Determining the original paint color of a car is a task that every owner faces when selecting materials for a local repair, a full paint job, or even when purchasing a used car. An error of just half a tone can lead to visible transitions on the body, which will ruin the appearance and reduce the resale value of the car. In this article we will look at all current methods — from deciphering factory markings to using mobile applications, and we’ll also tell you how to avoid common mistakes when choosing a shade.

The peculiarity of modern automotive paints is that their composition often includes up to 5-7 pigments and special additives (for example, “chameleons” or metallic), which visually change shade depending on the lighting. Therefore, even knowing the basic color code does not always guarantee a 100% match - it is important to consider year of manufacture of the car, country of assembly and possible repainting. Below you will find step-by-step instructions for each method, including nuances for popular brands (Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai/Kia etc.).

1. Determining color by car VIN code

The VIN code is a unique “passport” of the car, which contains information about the year of manufacture, model and, often, factory paint code. You can find it on the windshield (driver's side), under the hood, in the driver's door opening or in documents (PTS, STS). To decipher the color you will need:

  • 🔍 Localize VIN - usually a 17-digit code starting with letters WAU (Audi), JT (Toyota) or XTA (Hyundai).
  • 📱 Use online services: VinDecoderz, AutoDNA or official websites of manufacturers (for example, Toyota VIN Decoder).
  • 📋 Check database - some services show not only the color code, but also its name (for example, 3L5 = "Dark blue metallic" Volkswagen).

⚠️ Attention: The VIN may not contain color information if the car was repainted at the factory to a special order (for example, BMW Individual or Audi Exclusive). In this case, the data will have to be searched in body nameplate or dealer documentation.

📊Where do you usually look for the VIN code?
On the windshield
In the doorway
Under the hood
In documents
I don't know

For convenience, we have collected examples of the location of the color code in the VIN for popular brands:

Brand Color code position in VIN Example
Toyota 9th character (sometimes 8th) VIN: JT2BF22KXW0123456 → color code: 22K (silver)
Volkswagen System Paint Code separately from VIN (look on the nameplate) Code: LA7W → “Black Pearl”
Hyundai/Kia 10th character (for models after 2010) VIN: KNAFM4A1XG5123456 → code: M4A (white)
BMW Separate Farbcodes on the nameplate in the trunk Code: 475 → “Deep metallic blue”

2. Search for the color code on the body plate

If the VIN code does not give a result, the next step is inspection nameplate (also called body plate or nameplate). It is usually located:

  • 🚗 Under the hood - on the A-pillar or the inner side of the wing (for example, on Ford or Renault).
  • 🚪 In the driver's door opening - on the B-pillar or threshold (typical for Toyota, Honda).
  • 🧳 In the trunk - under the spare wheel or on the rear panel (at Mercedes-Benz, Audi).

On the nameplate, look for inscriptions like: COLOR, PAINT, Farbe (for German cars), Couleur (for French). The code can be alphanumeric (for example, B54 at Mazda) or consist only of numbers (for example, 702 at Skoda).

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If the nameplate is painted over or damaged, try cleaning it with a solvent (for example, White spirit) - often the code is visible under a layer of dirt.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Nissan Qashqai until 2013) the color code can be duplicated in two places - on the nameplate and in the service book. If the data does not match, trust the nameplate: the book could have been lost and replaced with a non-original one.

3. Visual color selection using color fans

If the documents are lost and the nameplate is missing, it remains visual method — comparison of body shade with reference samples. For this use:

  • 🎨 Colorful fans — sets of plates with factory colors (for example, RAL, NCS or specialized auto catalogs PPG, DuPont).
  • 📱 Mobile applications — ColorSnap (from Sherwin-Williams) or AutoColorLibrary, which scan color with a smartphone camera.
  • 🔦 Spectrophotometers - professional devices (for example, X-Rite MA98), which analyze the reflected light and issue an accurate code.

Visual selection algorithm:

  1. Select undamaged area of the body (for example, the inside of a door or trunk lid).
  2. Clean the surface of wax and dirt degreaser (for example, App Cleaner).
  3. Compare the shade natural daylight — artificial lighting distorts color.
  4. Apply the fan to the body and select the closest shade, then check the code in the manufacturer's catalog.

Clean the surface from dirt and wax|

Use natural light (not direct sunlight)|

Compare color on 3-4 areas of the body (doors, hood, trunk) |

Check the code in the databases PPG or DuPont-->

⚠️ Attention: Metallic and pearl can look different from different angles. For an accurate selection, use three light sources: daylight, fluorescent and LED. If the color “plays” (for example, "Chameleon" from Mitsubishi), you will need a spectrophotometer - the visual method is inaccurate here.

4. Use of online databases and manufacturer catalogs

Many automakers and paint suppliers provide public databases with color codes. Here are the most reliable sources:

  • 🌍 Official sites:
  • 🔧 Professional directories:
    • PPG Refinish (ppg.com) is the base for 90% of the world's brands.
    • DuPont ChromaBase — requires registration, but contains current codes.
    • Mipa Color - European standard, popular in the CIS.

Example of database search PPG:

  1. Go to the site PPG Refinish.
  2. Enter the make, model and year of manufacture (for example, Skoda Octavia 2018).
  3. Select a color code from the list (for example, LA7W for black pearls).
  4. Download technical sheet (Technical Data Sheet) with the paint mixing recipe.
How to find the color code for rare models?

If your car is a limited edition (for example, Subaru WRX STI Type RA), standard databases may not help. In this case:

1. Consult owner forums (e.g. Subaru Forester Club).

2. Request data from an authorized dealer by body number.

3. Use directory archives PPG or DuPont for past years (available by subscription).

⚠️ Attention: Color codes may change annually even for the same model. For example, Honda Civic 2018 and 2019 Years in Metallic Blue have different codes: B540M and B541M. Always check the year of manufacture!

5. Documentation analysis: PTS, service book, purchase and sale agreement

If the car was bought new, the original color can be found in dealer documentation:

  • 📄 PTS - in the “Body color” column (for example, “White 040”).
  • 📖 Service book — in the “Technical Specifications” section or on a sticker with data on the first maintenance.
  • 📝 Sales and purchase agreement - sometimes the seller indicates the color in text (for example, “Metallic Silver”).

However, there are nuances here:

  • B PTS color is often specified in general (for example, "Blue"), without code. This will not help with accurate paint selection.
  • Service books for used cars can be fake — check the data using the VIN or nameplate.
  • If the car repainted, the original color will remain in the documents. In this case, only visual analysis or a spectrophotometer will help.
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The documents provide approximate information only. For an accurate selection, always check the nameplate or VIN code.

6. Turning to professionals: when self-selection doesn’t work

If all of the above methods do not produce results, all you have to do is contact a specialist. Here's who can help:

  • 🔧 Car services with color laboratories — use spectrophotometers and databases (service cost: RUB 1,500–3,000).
  • 🎨 Body repair specialists — experienced colorists can select paint “by eye” with an accuracy of up to 95%.
  • 📞 Official dealers — using the VIN code, they will provide the original paint recipe (free or for 500–1,000 ₽).

The cost of professional selection is justified if:

  • Your car - rare model or limited edition (eg Porsche 911 GT3 RS).
  • The body has complex shade (for example, "Knitwear" from Citroën or "Magma Orange" from Renault).
  • Are you planning full painting — a mistake in color will cost more than the services of a colorist.

⚠️ Attention: In small car services they can use universal color bases (for example, RAL), which do not take into account the specifics of auto enamels. Check if they work with original catalogs PPG or DuPont.

7. Typical mistakes when determining color and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to color mismatches. Here are the most common:

Error Consequences How to avoid
Using a code from another model of the same brand Color may vary (eg. QM1 at Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4 - different shades of gray). Check the code by specific model and year.
Color selection under artificial lighting Fluorescent lamps add a green tint, LEDs add a cool blue tint. Use natural daylight or lamps with CRI > 90.
Ignoring the metallic or chameleon effect The paint will look dull or patchy. For metallics use spectrophotometer, for “chameleons” - the original recipe.
Reliance on PTS data without verification The color in the PTS can be indicated in a general way (for example, “Red” instead of 3G2 - “Ruby metallic”) Check with nameplate or VIN code.

Another common myth: “If the car is white, any white color will do.”. In fact, Toyota There are 12 shades of white (from 040 — “Super white” to 070 - “Pearl white”), and Mercedes-Benz - up to 15. Always check the code!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about determining the color of a car

Is it possible to determine the color from a photograph?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is extremely unreliable. The color in the photo depends on the lighting, camera settings and post-processing. For an approximate selection, you can use applications like ColorSnap, but for an accurate result you need physical sample or code from the nameplate.

What to do if the nameplate is painted over or damaged?

Try the following methods:

  1. Wipe the nameplate solvent 646 or White spirit - sometimes the code shows through.
  2. Inspect the place where the nameplate is attached - sometimes the code is duplicated on the body underneath it.
  3. Contact an authorized dealer with the VIN code - they will provide data from the factory database.
How can you tell if a car has been repainted?

Signs of repainting:

  • Uneven paint texture (visible under a magnifying glass).
  • Color differences in hidden areas (such as under the hood or in the trunk).
  • Traces of putty along the edges of the parts (check thickness gauge).
  • Color mismatch on plastic parts (bumpers, moldings) - they are often not painted.

For an accurate check, use paint thickness gauge (for example, Etari ET-11P). Standard for factory paint: 80–120 microns. If the indicator is above 150 microns, the car has to be repainted.

Where can I find the color code for old cars (before 2000)?

For retro cars (eg. VAZ 2106 or Moskvitch 412) color codes can be found:

  • B archive catalogs (for example, Old Car Manuals).
  • On owner forums (for example, OldVAZ).
  • B museums or retro car clubs — original documentation is often stored there.

If the code is lost, the only reliable way is spectral analysis in a specialized laboratory.

Can I order paint by code online?

Yes, many stores (for example, AutoAll, Exist.ru, Emmegi) offer a service selecting and mixing paint according to code. To order you will need:

  1. Specify make, model and year car.
  2. Provide color code (for example, LA7W).
  3. Specify type of paint (acrylic, metallic, mother of pearl).

The cost of a jar (1 liter) is from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the shade. For accurate results, order sample (100 ml) and test on an unnecessary part.