Where is your paint code located?
The paint code is usually printed on a label or sticker on the item itself or its packaging, so you can order a precise color match.
Where you look depends on what you're painting—cars, home décor, or appliances. This guide walks you through the most common locations, how to read the code, and what to do if the label is missing or damaged.
Vehicle paint codes
For cars and motorcycles, the color code identifies the exact shade used by the manufacturer. Here are the typical places to check:
- Driver's side door jamb or edge sticker — often the most reliable starting point.
- Inside the fuel-filler door — some models place the code here on a small label.
- Under-hood or engine-bay labels or tags that list color information.
- Trunk lid or spare-wheel-well areas on certain models.
- If you still can't find it, the dealer or service manual can pull the code using the vehicle's VIN.
Verifying the code may involve checking several spots, since manufacturers vary by model year and region. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or contact a dealership with your VIN handy.
Reading the vehicle code
Vehicle paint codes are typically short alphanumeric strings, often 2–4 characters. Some brands prefix the code to indicate the finish (solid, metallic, pearl). Use the exact code when ordering touch-up paint or a color match from a shop.
Home paint cans and hardware
For consumer cans and hardware, the color code or name appears on the product label. Use these spots to ensure you’re buying the right shade for home projects:
- On the exterior label near the color name or swatch on interior/exterior paint cans.
- On the bottom of the can or, in some cases, on the lid or cap area.
- For spray paints, the color code or name will typically be on the label; note that the cap color is not a reliable indicator of the exact shade.
- In packaging or product information sheets included with the can.
If you can’t locate the code on the can, the brand’s website or customer service can confirm it from the batch number or UPC, and you can compare swatches at a store.
Finding color codes on spray paints
Spray paints often include a color-specific code or name on the label. If the label is damaged, ask a store associate to cross-reference the batch number or use a color-matching guide to find the closest match.
Appliances and electronics
Color codes for appliances and electronics are usually tied to the model rather than the finish alone. Locate the code on a model/serial label in common interior or exterior locations:
- Inside the refrigerator/freezer door frame or along the inner edge of doors for other appliances.
- On the back panel or near the vent openings of the unit.
- On the label that includes model and serial numbers, often found inside the door or on the side/back of the appliance.
If the color code isn’t obvious, the manual, original packaging, or a retailer’s parts database can help identify the exact finish that matches your unit.
What to do if the label is missing
When a label is lost or damaged, consider these steps:
- Contact the manufacturer with the model and serial numbers to retrieve the paint code from their records.
- Visit a local paint or automotive shop and use color-matching equipment or swatches to identify the closest match.
- Provide photos or bring a physical sample to improve accuracy for a mixture or spray.
Color matching may require professional calibration, especially for critical applications like touch-ups on cars or high-visibility home projects.
What to do if you still can’t locate the paint code
If all standard locations fail, take a systematic approach to identify the shade you need:
- Gather the item’s model number, serial number, and, if applicable, VIN for vehicles.
- Do not rely solely on cap color or swatches—compare against official color swatches or code listings.
- Use a reputable color-matching service at a hardware store, automotive shop, or paint retailer, and request a sample to test before committing.
- Document the process with photos of all labels and areas where color information might appear, to avoid back-and-forth.
Getting an accurate color match may take a bit of extra effort, but it reduces the risk of mismatched finishes across projects.
Summary
Paint codes live on labels or data tags attached to the item or its packaging, with locations varying by category. For vehicles, check door jambs, fuel doors, and engine bays; for home paints, inspect the can label and bottom; for appliances, look at model/serial labels inside doors or on the back. When in doubt, reach out to the manufacturer with identifiers or consult a color-matching professional to ensure a precise shade.
