How do I find the exact color of my car paint?
Whether you're touching up a scratch, repainting a panel, or restoring your car to its original glory, knowing the exact color of your car paint is essential. At Kevin's Autos, we’ve helped countless customers identify their car’s paint color with precision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find your car’s exact paint color.
Why Knowing Your Car’s Paint Color Matters
Your car’s paint color is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a key part of maintaining your vehicle’s value and appearance. Using the wrong shade can make repairs stand out, reducing the overall appeal of your car. Matching the exact color ensures a seamless finish that looks professional and polished.
Steps to Find Your Car’s Exact Paint Color
Follow these steps to locate and identify your car’s paint color:
- Check the Manufacturer’s Paint Code: Most vehicles have a paint code listed on a sticker or plate. This is often located in one of the following places:
- Inside the driver’s side door jamb
- Under the hood, near the engine bay
- In the trunk, under the spare tire cover
- On the glove box door
The paint code is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as "PXR" or "NH-731P". - Consult Your Owner’s Manual: If you’re having trouble locating the paint code, your owner’s manual may provide guidance on where to find it.
- Contact the Manufacturer or Dealership: If the paint code is missing or unclear, your car’s manufacturer or dealership can often provide the information based on your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Use an Online Paint Code Database: Many websites allow you to search for your car’s paint code by entering the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
- Visit a Professional Auto Shop: At Kevin’s Autos, we use advanced tools to scan your car’s paint and identify the exact color match. This is especially helpful for older vehicles or custom paint jobs.
Tips for Accurate Color Matching
Here are some additional tips to ensure you get the perfect match:
- Account for Fading: Over time, your car’s paint may fade due to sun exposure and weather conditions. A professional auto shop can adjust for this when mixing paint.
- Bring a Sample: If possible, bring a small removable part of your car (like a fuel door) to the shop for a precise match.
- Test Before Applying: Always test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to confirm the match before applying it to a larger surface.
Conclusion
Finding the exact color of your car paint doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a perfect match for your vehicle. If you’re unsure or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to visit Kevin’s Autos. Our experienced team is here to help you with all your car maintenance and repair needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you match car paint exactly?
The best way to match a car's paint code is by tracking down the color code which is specified somewhere on your physical vehicle (see below). If you cannot locate the paint code you can opt to look up your vehicle's paint code using the make, model, year and color on an online paint code finder.
How can I find the exact paint color of my car?
Car color codes are most easily found on your vehicle information sticker, usually located on your dash, in the trunk, or inside your door jamb.
How to tell paint color from VIN Ford?
As long as you provide the VIN, someone at Ford should be able to let you know your color code. You can call the Ford company at 1-800-392-3673. Make sure to call sometime between Monday and Friday, as the company is closed on weekends. Enter your VIN on a website.
How do you know what color paint is exact?
Use a color-matching tool like the Nix Mini 2 or Datacolor ColorReader EZ. Both use a small portable sensor in tandem with an app to identify the closest known paint color match for pretty much any object or surface in your home. Many paint companies and home improvement stores offer mobile apps to help match paint.
How to find exact car paint color?
Where to Find the Paint Code for Your Car. Car color codes are most easily found on your vehicle information sticker, usually located on your dash, in the trunk, or inside your door jamb.
How do you match pre existing paint?
"Simply remove the cover and use a utility knife to gently cut out a small piece of dried paint," says Sara McLean, color expert and stylist at Dunn-Edwards. "Bring this color chip into a paint store, which will have the technology to determine the exact color match."
Is there a database for car paint?
The car paints database
Welcome to carpaints.co, the biggest interactive automotive paints website! We document paints for all makes & models to showcase the available options, both from the standard color palette and the special requests, also known as PTS (paint to sample).
Where can I find the color of my car paint?
Most vehicles have a vehicle information sticker that lists the VIN and the paint color code. Check the dashboard on the driver's side or the inside of the driver's side door jamb to find this sticker and check the color code.
How do I find out the exact color of my car?
To find out what colour your car is, you need to track down your paint code. This can usually be found on a plate or sticker inside the driver's door or glovebox. See our diagram below for the best places to check according to your make and model.
Does the VIN number tell paint color?
Your car's VIN gives you a lot of information about your vehicle, but it won't give you your paint code to find your car's touch up paint. So, where can you go to find automotive paint color? Most vehicles have paint codes listed inside the driver's door jamb.
