular Production Option) codes on service parts ID label
  • Different divisions (Chevrolet, Cadillac, etc.) may use same colors with different names

Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram

• Format: Letter and numbers (often 3 characters)
• Examples:
  • PW7 (Bright White)
  • PX8 (Black)
  • PSC (Hydro Blue Pearl)
• Special Notes:
  • First letter often indicates color family (P=production, F=fleet, etc.)
  • May include a “paint chip” number after main code
  • Special edition colors get unique codes

Japanese Manufacturers

Toyota/Lexus

• Format: Number-letter or number-number-number
• Examples:
  • 1F7 (Classic Silver Metallic)
  • 202 (Black)
  • 3T0 (Supersonic Red)
• Special Notes:
  • Some colors have C/TR code variants indicating clear coat
  • Lexus may use same code with different names
  • Can find touch-up paint by exact code at dealerships

Honda/Acura

• Format: Letter prefix + numbers (often 3-4 characters)
• Examples:
  • NH603P (White Diamond Pearl)
  • B92P (Nighthawk Black Pearl)
  • R94 (San Marino Red)
• Special Notes:
  • Prefix indicates color family (NH=neutral, B=blue, R=red, etc.)
  • “P” suffix indicates pearl finish
  • “M” suffix indicates metallic finish

Nissan/Infiniti

• Format: Letter combination
• Examples:
  • QAB (Pearl White)
  • KH3 (Super Black)
  • KAD (Gun Metallic)
• Special Notes:
  • First letter often indicates color family
  • Some codes have year-specific variations
  • Infiniti often uses same codes as Nissan with premium variations

European Manufacturers

Volkswagen/Audi

• Format: L#### (often L + letter + numbers)
• Examples:
  • LY9B (Candy White)
  • LC9X (Deep Black Pearl)
  • LZ1Z (Tornado Red)
• Special Notes:
  • L prefix standard for most colors
  • May include a color code and separate finish code
  • Audi exclusive colors have different format (often Z+)

BMW

• Format: Three-digit number
• Examples:
  • 300 (Alpine White)
  • 668 (Jet Black)
  • 475 (Black Sapphire Metallic)
• Special Notes:
  • Individual program colors prefixed with P or S
  • Individual colors have a different format
  • Modern BMW color labels include both color name and code

Mercedes-Benz

• Format: Three-digit number
• Examples:
  • 040 (Black)
  • 149 (Polar White)
  • 890 (Cavansite Blue Metallic)
• Special Notes:
  • Designo and special colors have different numbering system
  • Matte finishes often specified separately
  • Color codes remain consistent across model years

Types of Automotive Paint and Finishes

Paint Types Comparison

Common Paint Finish Codes and Meanings

Paint Matching Process

Step-by-Step Color Matching Workflow

1. Identify the Paint Code

   • Locate code using manufacturer’s location chart
   • Document exact code, including any prefix or suffix
   • Note year, make, and model for reference

2. Decode the Paint Code

   • Determine color type (solid, metallic, pearl, etc.)
   • Identify if special finishing processes are needed
   • Check for production variations of same code

3. Source Paint Options

   • Factory touch-up paint (limited quantity, accurate)
   • Paint shop custom mix (bulk quantity, may vary)
   • Pre-mixed aftermarket paint (convenient, may not be exact)
   • Online color-matched suppliers (variable quality)

4. Test Match Before Application

   • Spray test panel and compare when dry
   • Check in different lighting conditions
   • Verify color match on inconspicuous area of vehicle

5. Blend for Perfect Matches

   • Feather edges into adjacent panels
   • Apply slightly beyond repair area
   • Clear coat entire panel for seamless finish

Common Paint Matching Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Color Variation in Same Code

Solutions:

• Request paint code variants (A, B, C, etc.) if manufacturer offers them
• Use color spectrophotometer for precise matching
• Consider using camera color matching technology
• Obtain paint from dealer with vehicle production date info
• Blend new paint into existing panels to hide slight variations

Challenge: Faded or Weathered Paint

Solutions:

• Match to inconspicuous area with less weathering
• Consider cut and polish of existing paint before matching
• Use paint formula with UV protection to match aging
• Match to inside door jamb for original color
• Consider full panel respray rather than spot repair

Challenge: Special Effect Paints

Solutions:

• For pearls and metallics: match in direct sunlight and shade
• For color-shift: check at multiple angles and lighting conditions
• Use specialized spraying techniques for effect paints
• Consider OEM paint for exact match despite higher cost
• Allow for additional blending and clear coat layers

Challenge: Discontinued Colors

Solutions:

• Check with specialty paint suppliers for archived formulas
• Use color matching spectrophotometer services
• Consider classic/restoration specialists for vintage colors
• Look for new-old-stock paint from collectors or forums
• Create custom mix with professional color matcher

Paint Code Databases and Resources

Online Paint Code Lookup Tools

Manufacturer Color Tools

DIY Touch-Up Techniques

Touch-Up Paint Application Methods

DIY Touch-Up Steps

1. Preparation

   • Clean surface thoroughly with wax/grease remover
   • Sand damage area with appropriate grit (typically 800-2000)
   • Mask surrounding areas if needed
   • Apply primer if bare metal is exposed

2. Color Application

   • Shake paint container thoroughly (2+ minutes)
   • Apply thin layers with appropriate tool
   • Allow proper flash time between coats
   • Build up color gradually rather than heavy coats

3. Clear Coat (if applicable)

   • Allow color coat to dry completely
   • Apply thin, even layers of clear
   • Maintain recommended distance for spray application
   • Apply 2-3 coats for proper protection

4. Finishing

   • Allow full cure time per product instructions
   • Wet sand with 2000+ grit if needed
   • Polish to blend with surrounding paint
   • Apply wax or sealant after full cure

Best Practices and Tips

For Perfect Color Matching

• Temperature matters: Paint at 70-75°F (21-24°C) with 50% humidity when possible
• Lighting is crucial: Match colors in natural daylight, never indoor lighting only
• Spray technique affects color: Maintain consistent distance and overlap
• Prepare properly: Surface prep affects final color appearance
• Test before committing: Always spray a test panel first
• Consider your shop environment: Dust and contamination affect color match
• Document everything: Keep records of mix ratios and techniques

For Touch-Up Durability

• Proper adhesion requires cleanliness: Remove all wax, grease, and contaminants
• Primer is essential for bare metal: Prevents rust and promotes adhesion
• Respect cure times: Don’t rush between coats or before polishing
• UV protection matters: Use high-quality clear coat with UV inhibitors
• Temperature cycling affects durability: Allow full cure before extreme temperatures
• Edge-to-edge is better than spot repair: Avoid future edge lifting
• Pro-level clear coat makes a difference: Higher quality products last longer

Additional Resources

Professional Associations and Training

• Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
• Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)
• PPG Training Programs
• BASF Color Skills Courses
• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Paint Certification

Books and Publications

• “Automotive Paint Handbook” by John Pfanstiehl
• “Pro Paint & Body” by Jim Richardson
• “How to Paint Your Car” by Dennis Parks
• “Automotive Painting Technology” by Antti Nylund
• “Color Manual” by BASF

Forums and Online Communities

• Autobody101.com
• PaintUcation.com
• GarageJournal.com (Paint Section)
• Reddit r/Autobody
• Paintsociety.org

Video Tutorials and Channels

• Gunman’s Custom Paint (YouTube)
• Kevin Tetz’s Paintucation (Online courses)
• 3M Collision Repair (YouTube)
• Eastwood Company (YouTube)
• Fitzee’s Fabrications (YouTube)

Special Considerations for Classic and Exotic Vehicles

Classic Car Paint Code Resources

Exotic Car Paint Considerations

• Ferrari: Custom color verification through Ferrari Classiche
• Lamborghini: Ad Personam program tracks individual vehicle colors
• Bentley: Custom color matching service available through dealers
• Porsche: Paint to Sample (PTS) program maintains historical archives
• McLaren: MSO custom colors require special process for matching
• Bugatti: Each color unique to specific vehicle, documented by VIN
• Rolls-Royce: Bespoke program creates and documents individual colors