Choosing the right shade of paint for a car is a task that requires precision down to the last detail. Even a slight difference in tone can make a freshly painted body part stand out from the rest of the car. In this article we will look at how they work car paint color numbers, where to look for them on the machine, how to decipher them, and why sometimes one code is not enough for an ideal result.
Car and paint manufacturers use complex coding systems that take into account not only the base color, but also its shade, effects (metallic, pearlescent), and type of coating. For example, code B54 at Toyota may mean classic black, and 4U5 - metallic silver with a bluish tint. But even knowing the code, it is important to understand that paint fades over time, and technologies for the production of paints and varnishes change. That's why professionals always recommend check the code against a physical sample on the body.
If you're planning a local repair (like touching up a chip or repainting a bumper), a mistake in choosing a color can be costly. In this article, we collected current data on the codes of leading automakers, explained how to avoid common mistakes, and gave examples of deciphering complex designations. And for those who want to test their knowledge, we have prepared an interactive survey!
Where to look for the paint color number on a car
Color number (or color code) is usually indicated on a special plate that is attached to the car body. Its location depends on the make and model, but there are several standard locations:
- 🚗 Under the hood: on a pillar, the inside of a fender, or the partition between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. Most often found in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda.
- 🚪 On the driver's door pillar: Near the VIN plate or on the jamb itself. Typical for Toyota, Honda, Hyundai.
- 🔧 In the trunk: under the trim, on the rear panel or fuel filler flap. This is often done BMW, Mercedes-Benz.
- 📄 In the service book: sometimes the code is duplicated in documents, especially for premium brands (Lexus, Volvo).
The code plate can look different: from a small sticker to an engraved metal nameplate. Usually the color number is indicated by letters C/, Color, Farbe (German) or Couleur (French). For example, on Ford Focus this could be an inscription Paint: M7002A, where M7002A - and there is a color code.
⚠️ Attention: On some vehicles (especially after 2010), the color code may be encrypted in VIN-room. In this case, it will have to be decrypted through specialized databases or from an official dealer.
If the sign cannot be found, try using online VIN decryption services, such as VinDecoderz or AutoDNA. They often provide color information in the report. You can also check the code with your dealer using the body number or the vehicle's service history.
How color numbers are deciphered by different manufacturers
The color designation format varies by car manufacturer. Some use simple alphanumeric combinations (e.g. 347 at Renault - red), others - complex codes indicating the type of paint and effects. Let's look at the coding features of popular brands.
Examples of encoding from leading automakers
| Manufacturer | Code format | Example | Decoding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 3 characters (letters/numbers) | 1G3 |
Silver metallic Silver Metallic |
| Volkswagen | 2-4 characters, often with a prefix LA |
LA7W |
White pearl Pearl White |
| BMW | 3 digits, sometimes with suffix (/A, /B) |
300/A |
Black satin Satin Black |
| Ford | 4-5 characters, starts with M |
M7015 |
Dark blue metallic Deep Blue Metallic |
| Hyundai/Kia | 3 characters, often with a letter U |
U3P |
Gray mother of pearl Gray Pearl |
U Mercedes-Benz and Audi codes may include additional designations for the type of coating:
/9500— base color without effects;/M- metallic;/P- mother of pearl.
For example, code 744P at Audi means Nogaro Blue Pearl - the famous blue with a pearlescent tint.
⚠️ Attention: U Nissan and Mitsubishi the same code may mean different colors depending on the year of manufacture. For example, KH3 at Nissan until 2010 - this is Super Black, and after - Brilliant Silver.
Why might the color code not match the actual shade?
Even with the correct code, the paint on the car may differ due to:
1. Burnout — under the influence of UV rays, pigments fade (especially noticeable in red and blue colors).
2. Production technologies - modern paints can use different pigments than 10-15 years ago.
3. Local repairs — if the car has already been painted, the previous master could have used non-original paint.
4. Metallic/pearl effects — their visual perception depends on the lighting angle and the applied varnish.
How to choose paint by color number: step-by-step instructions
Knowing the color code is only the first step. To guarantee a match, follow this algorithm:
- Check the code on several sources. Check the data from the plate on the body, the VIN report and the service book. If there are discrepancies, refer to the physical plate.
- Check the year of manufacture. For some models (for example, Honda Civic) color codes changed within one generation.
- Determine the type of paint. Do you need a base coat (
Basecoat), metallic (Metallic) or mother of pearl (Pearl). This affects the composition and method of application. - Order a sample. Most manufacturers of paints and varnishes (for example, PPG, Sikkens, Mobihel) offer small cans of paint by code. Apply it to a test surface and compare it in daylight.
If you paint the part yourself, pay attention to gloss level original paint. Over time, the varnish will fade and the new paint may look "fresher". In this case, professionals recommend adding 5–10% matting additive to even out the visual effect.
Check the color code with the plate on the body
Specify the year of manufacture of the car
Determine the type of paint (base, metallic, pearl)
Order a sample for test application
Check compatibility with primer and varnish -->
For accurate selection in auto repair shops use spectrophotometers - devices that analyze the shade of paint on the body and select the closest option from the database. If you are painting a car for the first time, it is better to entrust this stage to professionals, especially if we are talking about complex colors (for example, Mercedes Designo or Audi Nardo Gray).
Typical mistakes when selecting paint according to code
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with flowers. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- 🔍 Ignore prefixes/suffixes. For example, code
347at Renault is just red, but347M- metallic red. Missing a letter will result in purchasing the wrong paint. - 🌡️ Failure to take into account ambient temperature. Water based paints (eg PPG Envirobase) may change shade when applied in a cold room.
- 🎨 Trying to mix paints yourself. Without a tinting machine, it is almost impossible to repeat the factory shade, especially if it involves 3+ pigments.
- 🔦 Comparison of color under artificial light. Fluorescent lamps distort the perception of blue and green shades. Always check the match in natural light.
Critical error: using code from another modification of the same model. For example, Volkswagen Golf 2015 and 2018 in the back Limestone Grey have different codes: LC9Z and LC9X. The difference in shade will be noticeable to the naked eye.
⚠️ Attention: If you are painting plastic parts (bumpers, moldings), keep in mind that they require a special primer for adhesion. Even the right paint color can peel off without surface preparation.
Before painting the entire car, do a test paint on the inside of the door or trunk lid. This will help you evaluate the final result without the risk of spoiling visible elements.
How to choose paint if the color code is erased or missing
It is not uncommon for a code plate to be lost or painted over. In this case, there are several ways to recover information:
- Contact your dealer. Using the VIN number, the dealer can issue the original color code, but sometimes they charge a fee for this service (from 500 to 2000 rubles).
- Use online databases. Services like PaintRef.com or Autocolorlibrary.com contain catalogs of codes by brand and year. However, their data is not always relevant for new models.
- Remove the paint sample. Carefully scrape off a small layer of paint from the inside of the door or trunk (where it will fade less) and take it to a paint center. Modern systems (eg Mixit or ColorMobile) can match the color based on a physical sample.
- Compare with RAL or Pantone catalogs. Some manufacturers tie their colors to standard palettes. For example, BMW Alpine White corresponds
RAL 9016.
If the car has been painted before, the original code may not be suitable. In this case, the only reliable way is spectrophotometric analysis. It is carried out in specialized workshops using a device that reads the shade and selects paint from the manufacturer’s database (for example, Standoblue or Spies Hecker).
In the absence of a color code, never rely on visual selection by eye. Even professionals make mistakes 30% of the time without accurate analysis.
Table of popular colors and their codes for the Russian market
Below is a selection of the most common colors among cars in Russia. This data is relevant for models released after 2010. For an accurate selection, always check the code on your car!
| Manufacturer | Color name | Color code | Paint type | Model example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Super White II | 040 |
Basic | Corolla, Camry |
| Volkswagen | Pure White | LA9W |
Basic | Polo, Tiguan |
| Hyundai | Phantom Black | U1Y |
Metallic | Solaris, Tucson |
| Renault | Bleu de France | 663 |
Metallic | Duster, Arkana |
| Kia | Aurora Black Pearl | P1U |
Mother of pearl | Rio, Sportage |
For colors with effects (metallic, mother-of-pearl), it is important not only to match the code, but also correct application. For example, Mercedes Iridium Silver (775U) requires a three-layer coating with intermediate drying, otherwise the sheen will be uneven.
Frequently asked questions about paint color numbers
Can I use paint from another manufacturer if the color code is the same?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is risky. Various manufacturers of paints and varnishes (for example, PPG and Sikkens) can use different pigments for the same code. It is recommended to stick to the brand of paint recommended by the car manufacturer, or do a test paint job.
Why does paint with the same code look different on different parts?
This is due to several factors:
- Fading of original paint (especially on the roof and hood).
- Different surface textures (plastic bumper vs. metal wing).
- Number of layers of varnish (more are applied to new parts).
To avoid this, before painting the entire car, you sometimes have to customize color under the most faded part.
What is the color code for black paint?
Black color can have more than 20 code options depending on the manufacturer and effect:
- Toyota:
202(deep black),218(black metallic). - Volkswagen:
LA9Z(black pearl),LZ9S(matte black). - BMW:
668(Jet Black),475(Sapphire Black Metallic).
Check the code specifically for your model - there is no universal “black”!
Can I paint over the chips with a spray can with the same color code?
It is possible, but the result will be temporary. Spray paint cans (even original ones) rarely give a perfect match due to:
- Lack of a layer of varnish (spray cans often contain paint + varnish in one).
- Uneven spraying without professional equipment.
- Burnout of the original paint (the new layer will be brighter).
For a high-quality result, it is better to contact a workshop for local painting with a selection of shades.
Where can I check the color code by VIN for free?
Free services with a limited base:
- VinDecoderz (color data available for most European and Asian brands).
- AutoDNA (shows color in VIN report).
- PaintRef (catalog of codes by brand, but without reference to VIN).
For accurate information, it is better to contact an authorized dealer.