Dealing with paint damage is an inevitable part of vehicle ownership. From road debris to exposure to sunlight, there are a lot of things that can damage your car’s paint. Luckily, a minor chip or scratch can easily be fixed with the help of touch-up paint.
It’s important to note that you can’t just buy any random touch-up paint. You’ll have to choose one in the same paint code as your vehicle if it has never been painted. If it has been painted, getting the same paint code might result in inconsistent colors.
What Is a Car Paint Code?
Each vehicle has a paint code that corresponds to the specific color its manufacturer used during production. The code helps ensure that you’re applying the color hue that matches during repairs and repainting.
How to Find a Car Paint Code
There are many ways to determine which paint code applies to your vehicle. Here are some methods you can try:
Under the Hood
There’s usually a label located under the hood that contains your paint code information. Depending on your ride’s make and model, it could either be a sticker or a riveted placard.
It can be difficult to find the code on some vehicles since it may not be properly labeled. Try to look for an abbreviation like “CC.”
Driver’s Door Jamb
When opening the driver’s door, you may notice a rectangular label affixed to the door edge or B-pillar. This label usually contains important information about your vehicle, including its paint code. Simply look for terms like “EXT PNT” or “BODY COLOR CODE.”
Window Sticker
If your vehicle is relatively new, you’ll find a sticker affixed to the driver’s side window. Known as the Monroney sticker, this provides specific information about your ride’s make and model. This includes information like your manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and your car’s paint code.
Some vehicles also have a sticker in the glove box that provides specific build codes.
Consult a Professional Automotive Paint Specialist
You can also contact a professional automotive paint specialist to ask for advice. They usually know where to find the right paint code for your car.
How to Find a Paint Code by VIN
If you can’t find your car’s paint code using the options mentioned above, don’t worry. As long as you have your VIN, you’ll be able to get the right code.
All you have to do is to contact your dealership and give them your VIN. They should be able to give you the paint code for your vehicle.
Some online platforms may also carry a list of paint codes for different makes and models.
Can I Use Touch-Up Paint In the Same Color But With a Different Paint Code?
No. This is not recommended. It will be noticeable if you use a different color code during paint repair. Even if your vehicle is in a simple color like black, there are different variations and tones of black that can make touched-up areas stick out like a sore thumb if the exact paint match isn’t used.
If you want to keep your car looking good, you’ll want to stick with touch-up paint in the correct paint code. If you’re unsure which paint to use, consult a professional.
Can You Do a Touch-Up Paint Job Yourself?
If you have the tools, time, and patience for the job, then you can go ahead and do this yourself.
Before starting, you’ll need to wash and dry your vehicle. It’s also advisable to park it in a shaded area.
Remove any flaking and dust on the affected area before applying paint.
If this sounds complicated or time-consuming, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. You won’t need to spend that much—especially if you’re dealing with minor chips and scratches.
If you’re dealing with major paint damage, it’s a good idea to let professionals handle it because they have the expertise and equipment to restore your paint job.
How Much Will You Spend on a Car Paint Job?
It will depend on the severity of the damage. If you’re talking about minor chips and scratches, expect to shell out around $150 to $250. Repairing severe scratches or dents will cost you more. Labor rates may also vary depending on your location.
When to Use Touch-Up Paint
Touch-up paint is unnecessary if the scratch is minor and hasn’t gone through the clear coat. To check, run your finger over the scratch and see if your fingertip will get caught. If it glides smoothly, the damage is superficial and the paint is unharmed.
If your finger gets caught on the paint, it’s a sign that the damage is deeper than the clear coat. You’ll have to use a touch-up paint stick or get a professional touch-up done. In some cases, you may need to repaint a portion of your car.
How Do You Find the Right Paint Code for a Car
Finding perfect automotive paint codes for your vehicle is a matter of personal preference. By following the steps above, you should have an easy time finding your vehicle’s current paint code. However, there might come a time when you want to change it. If this happens, it’s important to make sure you find a color that truly speaks to you so that you don’t regret your choice.
It’s strongly recommended to consult color charts to get a better idea of what your vehicle will look like after the paint job is complete. Safe colors typically include brighter colors such as white and yellow due to increased visibility. Their eye-catching nature might appeal to you aesthetically. Other popular colors include black, red, and grey.
Changing vehicle paint is perfectly lega, but you may need to notify the DMV to update your registration in some states and follow their color restrictions.
How Much Does it Cost to Change the Paint of a Car?
Repainting a vehicle is a costly endeavor. The entire process, which includes sanding the body and removing the rust on top of applying a new coat of paint, can cost you anywhere between $500 and $5,000.
Many factors can affect the cost of painting a car. For example, not all paint costs the same, and some types are more expensive than others. The size of your vehicle also affects how much paint will need to be used and how many hours of labor you’ll need to pay for.
Where to Get Paint for Your Vehicle
Paint protects your vehicle’s body against rust. Unfortunately, paint chips can spread and cause further damage. If you plan on reselling your car, faded or chipped paint can also significantly lessen its resale value. Potential buyers might see the damaged paint and think your vehicle isn’t properly maintained, leading to fewer offers. Because of this, it’s best to fix your chipped paint as soon as possible. Luckily, getting the right paint for your vehicle is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
Choose from a wide selection of high-quality paints here at CarParts.com. You can easily browse through our products, thanks to our easy-to-navigate website and search filters. If you need any help, our customer service staff are more than happy to assist you. They offer round-the-clock support, so you can always find someone to help you.
Don’t let chipped paint ruin your vehicle’s entire look. Check out our selection of high-quality paints at CarParts.com and order one today!
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