What is Honda paint code 797?
Honda paint code 797 is not a single universal color; it is a factory code that can map to different shades depending on the model and year. To know the exact color name for your vehicle, you must verify the full code against Honda’s official color charts for your specific model and production year.
In this article, we explain how Honda’s paint codes work, how to locate and interpret the code on your car, and how to confirm the precise color associated with code 797 for your particular vehicle. We also cover practical tips for repainting or touch-ups to ensure an accurate color match.
How Honda paint codes work
Honda’s factory color codes are typically three digits, sometimes with letters that indicate finishes like metallic or pearl. The code is printed on a label found in common locations such as the driver’s door jamb or the glove box, and it is used by dealers and body shops to formulate the exact paint. Importantly, the same numeric code can correspond to different actual colors across different markets and model years because paint formulations and naming conventions evolve over time.
Where to find the color code on your vehicle
To identify the color associated with code 797 for your car, locate the paint code label. Typical locations include the driver’s door jamb, the edge of the hood, the radiator support, or inside the glove box. Write down the full code (for example, “797” or “PB-797” or “NH797”) along with your vehicle’s model year and trim so you can cross-reference accurately.
Note: Prefixes or suffixes (such as “P,” “NH,” or “PB”) may indicate metallic, pearl, or special finishes. For precise color naming, rely on the complete code and the exact model/year context.
Because model-year changes and regional variations exist, the same three-digit code can map to different colors in different markets or generations. The most reliable method is to consult the official color chart for your specific vehicle.
To identify the exact color name for code 797 on your Honda, follow these steps:
- Locate the paint code label on your vehicle using the locations described above.
- Record the full code, including any prefixes or suffixes, and note the model year and trim.
- Check Honda’s official color catalog or a trusted dealer database for your model/year to map the code to the exact color name and finish.
- When possible, compare physical paint swatches or chips from a body shop to confirm the match before ordering materials.
With the full code and model/year in hand, you’ll have the most accurate color name and formulation information for 797.
Practical considerations for repainting or touch-ups
Accurate color matching matters a lot, especially with metallic or pearl finishes that can shift under lighting. The following guidelines help ensure a proper match when working with code 797.
- Use the exact full paint code (including any prefixes/suffixes) rather than just “797” when requesting a match from a shop or supplier.
- Ask for the corresponding basecoat and clearcoat formulas appropriate for your model/year, since finishes can differ (e.g., metallic, pearl, or three-stage blends).
- Have the body shop mix a small test batch and apply test coats on a sacrificial panel to verify color under multiple lighting conditions before committing to a full repair.
- Consider panel blending rather than color-blocking when possible, to minimize visible edge lines if the color shifts slightly across panels.
By relying on the full code and model-specific charts, you’ll improve the odds of a seamless color restoration that remains durable over time.
Summary
Code 797 does not designate a single, universal Honda color. Its exact appearance depends on the vehicle’s model year, market, and finish. To determine the precise color name for your car, locate the full paint code on the vehicle, then cross-reference it with Honda’s official color catalogs or a Honda-certified dealer. For repainting, always use the complete code, request the correct formulation for that finish, and perform thorough color testing to ensure an accurate match.
