Automotive manufacturers use a large number of automotive paints. Each manufacturer uses several shades of the same paint and the shades are frequently changed. Some manufacturers change them every year. Each color is assigned a particular code and this is the only way to match the paint color with any degree of certainty. Matching the color becomes more complicated when the original color has faded because of sunlight and weather conditions. However, the place to begin is with the paint code number. If the color on your car is very faded, you will have to have a professional match and blend the color.
Locate the vehicle identification number. The identification number includes a lot of details about the car, including the paint color. It is different than the VIN number. It is on a metal plate that is easily accessible. The standard places for the identification number include door jambs, underside of the hood, the glove compartment,and the spare tire cover. The website ExpressPaint.com provides information about finding the identification number on different types of vehicles.
Identify the paint code on the identification plate. The paint code is on the bottom left side under the bar code. It may be identified as "exterior paint color" and it is a combination of letters and numbers. If you have trouble finding the identification number or finding the paint code, take the car to a repair shop or dealer.
Do an online search. If the identification number is difficult to locate or if it is damaged and unreadable, do an online search. Several websites allow you to search for the paint code number that matches your vehicle. Enter the required information about your vehicle to find the possible color matches.
Purchase paint at the local automotive supply store. Purchase paint that matches the code number. Begin by buying a small tube of touch-up paint to test the match.
Paint an inconspicuous area of the vehicle. Make sure that the color matches. The age of your car, as well as terrain and the local climate may have caused the color to fade so that the original color does not match. In this case, take the car to the auto repair shop and seek professional help to match the color.
