Large table of correspondence of car enamels pigments: complete translation of codes

The process of restoring a car's paintwork often comes down to the difficulty of selecting the exact shade, especially when the original paint has faded or local repairs to the old body are required. Table of car enamels pigments becomes an indispensable tool for colorists and body shop technicians, allowing the conversion of codes from some manufacturers into equivalents of other tinting systems. Without accurate data on the chemical composition and color index, it is impossible to achieve a perfect tone match, which is critical for expensive mother-of-pearl and complex metallics.

The modern auto repair industry uses many matching systems, such as Mobihel, Duxone, Vika, PPG, Sherwin-Williams and others, and each of them has its own unique numbering and formulation. Crosstabs help to find an analogue when the original paint code on the car body is unreadable or when the required component is not available from a specific material supplier. Understanding the principles of code translation allows you to save significant money on the purchase of expensive original enamels, replacing them with high-quality analogues.

In this article we will look at the structure of large correspondence tables, analyze the main groups of pigments and provide verified data for the most popular tinting systems. You will learn how to interpret correctly color indices and why visual comparison of colors should always be confirmed by instrumental control. Precision in selection is not just aesthetics, but also protects the body from corrosion, since different pigments can have different coverage and adhesion.

Basics of color and color coding systems

Each system for selecting auto enamels is based on an international classifier of pigments, however, manufacturers often make their own adjustments to the numbering for the convenience of logistics and marketing. Pigments are divided into organic and inorganic, and their coding in the tables reflects not only color, but also chemical resistance, light fastness and dispersibility. For example, a red pigment can have dozens of shades, from yellowish to bluish, and each of them will have its own unique code in the database.

When working with large translation tables It is important to consider that one OEM paint code may correspond to multiple codes in refinish systems, depending on the type of adhesive and the required application technology. Some systems use alphanumeric notation, where letters indicate a series of colors and numbers indicate a specific hue and brightness. An error in one number can result in a purple or greenish tint instead of deep blue.

⚠️ Attention: Never rely only on the name of the color when selecting, since the same name “Black” from different manufacturers may differ in the warmth of the shade and saturation.

Modern computer programs for paint selection use huge databases, but knowledge of the principles of manual code translation is necessary for checking the results and working in the field. Colorist must be able to read the formula, understanding which pigment is responsible for what: color, transparency or iridescent effect. This is especially true when working with three-layer coatings, where the base and varnish play different roles.

Structure and reading of pigment correspondence tables

A large correspondence table is usually a complex array of data, where the rows are the codes of the original manufacturers (Toyota, BMW, Ford), and the columns are the codes of the repair systems (Mobihel, Duxone, Vika). In the cells at the intersection, color numbers or weight proportions of the components are indicated to obtain the desired shade. It is important to understand that the table is just a starting point and recipe may require adjustments for a specific batch of paint.

When analyzing data, you should pay attention to the type of enamel: acrylic, metallic, mother-of-pearl or base enamel for varnish. Each type has its own viscosity standards and percentage of pigment content, which may vary between coding systems. For example, a code that represents bright yellow in one system may be reserved for an orange hue in another if the context of the color group is not taken into account.

Professional colorists use tables not as dogma, but as reference material, always carrying out test colors and comparisons with the standard under different lighting conditions. The numerical values ​​in the table often require recalculation if you work with scales of a different accuracy or use solvents with a different evaporation rate. Weighing accuracy components down to the gram determines the final result of mixing.

Summary table for the translation of popular car enamels codes

Below is a selection from a large correspondence table for the most common colors and systems often used in body repair. The data is relevant for standard tinting conditions and can serve as a guide when searching for analogues. Please be aware that rare or new colors from 2026-2026 may require updated manufacturer databases.

The codes presented in the table cover the basic palette, however, complex three-layer pearls often require a combination of several pigments from different sections of the catalog. Silver shades (Silber, Silver) are especially sensitive to the size of aluminum powder, which also has its own codes in the correspondence tables. The wrong choice of aluminum fraction can make the color too dark or, conversely, excessively bright (“dirty”).

When using table data, always check the relevance of the information on the official website of the repair paint manufacturer, as recipes may be updated. Archive codes may be discontinued and replaced with new, more environmentally friendly or technologically advanced analogues that require recalculation of mixing proportions.

Features of translating codes for metallic and mother-of-pearl

Working with spectacular pigments such as aluminum and mica requires a special approach when translating codes, since not only color is important here, but also particle geometry. In the correspondence tables for metallics Additional parameters are often specified: grain size, particle shape and type of aluminum powder coating. An ordinary colored pigment can be replaced with a close analogue, but it is almost impossible to replace aluminum powder without losing the effect.

For mother-of-pearl enamels (tricols) table may suggest replacing one code with a combination of two or three components: a transparent base, a colored pigment and pearlescent powder. An error in the selection of mother-of-pearl leads to the fact that in the sun the car will look completely different than in the shade, creating the effect of a “floating” spot on the body. Therefore, when working with complex colors, it is recommended to use original effect pigment codes.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing effect pigments (mica, xeralics), visual control from different viewing angles is required, since the spectrophotometer may not catch the nuance of the overflow.

Modern systems make it possible to select analogues even for discontinued mother-of-pearls, using mixes of available pigments, but this requires highly qualified craftsmen. Cross codes in this case, they are advisory in nature and often require the addition of correctors (yellow, purple, green) to accurately match the shade. Always do a test dye on a plate and dry it with a hairdryer to evaluate the actual result.

Practical application of tables in body repair

The use of matching tables in a real car service begins with the exact determination of the paint code on the car, which is usually located on a nameplate in the door opening or under the hood. Once the OEM code is found, the technician consults the translation table to find the corresponding number in the selected material supplier's system. This process allows you to quickly navigate the assortment and order the necessary components for mixing.

However, the chart is only the first step, followed by the process of tinting, weighing and testing. In a garage or small service center where there is no expensive spectrophotometer, tables become the main tool for survival and quality of work. Experienced craftsmen keep their own records and supplement general tables with data on the behavior of specific pigments when mixed with varnishes and solvents of different brands.

It is also important to take into account the age of the car and the degree of paint fading, since even an exact match with the code according to the table can make a visible difference with a faded body. In such cases, you have to use the table not to find the exact original, but to select aged shade or using transition solvents to smooth the boundary. Flexibility in the use of these tables distinguishes a professional from a beginner.

Typical mistakes when selecting paint using tables

One of the most common mistakes is blindly relying on numbers without taking into account the type of binder, since the same pigment in acrylic and alkyd can give a different shade. Chemical basis paint affects the depth of color and its saturation after drying, so the tables for different types of enamels may differ. Ignoring this fact leads to excessive consumption of materials and the need to redo the work.

Another common problem is the use of outdated versions of tables that do not take into account changes in formulations that have occurred over the years. Manufacturers are constantly optimizing their formulations, replacing toxic or expensive components, which changes the final color. Digital databases are updated regularly, and reliance on ten-year-old paper catalogs is unacceptable for high-quality work.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to mix components of different systems (for example, hardener of one brand and enamel of another) just because their codes match in the table - this may lead to paint curling.

It is also considered a mistake to neglect lighting conditions when comparing paint with the body. Artificial light in the workshop can hide nuances that will only become apparent when daylight. Always take the painted element or paint outside for a final check of compliance with the table and reality.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about pigment tables