Car owners are often faced with the need for local body repairs, be it a chip from a stone or a deep scratch. At this moment, the question arises about the exact selection of shade, because even the slightest discrepancy in tone will be evident in the sun. One of the most common queries in car enamels databases is the code 201, which can refer to various manufacturers, but is most often associated with products PPG or specific factory colors Renault and Nissan.
Understanding what exactly is hidden behind these digital markings is critical for quality paintwork restoration. Code 201 in most PPG catalogs corresponds to the shade "Brilliant White", which was widely used on models of various brands in the 90s and 2000s. However, blind trust only in numbers without checking the VIN code can lead to errors, since the numbering may be the same for different brands, indicating completely different pigments.
In this article, we'll look at where to look for a paint code plate, how to correctly interpret the values found, and why visual color assessments can be deceiving. You will learn about the nuances of selecting enamel for old cars and modern tinting systems.
Where to look for the paint code identification plate
Finding the color code is the first and most important step before ordering paint. On modern and used cars, information about the factory coating is usually encrypted on a special metal or paper plate. The location of this element depends on the make and model of the vehicle, and it is not always possible to find it the first time.
Most often, manufacturers place the nameplate in the engine compartment. This could be the driver's side pillar, the engine compartment bulkhead, or even the inside of the trunk lid. The plate contains a lot of technical information, including the VIN number, permissible axle loads and, in fact, the body color code.
- 🚗 Driver's door pillar: the most common place where the code is often designated as “C”,”Color”,”Paint” or simply stands as a separate 3-4 digit number.
- 🔧 Engine compartment: look for the sign on the “TV” (body cross member) or on the shock absorber.
- 📄 Documents: sometimes the code is duplicated in the service book or registration certificate (although in the latter case this is rare for Russian cars).
- 🖌️ Markings on the body: on some older models, the code could be painted directly onto the metal in an inconspicuous place.
Please note that there may be more than one code on the label. One of them indicates the main body color, and the other the color of the lower elements, sills or plastic parts. Code 201 in this context, you need to look specifically in the column responsible for the main enamel.
What to do if the sign is not readable?
If the nameplate is worn, corroded or removed, the paint code can be attempted to be found in an online VIN decoder, however the database may not contain information about a specific color option for older models. In this case, all that remains is computer selection according to the sample.
Decoding code 201: PPG, Renault and other brands
Digital designation 201 is not a universal standard for all automakers in the world. This is the internal code of a specific tinting system or the manufacturer's factory index. The most common association is the color base PPG Industries, where code 201 corresponds to white.
In catalogs Renault and Dacia Codes starting with 2 have also been found, but pure "201" may refer to a specific shade of white that was used in certain model years. For example, it could be color Blanc Glacier or its analogues. It is important to understand that the same numeric code is used by different manufacturers of paints and varnishes (for example, Mobil, PPG, AkzoNobel) may give different results when mixed.
Below is a table showing how the meaning of the code can vary depending on the context:
| Manufacturer / System | Code | Color name | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG Industries | 201 | Brilliant White | Popular white for many brands |
| Renault | 201 (approximate) | Blanc / White | Requires VIN verification |
| General Motors | WA201 | Various | Depends on year and model |
| Universal | 201 | Not defined | Without reference to the brand, meaningless |
If you find code 201 on the body of a French-made car, the likelihood that it is white is extremely high. However, for Japanese or German cars, such numbering may be less common or indicate a completely different spectrum, for example, light gray or silver.
Always tell the colorist the make and year of your car, even if you are sure of the paint code. This will avoid errors associated with different generations of the same color.
Problems with fading and aging of paintwork
Even if you have chosen the exact enamel according to the code 201, the new paint may differ from what is currently on the car. This is due to the natural aging process of paintwork. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes and aggressive chemicals on the roads, pigments gradually fade, and the varnish turns yellow or becomes cloudy.
This is especially noticeable on cars that are often in the open sun. White color, which most often refers to code 201, may acquire a yellowish or grayish tint over time. Red and blue tones fade faster than others, becoming faded. If you paint over a faded part with fresh paint “according to the code,” the transition will be very noticeable.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely solely on the paint code when painting large elements (hood, fender, door) on a car older than 3-5 years. Computer tinting is required, taking into account the current state of the body (burnout).
Modern technologies make it possible to solve this problem. Professional colorists use spectrophotometers that read the current color from the body and make adjustments to the recipe. The “transition” method (blending) is also used, when new paint is shaded onto adjacent elements, hiding the difference in shades.
Computer paint selection technology
To obtain an ideal result, code 201 is used as a starting point. Computer selection is a process that involves a scale, a mixer, a pigment database and software. The specialist enters the paint code, after which the program offers a basic recipe for mixing the components.
However, as already mentioned, a pure code recipe rarely matches 100% of the actual color on the machine. Therefore, the master makes a “paint” - a test sample, which is dried and compared with the car body under different lighting conditions. Micro-additives of pigments are added to the recipe to accurately match the tone.
- 🎨 Pigment base: a set of highly concentrated paints from which the desired shade is mixed.
- ⚖️ Libra: allow you to measure components with an accuracy of 0.1 grams.
- 💻 Software: contains thousands of recipes for different brands and years of manufacture.
- ☀️ Comparison: checking color in daylight and artificial light.
Using code 201 in this process significantly speeds up the work, as it sets the search in the right direction. Without code, the master would have to go through hundreds of options, which would take a lot of time and materials.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a paint selection service
Coating restoration: enamel, varnish and primer
When the paint is selected, the question of application technology arises. Code 201 indicates only the color pigment, not the type of coating. Modern cars most often use two-component systems: base enamel (Base Coat) and acrylic varnish (Clear Coat).
Base enamel provides color but lacks gloss and protection. The varnish creates depth, shine and protects the pigment from external influences. When doing local repairs, it is important not only to match the color of the base, but also to choose the right varnish (for example, HS - high solid, or MS - medium solid) so that the surface structure matches the factory one.
The soil also plays an important role. If the damage is deep and extends to the metal, it is necessary to use an acid or epoxy primer to protect against corrosion. Filler is applied on top of it, which is sanded to level the surface before painting.
For series 201 (white) colors, the quality of the varnish is especially important, since application defects (shagreen, specks of dust) and cloudiness are clearly visible on a white background. Acrylic varnish should be perfectly transparent and not turn yellow over time.
⚠️ Attention: When working with two-component materials (enamel + hardener, varnish + hardener), the mixture remains viable for a limited time (usually 2-4 hours). Prepare as much material as you can apply at one time.
The quality of color restoration depends 30% on the accuracy of the selection of enamel and 70% on the skill of the painter and adherence to the technology of applying layers.
Common mistakes when doing DIY repairs
Trying to save money, many owners try to paint over chips themselves, buying ready-made spray cans or pencils according to the code. The main mistake here is ignoring surface preparation. Applying paint to rust or grease will cause the repair spot to swell within a month.
The second mistake is the lack of transitions. If you paint the fender code 201 on a white car, the border between the old and new paint will be visible to the naked eye due to the different degrees of fading of the rest of the body. It is necessary to stretch the color onto adjacent elements.
The third mistake is improper drying and polishing. Acrylic varnish must dry at a certain temperature. If you rush and start polishing the varnish that is not fully dried, it will become cloudy or there will be risks from the polishing machine.
The use of cheap paint analogues instead of original pigments or high-quality analogues (such as Mipa, Mobel) often leads to the fact that the color begins to differ after six months (metallic can change the direction of the sparkles, and white can turn yellow).
Is it possible to mix paints from different manufacturers?
Theoretically, it is possible if they are on the same chemical basis (for example, both acrylic or both urethane). However, it is difficult to predict the result (chemical reaction) and the final shade. It is better to use products from the same line.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the paint code on Renault Duster or Logan?
On Renault vehicles, the color code (eg 201, 267, 369, etc.) is usually found on a metal plate riveted to the right-hand pillar (passenger side) or on the B-pillar. It can also be duplicated on a sticker in the engine compartment. Look for the line "PEINT" or just 3-4 numbers at the end of the list.
How much does computer paint selection by code cost?
The cost of selecting paint varies depending on the region and class of service. On average, the service costs from 300 to 800 rubles per 100 grams of finished enamel. If a complex selection is required taking into account fading, the price may be higher, but many services include this option for free when ordering paint.
Is it possible to paint a car in color 201 if it was originally a different color?
Yes, the car can be repainted in any color, including code 201. However, this will require completely stripping the body down to metal or using special insulating primers so that the old color does not bleed through the new one, especially if the new one is lighter than the old one.
What should I do if code 201 is too white?
If the code-matched paint appears whiter than the body, it means the factory paint has faded. In this case, the colorist must add (micro-doses) yellow, gray or brown pigment to the base to age the shade and even it out with the rest of the body.