How to find custom paint code?
To find a custom paint code, start by locating the OEM color code on the vehicle’s data sticker or via the VIN with a dealership. If the color is truly custom and there’s no official code, you’ll rely on professional color matching. This guide walks you through where to look, how to use official channels, and what to do when you’re dealing with a non-OEM shade.
Where to look on the car for the paint code
This section outlines the most common places where manufacturers print exterior color codes. Availability and exact location can vary by model and year, so check several spots if needed.
Common locations to check
- Driver's-side door jamb or edge label: Most cars carry the exterior color code on a sticker inside the door frame or on the door itself.
- Under the hood or on the radiator support: Some models place the code on a label near the engine bay or firewall.
- In the trunk or spare tire well: A separate label may be found near the trunk hinges or inside the trunk lid.
- Glove box or consumer manuals: A few brands store the code on a label inside the glove compartment or on the owner’s manual pages.
- Other interior locations by model: Some vehicles place the label in the driver-side knee area or the B-pillar.
If you can’t locate a label, try the vehicle’s original sales invoice or window sticker, or contact a dealership with your VIN for guidance. Once you locate the code, verify it against the vehicle’s model year and trim to avoid mismatches.
Using the VIN and manufacturer resources
VIN-based lookups can confirm the factory color with official sources. This approach is often quicker and more reliable than guessing from appearance alone.
How to obtain the color code from the VIN
- Identify the VIN: The 17-character VIN is usually visible on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or in the vehicle’s registration documents.
- Visit the official brand resource or contact the dealer: Use the brand’s online tools or speak with a parts specialist at a dealership; provide the VIN, year, make, and model.
- Request the exterior paint code and color name: The dealer or brand support should pull the color code used when the vehicle left the factory, including any subcodes for metallic or pearlescent finishes.
- Consider alternative services if necessary: If official channels cannot provide the code, professional paint suppliers or color-matching services can often look up the color using the VIN or model and provide a compatible paint product.
- Validate the code with a second source: When possible, confirm the code with another dealer or the original window sticker to avoid mismatch.
For most modern vehicles, VIN-based lookups are reliable, but some brands do not publish public databases. If you encounter trouble, a local auto body shop can help interpret the code and guide you to the right paint supplier.
What to do if you have a custom or non-OEM color
Custom or non-OEM colors often lack an official factory code. In these cases, you’ll rely on color matching and a paint shop’s expertise to reproduce the shade.
How to proceed when there is no official color code
- Bring a sample or a high-quality photo to a shop: A body shop or paint retailer can begin a color match using a spectrophotometer or manual swatches.
- Request a multi-stage color formula if needed: Metallics, pearls, or candy finishes may require several components (base coat, mid-coat, and clear coat) with a precise mixing formula.
- Work with a reputable supplier or shop: They will generate a paint recipe using their mixing system (PPG, Axalta, Sherwin-Williams, etc.) and provide a batch label for future touch-ups.
- Test and refine: Apply a test panel in a discreet area to ensure the shade matches under different lighting; adjust as necessary.
- Record the final recipe for future use: Save the exact formula, brand, and mix ratios so future repairs stay consistent.
Note that a custom color can be reproduced, but it may require more time and cost than matching an OEM shade. Clear communication with the painter about tone, depth, and finish is essential for a consistent result.
What to do with the paint code once you have it
With the color code in hand, you can source touch-up paint, order spray cans, or coordinate a repair with a shop. Here are practical steps to ensure accuracy and longevity of the finish.
- Use the code for touch-up paint or small repairs: The color code helps achieve a closer match for minor chips and dings.
- Provide the code to your auto body shop or paint retailer: For a larger repaint, the shop will mix base coat to the exact color using the code.
- Verify finish details: If the car has metallic, pearl, or clear-coat finishes, share these details so the shop uses the correct mix and finish.
- Keep a copy of the code with your vehicle records: Storing the color code makes future maintenance easier for you or a new owner.
Having the color code ready streamlines touch-ups and repaint projects, helping to maintain a uniform appearance and value over time.
Summary
Locating a custom paint code usually starts with a data sticker or VIN-based lookup from a dealership. If the vehicle uses an OEM color, the code is typically straightforward to find; for non-OEM or custom colors, professional color matching becomes essential. By knowing common label locations, leveraging VIN resources, and working with reputable paint specialists, you can reproduce a precise shade for touch-ups or full refinishes and preserve the vehicle’s appearance over time.
Where can I find the factory paint code?
Not sure which shade matches your car? You can verify by matching the OEM Paint Code to find the exact color. Every vehicle has a paint color code, but it is located in different places, depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Most paint color codes are located on the door jamb of the driver's side door.
Can you find the paint code by registration?
Yes! You can find the paint code for the vast majority of modern vehicles using the registration number. Finding the paint code for classic cars can be more challenging.
Can my VIN number tell me my paint code?
Does My VIN Number Include Paint Code? No, your VIN number doesn't contain your car's paint code. Instead, this is a unique vehicle identifier assigned by the manufacturer which can be used to check a car's details.
How do I find my exact paint code?
Driver's door label
Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it.
