Elena Rossi
If you're looking to touch up scratches or spots on your car, you'll need to find an exact match for your paint colour. Every vehicle has a unique paint code, and there are several ways to find it. You can search for it online using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or registration number, or you can locate it physically on your vehicle. The paint code will usually be found on the driver's side door jamb, door hinge, door frame, boot lid, or under the bonnet. It can consist of a mix of letters and numbers and may be located in odd places, depending on the manufacturer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finding paint code for a vehicle | Search for the paint code on the vehicle. The location varies depending on the make, year, and model. |
| Finding paint code using Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | The VIN is a 17-character code that can be found on the vehicle title, registration certificate, or dashboard. It can be used to search for the paint code online or by contacting the dealer. |
| Finding paint code using registration number | The registration number can be used to search for the paint code using a reg look-up tool. |
| Examples of paint code locations for specific makes | - Ford: Door jamb on the driver's side, door frame, boot lid, or under the bonnet |
| - Mercedes: Door frame, boot lid, under the bonnet, radiator, or by the driver door hinge | |
| - Porsche: Door frame, boot lid, under the bonnet, or around the spare tire |
What You'll Learn
Locating the VIN
The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code that identifies your specific vehicle. It acts as a fingerprint, and no two VINs are the same. While the VIN provides a lot of information about your car, it does not explicitly indicate the paint code. However, it can still be used to determine your car's paint code.
The VIN can typically be found on the dash, where the dashboard meets the windshield. It is usually a combination of 17 letters and numbers, although vehicles manufactured before 1981 may have fewer characters. The VIN can also be found on the vehicle title, which is the legal document received when purchasing a car, and the vehicle registration certificate.
If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle or documentation, you can contact your car dealer. They can help you determine the paint code using the VIN. Additionally, online platforms and databases allow you to search for paint codes using your VIN.
While the VIN is helpful in finding the paint code, it is not necessary. The paint code can often be found on the vehicle itself, commonly on the door jamb, door frame, or door hinge. It may also be located in the trunk, under the hood, or on the vehicle's bodywork. The paint code typically consists of 3 to 6 letters and numbers.
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Online Tools
There are several online tools available to help you find your paint number. Here are some options:
Vehicle Paint Colour Code
If you are looking for the paint colour code for your vehicle, there are a few online databases and guides that can assist you:
- PaintScratch.com provides a guide on how to locate your vehicle's paint colour code. They also offer a service where you can select your vehicle's year, make, and model to help narrow down the location of the code.
- WikiHow suggests looking for your vehicle information sticker, typically located on your dash, inside your door jamb, or in the trunk. The paint colour code should be near the bottom of this sticker.
- ExpressPaint.com offers a Paint Colour Code Location Guide to help you find the code for your specific make of vehicle.
- Your vehicle's owner's manual should also provide information on where to locate the paint colour code.
Once you have located the paint colour code, you can use this information to purchase touch-up paint that matches your vehicle's colour exactly.
Benjamin Moore Colour Portfolio App
If you are looking for paint colours for your home, the Benjamin Moore Colour Portfolio App offers a convenient solution. This app allows you to:
- Scan a colour to instantly find its closest match from Benjamin Moore's paint colours.
- Visualise different paint colours on walls and surfaces within your space by using the photo visualizer feature.
- Browse and save your favourite Benjamin Moore colours and collections.
The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices and can be paired with Benjamin Moore's colour matching devices for even more accurate colour identification.
Mimi Panda
Mimi Panda offers an online tool that converts your photos into paint-by-numbers templates. This tool allows you to:
- Upload your own photo to create a customised paint-by-numbers canvas.
- Easily identify the required colours and mixing instructions for each numbered zone.
- Print your customised paint-by-numbers template at home or at a professional print shop.
Mimi Panda provides a user-friendly and privacy-focused experience, allowing you to create unique and memorable artistic projects.
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Decoding the Paint Code
Every vehicle has a unique paint colour code that is usually located in the owner's manual. This code is important as it describes the colour exactly, allowing for accurate touch-ups and repairs. The location of the code varies depending on the make, year, and model of the vehicle. While some car manufacturers place the code in a standard location, others may place it in odd places, requiring you to check several locations.
To begin decoding the paint code, you can refer to online resources that provide information on where to find the code for specific car makes and models. Websites like Paint Scratch, Auto Color Library, and HD Paint Code offer guidance on locating the paint colour code for various vehicles. Additionally, your owner's manual should provide information on where to find the code, even if it doesn't specify the code itself.
Once you have located the paint colour code, you can use it to match the exact paint colour for touch-ups or repairs. This is especially important for achieving a seamless finish, as silver and metallic paints, in particular, can be challenging to match accurately.
It's worth noting that paint codes can have different meanings in different contexts. For example, in some cases, the paint code may refer to a colour number within a specific colour collection, such as a RAL colour number or a Federal Standard Paint Colour number. In other cases, the paint code may refer to a colour formula, which is the recipe for creating a specific colour, including the list of ingredients and proportions used.
When dealing with paint suppliers or body shops, it's important to provide clear communication and ask for clarification if needed. This ensures that they have the information they require to mix or select the correct paint colour, whether it's based on a colour standard, a formula, or a descriptive measure.
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OEM Parts Websites
To look up your paint number online, you will need to find your vehicle's paint colour code. This is because each vehicle has a unique paint colour code, which is usually located in different places depending on the make, year, and model. For instance, for a Mini, the paint colour code is usually found underneath the hood by the strut towers or by the driver door hinge.
Once you have found the code, you can then search for it on OEM parts websites. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning that these are parts that have been made either by or to the exact specifications of the original manufacturer of the car. There are several OEM parts websites that can be used to look up your paint number online.
One such website is PaintScratch.com, which provides a comprehensive guide on how to find your vehicle's paint colour code. The website also allows users to search for their paint colour code by make and model. Additionally, users can utilise sites like Auto Color Library and HD Paint Code to find their vehicle's paint colour code.
Another option is to use OEM Parts Online, a website that allows users to search for auto parts by part name, part number, or VIN. This website is powered by a network of dealership parts departments, ensuring full inventory availability and fast shipping nationwide.
It is important to note that when searching for OEM parts, it is recommended to go directly to the dealership to ensure you are getting genuine OEM parts. This is because aftermarket parts may be designed to fit multiple types of cars, while OEM parts are precise and exclusive to specific car models. When purchasing OEM parts, it is also worth considering that price does not always reflect quality, and it may be more beneficial to choose parts with a lifetime warranty.
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Dealer Inquiries
If you are a dealer, there are several ways you can help your customers find their car paint colour code. Firstly, ask your customer to provide their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is typically a 17-character combination of letters and numbers, which can be found on the vehicle title, repair records, or physically on the vehicle itself, usually on the dash, where the dashboard meets the windshield.
Although the VIN won't directly provide the paint code, it can be used to search for the paint code through other platforms. With the VIN, you can search for the paint code online or contact the manufacturer directly and ask for the paint code.
Alternatively, ask your customer to look for the paint code themselves, which is usually located physically on the vehicle. It can be found on a plate, sticker, decal, or stamped into the body of the vehicle. Common locations include the door jamb, door frame, door hinge, or inside the boot or bonnet.
If your customer is unable to find the paint code, you can also ask for the make, year, and model of the vehicle, and use an online database to search for the paint code. Try sites like Paint Scratch, Auto Color Library, and HD Paint Code.
If you are unable to find the paint code through these methods, you may need to visit the manufacturer or dealer in person and retrieve the build sheet with the VIN to find the correct paint code.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find your car paint code online by searching for it with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Your car's VIN is a 17-character combination of letters and numbers that acts as your vehicle's unique fingerprint. You can usually find it on your vehicle title, registration certificate, or on the dashboard.
Your vehicle title is the legal document you receive when purchasing a car. Your registration certificate proves that your vehicle is owned and registered to you. Both documents should be kept in a safe place, such as a filing cabinet or home safe.
You can find your car paint code without your VIN by checking your owner's manual, which should tell you where the colour code placards are located. Alternatively, you can search by registration number on a reg look-up tool or contact your dealer.
Car paint codes are usually located on the door jamb, door frame, door hinge, or driver's door jamb. However, this varies depending on the manufacturer. For example, Mercedes paint codes can be found in the door frame, boot lid, or under the bonnet, while Mini paint codes are usually found under the hood or on the driver's door hinge.
Once you have found your car paint code, you can visit your local auto body shop, and they will be able to match the code to a colour and provide you with the correct paint.
