How do I find out what color my Acura is?
Your Acura’s exact exterior color is defined by its paint code, usually found on a sticker in the driver's door jamb. Read that code and match it to Acura’s official color name to confirm the color. If the sticker is missing, you can identify the color via the VIN with a dealer or Acura support.
Why color codes matter and what you’re looking for
Color codes are the factory specification used to mix paint for repairs and touch-ups. The code is typically a short alphanumeric string, and it translates to an official Acura color name (for example, a solid, metallic, or pearl finish). Knowing the exact code helps ensure you get a perfect color match when repainting or touching up your vehicle.
Where to find the color code on most Acura models
To locate the color code efficiently, check these common spots on most Acura models. The exact sticker location can vary by year and trim, so inspect multiple areas if needed.
- Driver's door jamb sticker: look for a label labeled Color, Paint, PNT, or similar. The color code is usually a short string of letters and numbers (often 2–3 characters).
- Driver's door edge or hinge area: some models place the code on the edge of the door or near the latch.
- Under the hood in the engine bay: a small sticker on the firewall or radiator support may carry the paint code.
- Trunk or spare tire area: a label can occasionally be found in the trunk lid or on the luggage area lining.
- Glove box or owner's manual/maintenance booklet: in some cases, color information is printed there for reference.
- Documents: the original window sticker, sales invoice, or owner's manual may list the color name or paint code.
If you locate the code, proceed to cross-reference it with Acura’s official color catalog or dealer databases to confirm the exact color name and finish (solid, metallic, pearl, etc.).
What to do if the sticker is missing or unreadable
If the color code sticker is faded, partially peeled, or absent, use these alternatives to still identify the color.
- Use the VIN to contact a dealership or Acura customer service: provide the VIN, model, year, and trim to retrieve the original factory color.
- Visit an Acura-certified body shop or dealership: technicians can look up the color in factory databases and verify the color with a paint-match scan.
- Use a professional color-matching service: many automotive paint suppliers can scan a panel and match it to a factory formula using spectrophotometry.
Note: The VIN itself does not encode the paint color in most Acura vehicles, but authorized dealers can pull the factory color from production records using the VIN.
Understanding the color code and how to use it
Once you have the paint code, you can look up the official Acura color name and the correct finish. The code ensures you get the right factory formula for touch-ups, repainting, or protective coatings. Be aware that lighting, aging, and clear coats can affect perceived color, so when precision matters, rely on the official code and a professional color match.
Tips for matching color in repairs or touch-ups
Accurate color matching saves time and avoids mismatched panels. Here are practical tips to ensure a good match.
- Always provide the paint code to the shop, not just the color name, since names can vary by year and region.
- Specify the finish (solid, metallic, pearl) and the year of manufacture; finishes affect reflectivity and tone.
- Request a color-matched spray-out panel (a small test sample) before proceeding with larger repairs.
- Consider factory-authorized paints or OEM-released touch-up products for best results.
Having the exact code and finishing details helps ensure a precise match, longevity of the repair, and resale value.
Summary
In practice, your Acura’s color is tied to a factory paint code found on a sticker in common locations such as the driver’s door jamb or engine bay. If the sticker is gone or unreadable, use the VIN to obtain the color from a dealer or Acura support, or rely on professional color matching services. Always use the official paint code and finish when ordering touch-up paint or scheduling a repaint to guarantee a seamless match.
