What is paint code 218 Toyota Camry?
Paint code 218 does not map to a single, universal color for the Toyota Camry. It is a factory color code that can refer to different shades depending on the model year and nearby market. To know the exact hue, you must check the specific build plate and official color charts for that car.
In this article, we untangle how Toyota’s paint codes work, how to identify the exact color associated with code 218 on your Camry, and what to do if you need an accurate paint match for touch-ups or repainting. We’ll cover practical steps, common caveats, and how to verify the color name tied to the code for your exact vehicle.
Decoding the 218 paint code: what it tells you
The three-digit code 218 is part of Toyota’s internal color catalog. Its meaning can shift by year, region, and even trim level, so the same code might correspond to different color names across Camry generations. The code itself is a reliable starting point, but the actual color name and finish (solid, metallic, mica, or pearl) are determined by the car’s production details.
- The code appears on the vehicle’s data plate (often in the door jam) alongside a color name or descriptor that can vary by market.
- The mapping from code 218 to a color name is not universal; a Camry built in one country or for one year may use a different shade than a Camry built elsewhere or in another year.
- Finish factors matter: metallic, mica, and pearlescent versions of 218 will have different appearances even if the base hue is similar.
- Because mappings change over time, consulting the year-specific color chart for Toyota Camry in your region is essential.
- When in doubt, cross-check the code with the VIN and production data to confirm the exact color designation used by Toyota for that specific vehicle.
Understanding these nuances helps prevent mismatches when purchasing touch-up paint or planning a repaint, especially for older models or Camrys imported from different markets.
How to confirm the exact color for a Camry with code 218
The following steps help you identify the precise color name and ensure an accurate match for repairs or refinishing.
- Inspect the door jamb data plate on the driver’s side for the paint code (218) and any color name listed, noting the country/region it references.
- Record the vehicle’s model year, trim level, and market (e.g., U.S., Canada, Europe) since mappings differ by region and year.
- Consult the official Toyota color charts or the dealership’s color catalog for that specific year and region to map code 218 to the correct color name and finish.
- Use the VIN to pull build data from Toyota’s customer service or a dealer’s database, which can confirm the exact color designation assigned at manufacture.
- If you’re ordering touch-up paint, provide the code 218 plus the year/region to the paint supplier to ensure the most precise match.
By following these steps, you can determine the exact color name associated with paint code 218 for your particular Camry and avoid mismatches during repairs or repaints.
Practical considerations for touch-ups and repainting
When working with a code like 218, accuracy matters more than a rough match. The goal is to minimize discernible differences between panels, especially on metallic or pearlescent finishes that show color shifts under different lighting.
- Always verify the color name and finish using the region/year-specific chart, not just the code.
- Order spray cans or touch-up paint in small batches for testing, then apply a small test spot before committing to a full repair.
- For larger repairs or full repaint, obtain a color-morrect base coat and clear coat specified for the 218 shade in your market, and consider professional refinishing if the panel alignment or clear coat is critical.
With careful verification and testing, you can achieve a close or near-perfect color match that respects the original finish of your Camry.
Why this matters for owners and buyers
For Camry owners, understanding that 218 is a code rather than a fixed color helps manage expectations and costs when addressing chips, scratches, or panel replacements. For buyers and sellers, accurately identifying the color linked to 218 can influence resale value and the perceived condition of the car, especially if the shade is less common in a given market.
In short, paint code 218 on a Toyota Camry serves as a key clue to the car’s original appearance, but the exact shade requires cross-referencing the year, market, and build data to prevent color mismatches in maintenance or restoration work.
Summary
Paint code 218 on the Toyota Camry is not a single, universal color. It is a factory color code whose exact shade depends on the vehicle’s year and regional market. To identify the precise color, check the door jamb data plate, consult year- and region-specific Toyota color charts, and verify the color name with the VIN or a dealer. When in doubt, rely on official charts and professional paint sources to ensure an accurate match for any repairs or refinishing.
What is the color code 218 for Toyota?
The Toyota color code 218 is Attitude Black Metallic or Midnight Black Metallic. This is a popular paint color for many Toyota models and is available in various forms, such as touch-up paint, spray cans, and automotive refinish products.
- Color name: Attitude Black Metallic or Midnight Black Metallic
- Color code: 218
- Color type: Metallic
- Availability: You can find products with this color code through the official Toyota parts website, or retailers like Amazon, PaintScratch.com, and AutoZone.com.
- Important note: Always verify your vehicle's specific color code before ordering to ensure a perfect match, as color names can sometimes vary slightly between years or models.
What is the paint code 218 for Toyota Autozone?
Midnight Black
U-POL Expert Color Touch Up Paint Midnight Black Paint Code 218.
Is the Toyota 218 metallic?
Toyota Attitude/Midnight Black Metallic 218 Touch Up Paint. 1. color.
What is the difference between Toyota 218 and 218bc?
This is a two step color 218 is the clear and 218-BC is the black color. 218 will be the color code. Toyota Touch-Up Paint is the perfect way to touch-up minor nicks and scratches in your vehicle's finish.
