Finding your car's paint code is essential when you need touch-up paint, want to repair scratches, or plan a professional paint job. This alphanumeric code tells you the exact color and finish of your vehicle's factory paint, ensuring perfect color matching every time.
What Is a Paint Code?
A paint code is a unique identifier that manufacturers assign to each specific paint color and finish combination. These codes typically consist of 2-6 characters combining letters and numbers. For example, Toyota's "040" represents Super White, while BMW's "A96" indicates Mineral White Metallic.
Paint codes differ from color names because manufacturers often use multiple similar shades with different names across model years. The code eliminates confusion and ensures you get exactly the right paint formulation.
Common Paint Code Locations by Manufacturer
Ford Vehicles
Ford places paint codes on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Look for a white or silver label with multiple lines of text. The paint code appears after "EXT PNT" and consists of two characters, such as "UG" for Agate Black Metallic or "PN" for Magnetic Metallic.
General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac)
GM vehicles typically have paint codes in the glove compartment on a service parts identification sticker. The code follows "BC/CC" and uses 3-4 characters. For instance, "WA8624" represents Summit White, while "GBA" indicates Graphite Metallic.
Toyota and Lexus
Toyota places paint codes on the driver's side door jamb on a certification label. Look for a code starting with "C/TR:" followed by 3 characters. Common examples include "070" for Blizzard Pearl and "218" for Attitude Black Metallic.
Honda and Acura
Honda typically places paint codes on the driver's side door jamb. The format varies but often appears as "COLOR:" followed by 2-3 characters. "NH731P" represents Crystal Black Pearl, while "B588P" indicates Platinum White Pearl.
European Manufacturers
BMW paint codes appear on a sticker in the engine bay or door jamb, using format like "668/Black Sapphire Metallic." Mercedes-Benz codes are often 3-4 digits found on door jambs, such as "040" for Cosmос Black Metallic. Volkswagen and Audi use codes like "LY9B" for Ibis White, typically located in the spare tire well or door jamb.
How to Locate Your Paint Code
Check the Door Jamb First
Start with the driver's side door jamb, as this is the most common location across manufacturers. Open the driver's door completely and examine the area where the door latches to the car body. Look for stickers or metal plates with multiple lines of small text.
Examine the Glove Compartment
Many vehicles have service stickers inside the glove compartment containing paint codes along with other vehicle information. Remove all contents and check all surfaces, including the sides and back wall.
Inspect Under the Hood
Some manufacturers place paint code stickers on the radiator support, strut towers, or other locations in the engine bay. Look for white or silver stickers with vehicle identification information.
Check Alternative Locations
Less common locations include the spare tire well, trunk lid, fuel door, or center console. Some luxury vehicles have paint codes on removable panels or in owner's manual pockets.
Decoding Paint Code Information
Paint codes often include additional information beyond the base color. Letters might indicate finish type: "M" typically means metallic, "P" indicates pearl, and "S" suggests solid or non-metallic finishes.
Some codes specify both interior and exterior colors. Exterior paint codes are usually listed first or marked with abbreviations like "EXT," "OUT," or "E."
Using Paint Codes for Touch-ups and Repairs
Once you've located your paint code, you can order exact-match touch-up paint from dealerships, automotive paint suppliers, or online retailers. Many companies maintain comprehensive paint code databases that cross-reference codes with specific paint formulations.
For professional repairs, provide the paint code to body shops or painters. They can use this information to mix precise color matches, even for older vehicles where the original paint may have faded slightly.
When ordering paint, always double-check the code against your vehicle's year, make, and model, as manufacturers occasionally reuse codes for different colors across different time periods or vehicle lines.