GM Paint Code By VIN: How To Find The Right Colors For A Car

A paint code guides you through using the right color for your car. It is a three- to six-character code that makes it easy to establish color accuracy when painting your car. Sometimes it can be challenging to get the right color for your vehicle, but GM paint code by VIN takes away that worry. VIN will help you find your car color code.

A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a 17-character unique code you will find in every vehicle after manufacturing. The 17 characters consist of numbers and alphabets,  but there is no intervening space between them. Also, you won’t find letters such as Q (q), O (o), and I (i) in VINs; the omission is to prevent confusion with 0 and 1. 

The VIN gives you information about the car, such as the country, factory, make and model, and year of the factory. If you are a car owner wanting to retouch your GM car or retouch your vehicle in a different GM color, knowing your car paint color code numbers is essential to match the right color. All cars have a color identification plate, locate yours, and everything becomes easy.

• What Is A Color Code?
• Paint Colors And Finishes
• Importance Of Paint Color Codes
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Final Conclusion

Color Code

Your car color code is vital in selecting the right color for your vehicle. You can find your car color code anywhere on your car, depending on the make and model. The common places you can find the color code include:

• The radiator
• Firewall or engine compartment
• Glove box
• Right-hand sun visor
• Under driver seat
• Drivers side door jamb
• Trunk lid
• Spare tire wheel well
• The rear of the middle console

Also, you can find your car color code in your service history and your owner’s manual. Taking your time to write down your color code makes it easy to find the correct paint that will match your car correctly. If you have an Audi car, your color code will be under the deck lid, rear compartment, or in the spare tire compartment.

Bentley owners should find their color code under the hood, the door hinge, the door jamb, or inside the trunk. The color code of BMW is always in the wheel well or the firewall. Fords always have their color code in the driver’s side door jamb, while Mercedes Benz has its own in the engine compartment or the radiator support.

Color Code Finder

You can use the right color to cover up scratches on your car (to learn more, check out our guide on scratched plastic bumper repair), and to know the right color, locate your color code or VIN, and you will get all the information you need.

Paint Code By VIN

Several reasons can require that you know the right color for your car; whatever the reasons, the most important thing is finding the exact color that will match your vehicle. To find the precise color, you will need your car’s paint code, a color number that makes finding the right color for your car easy. Every car has a paint code, just as every vehicle has a VIN.

Your car’s vehicle identification number serves as a fingerprint, containing specific information about your car, which Is your paint color code. You can find your VIN on your insurance card (for more insight, check out our guide on how much is motorcycle insurance as well as how to choose the right motorcycle for you and how to cancel Progressive insurance), vehicle title, or dashboard. Your car VIN does not explicitly give information about your vehicle paint code, but you can still use it to find your paint color.

Your VIN serves as your car fingerprint; then, you can use it to search for your paint color on other platforms. Also, you can search for your paint code online using your VIN or get in touch with your dealer and give them your VIN so they can help you find your paint code. You should understand that the VIN won’t give you the exact paint code for your car, but it’s a tool you can use to find it.

Automotive Paint Colors

There are several automotive paint colors that you can choose from depending on your taste and what suits the vehicle more. The colors include;

GM Paint Code By VIN: #1. Metallic Car Paint Colors

Metallic colors have a sparkle from a good metallic aluminum pigment that gives them different variations based on size and brightness depending on the type of metallic pigment used. These paints can be very easy to apply and can get complicated, depending on your chosen color.

Typically, you will find using lighter-colored metallic paints more challenging than their dark counterparts. Also, most metallic paints are durable depending on your chosen color and how you apply them. Metallic colors include;

• Allen Green Metallic
• Wool Grey Metallic
• Watermelon Metallic 
• Arctic Blue Metallic
• Black Sparkle Metallic
• Coffee Bean Metallic
• Champagne Metallic
• Euro Racing Metallic
• Fire Red Metallic
• Titanium Metallic
• Red Gold Metallic and so on. 

GM Paint Code By VIN: #2. Pearl Car Paint Colors

Pearl paint colors originate from combining a special pigment called pearlescent pigments and traditional transparent pigments. Pearls are available in different sparkle colors and sizes, and that’s why they have more color depth than the standard car paint color.

You can get the 2-stage pearl colors you can apply, and then clear or a 3-stage pearl system that involves using a solid color, followed by a mid-pearl coat and a protective clear coat. Examples include;

2-Stage Pearl Colors

• Sunrise Orange
• Liquid Brass
• Black Cherry
• Sparkling Merlot
• Geaux Gold
• Static Grey
• Izit Brown
• Lime Time
• Vibrant Violet
• Pacific Blue
• Midnight Blue
• Proud Navy
• Forest Green
• Midnight Envy

3-Stage Pearl Colors

• Star Fire White
• Galaxy Blue
• Shaved Ice
• Celebrity Pink
• Miami Pink
• Laser Red
• Lambo Lime
• Mirage Brown
• Deep Water Blue
• Mysterious Purple

GM Paint Code By VIN: #3. Solid Car Paint Colors

Solid car paint colors are those that do not have any sparkling agent. Black and White are the most common solid colors, but there are others. Generally, solid colors are easy to apply than any color because they don’t have metallic or sparkling agents. Solid colors have average durability, and they are good picks. Examples include;

• Super Bright White
• Glacial White
• Lemon Yellow
• Viper Yellow
• Steel Grey
• Rich Brown
• Lava Orange
• Flamin Red
• Red Hot
• Peach
• Hot Pink
• Indigo Blue
• Electric Lime
• Vibrant Green

GM Paint Code By VIN: #4. Candy Colors

Candy colors differ in depth color. They offer unique looks because of their unique process of making a proper candy effect. Three processes go into creating a sparkling color. Examples include;

• Wine Red
• Black
• Lemon Drop
• Hot Pink
• Apple Red
• Teal
• Fire Red
• Tangerine
• Emerald Green
• Cobalt Blue
• Vexing Violet

GM Paint Code By VIN: #5. Color-Changing Paints Or Chameleon Auto Paint

Chameleon auto paints are unique because they can display several colors depending on where or how they are viewed. You can view up to five colors on one object from a painting. Examples include;

• Nature’s Fury Chameleon Auto
• Tropical Storm
• Toxic Tide
• Mountain Fall
• Hole Shot

GM Paint Code By VIN: #6. Factory Colors VS Custom Colors

Factory paints are also called Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM); they are those used for the production of commercial vehicles that are manufactured in mass quantities. Assembly-created cars such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, and so on all use factory colors.

Custom paints are not factory paints; they are produced to be unique and not easy to get, but they offer uniqueness and style.

GM Paint Codes

To find your vehicle’s GM paint codes, locate the color identification plate in your car. You will find the plate on the driver’s side door for most GM cars. Also, you can find the color identification plate under the hood, near the windshield, or on the left side of the engine compartment.

Once you have located the color identification plate, you need to understand the plate’s information. To know the exterior color of a GM car, find the number code combination that ends with L or U, where U signifies upper body color and L signifies lower body color. Another factor that determines a GM paint code is the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

A BC before the color code means base coat, and a CC means clear coat. Some paint colors use two colors: an underlying color and a top color. You may find two sets of numbers, one with L before it to indicate lower color and the other with U before it to indicate upper color.

You can also find the paint code on the VIN and the VIN on the dashboard. However, you can only see the paint code through the VIN if the color on the vehicle is original. Once you find the VIN, call the dealership to help you check the paint color using the VIN.

Cadillac Colors

You should check the list below to find the best exterior colors for your Cadillac.

GM Paint Code By VIN: #1. Exterior Colors

• Summit White
• Black Raven
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Shadow Metallic
• Garnet Metallic
• Dark Emerald Frost
• Rift Metallic
• Diamond Sky Metallic
• Electric Blue
• Crystal White Tricoat
• Blaze Orange Metallic

GM Paint Code By VIN: #2. Interior Colors

• Sky Cool Gray with Jet-Black accents
• Jet Black with Jet-Black accents
• Natural Tan with Jet-Black accents
• Sahara Beige with Jet-Black accents
• Maple Sugar with Jet-Black accents

Chevy Colors

Chevy colors are always bold and bright, and that’s why Chevy is one of the most colorful trucks you can get. You can pick from many standard paint color options such as Northsky Blue Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, and Satin Steel Metallic. You can upgrade to three colors: Red Hot, Cherry Red Tintcoat, and Iridescent Pearl Tri-coat. Chevy colors include;

• Black
• Satin Steel Metallic 
• Red Hot
• Mosaic Black Metallic
• Oxford Brown Metallic
• Cherry Red Tintcoat
• Silver Ice Metallic 
• Shadow Gray Metallic
• Northsky Blue Metallic
• Summit White

GM Touch Up Paint

Touch-up paints are used to cover minor scratches on your vehicle. Touch-up paints can make your car look astonishing without paying extra money for complete car repainting. However, to get the best touch-up paint for your vehicle, get in touch with a professional.

• Addiction Red
• Bright White
• Metallic Black Sapphire
• Metallic Navy Blue
• Dark Garnet Red
• Metallic Autumn Maple
• Metallic Emerald Green

GMC Touch Up Paint

GMC touch-up paints are made as tough as the vehicle, and they include;

• Summit White
• White Frost Tricoat
• Red Quartz
• Dark Slate Metallic
• White
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Iridium Metallic
• Dark Sky Metallic 

Chevy Touch Up Paint

Chevy touch-up paint includes;

• Chevrolet Summit White
• Chevrolet Black
• Cajun Red 
• Red Hot
• Quicksilver Metallic
• Olympic White
• North Sky Blue Metallic
• Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
• Mosaic Black Metallic 

Cadillac Touch Up Paint

Cadillac touch-up paints include;

• Crystal White Tricoat
• Radiant Silver Metallic
• Stellar Black Metallic
• Black
• White Diamond Metallic Tri-coat
• Silver Coast Metallic
• Crystal Claret Tricoat
• Phantom Gray Metallic
• Red Passion

How To Find GM Paint Code

You will find the paint color code of most GM vehicles on a sticker (also, fun fact, go check out our explainer on how to get sticker off car window) that says Parts Identification. In the beginning, you can find BC/CC, U, WA, or a four-digit number/letter. Most vehicles will have a sticker on the trunk lid, door jamb, and engine hood. Your VIN gives essential information about the car but won’t indicate the paint code.

Importance Of Paint Codes

Painting your car is typically a detail-oriented activity, so you have to make sure you are painting it with the right color, and obviously, that’s the first step. Whether you are trying to use the paint to cover a scratch or you want to repaint the whole car, you or other people will quickly notice if the painting is off. Paint codes will save you time, resources, and energy.

Experts, auto dealers, and enthusiasts use paint codes to create the best paint match.

When it comes to repainting or touching up your car’s paintwork, one of the essential things to consider is proper color matching. Getting the exact color match is crucial to ensure that the newly painted areas blend seamlessly with the existing paint.

This ensures not only aesthetic appeal but also helps maintain the vehicle’s value. A mismatched paint job can make the car look patchy and unprofessional. Hence, it is crucial to understand the importance of finding and using the correct paint color codes.

1. Paint Color Codes and Their Relevance

Paint color codes are unique identifiers assigned by the manufacturer to each color used in their vehicle lineup. These codes are essential as they provide the exact formula of the color used on your car. It is important to note that the same color may have different codes across different manufacturers or even across different models of the same manufacturer. Therefore, it is essential to find the correct paint color code specific to your vehicle.

2. Finding the Correct Paint Color Code

As mentioned earlier, the paint color code can be found using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of your car. The VIN is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle and contains various information, including the manufacturing location, the make and model, and the year of production.

However, the VIN itself does not contain the paint color code, but it can be used to obtain the code from the manufacturer’s database or online resources. Another way to find the paint color code is by looking at the vehicle’s service tag or the owner’s manual. Most manufacturers place a label on the vehicle, usually in the door jamb, glove box, or under the hood, that contains essential information, including the paint color code.

3. Choosing the Right Paint

Once you have identified the correct paint color code, the next step is to choose the right type of paint. There are several types of automotive paints available in the market, including acrylic, enamel, and urethane. Each type has its own characteristics and application methods. It is advisable to consult a professional or refer to the vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines to select the appropriate type of paint for your car.

4. Professional Help vs. DIY

Repainting or touching up your car’s paintwork is a task that requires precision and skill. While it is possible to do it yourself, it is always advisable to seek professional help, especially if you are not experienced in car painting.

Professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a seamless and durable finish. However, if you decide to do it yourself, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and take all necessary precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

Proper color matching is crucial when repainting or touching up your car’s paintwork. It is essential to find and use the correct paint color codes to ensure a seamless and professional finish. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your car looks as good as new. Remember to choose the right type of paint and seek professional help if necessary.

Where To Find The Color Of My Car

Most car brands have a unique code format and where you will find the code on the car. Some color codes are easy to find, while some are in a highly complex location, such as under the carpet in a spare compartment. Below are the paint code locations for some popular cars;

• Acura: Driver’s door jamb
• Audi: On a paper tag or in the spare tire compartment
• BMW: Under the hood
• Chrysler: At the top of the radiator support or driver’s door jamb
• Ford: Driver’s door jamb
• Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi: Driver’s door jamb
• Volvo: Under the hoof
• Subaru: Under the hood

For more specifics and examples, here’s a more thorough list of where you can find the paint color codes on other car makes…

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #1: Ford

The paint color code for Ford vehicles is found on the driver’s side door jamb or inside the driver’s side door. It is usually located on a sticker along with other vehicle information. The paint code will be a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘YZ/M6466A’ indicates the color is white. The first part ‘YZ’ is the paint color code, and ‘M6466A’ is the manufacturer’s code for the paint.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #2: Toyota

For Toyota vehicles, the paint color code is typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. However, it can sometimes be found inside the engine compartment. The code is usually a three or four-digit alphanumeric code. For example, ‘202’ indicates a black color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #3: Honda

Honda vehicles usually have the paint color code inside the driver’s side door jamb or on the edge of the door. It is typically a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘NH-583M’ represents a silver color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #4: Nissan

Nissan vehicles have the paint color code located inside the driver’s side door jamb or on the edge of the driver’s door. The code is typically a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘QAK’ refers to a white color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #5: BMW

For BMW vehicles, the paint color code can be found under the hood, on the strut tower, or on the fender. It is usually a three-digit number followed by a slash and a letter. For example, the code ‘475/9’ refers to a black color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #6: Mercedes-Benz

The paint color code for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is usually located on the driver’s side door jamb or inside the door frame. It is a three-digit number followed by a letter. For example, the code ‘040U’ refers to a black color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #7: Audi

Audi vehicles have the paint color code located in the trunk, under the spare tire, or on the spare tire cover. It is a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘LY9B’ refers to a black color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #8: Volkswagen

For Volkswagen vehicles, the paint color code is usually located in the trunk, under the spare tire, or on the spare tire cover. It is a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘LB9A’ refers to a white color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #9: Subaru

Subaru vehicles have the paint color code located inside the engine compartment, on the strut tower, or on the firewall. It is a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ’37J’ refers to a white color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #10: Kia

For Kia vehicles, the paint color code can be found on the driver’s side door jamb or inside the driver’s side door. It is usually a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘ABT’ refers to a silver color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #11: Hyundai

Hyundai vehicles usually have the paint color code inside the engine compartment, on the firewall, or on the strut tower. It is typically a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘S3’ represents a black color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #12: Mazda

Mazda vehicles have the paint color code located on the driver’s side door jamb or on the edge of the driver’s door. The code is typically a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ’25D’ refers to a white color.

GM Paint Code By VIN, Other Brands #13: Volvo

For Volvo vehicles, the paint color code can be found on the driver’s side door jamb or inside the door frame. It is usually a series of letters and numbers. For example, the code ‘019’ refers to a black color.

Important Tips

1. While most car manufacturers have similar locations for their paint codes, it can vary for some brands. Always refer to the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have trouble finding it.
2. Some vehicles have a separate code for the main body color and the trim color. Make sure to get both codes if necessary.
3. If you cannot locate the paint color code on your vehicle, a local auto parts store or a dealership can usually help you find it.
4. It is important to get the correct paint code, as a slight variation in the code can lead to a different shade of color.
5. Once you have the paint code, you can purchase touch-up paint from an auto parts store, a dealership, or online. Make sure to compare the code with the one on the product to ensure it is the correct color.

In conclusion, finding the paint color code on your vehicle is essential for touch-up jobs or full repaints. It ensures that the color matches perfectly with the original color of the vehicle. While the location of the paint code varies by manufacturer, it is usually found in the driver’s side door jamb, inside the engine compartment, or in the trunk. Remember to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have trouble finding it.

Vehicle Color Codes: Facts

1. To ensure the accuracy of your vehicle color, you must find your vehicle color code.
2. The vehicle color code provides an exact description of your vehicle color, making it important to locate.
3. The color code can be found on a plate, sticker, or decal, or stamped into the body of your vehicle.
4. The location of the color code can vary by vehicle make and model and can be found by checking the appropriate table.
5. Some car manufacturers place the code in odd locations, so locating the code may require checking several locations.
6. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) does not give the color code but helps to match the paint formula variance in an existing color code.
7. Interior colors are not color-coded on the vehicle but can be identified by borrowing color books or visiting a body shop with interior color chips.
8. Some vehicles have a factory code, which makes a difference in the color.
9. Some car models may have challenging color code locations, such as being hidden under trunk carpets or folded paper tags.
10. Online resources provide information on locating color codes for different vehicle makes, such as Acura, BMW, Ford, GM, Toyota, etc.

GM Paint Code By VIN: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some popular FAQs:

Where To Buy Car Paint

You can buy car paints in online shops such as Amazon. Also, you can get paint from your dealership or search for the nearest car paint seller in your area. Collision repair shops, automotive part stores, and car dealers also sell car paints.

Where To Find Car Paint Code

You can find your paint code information inside the driver’s door, the door jamb, or inside the door. You will find two paint codes, one for the exterior paint and one for the cabin or interior color. One code may instruct you to paint, while another will guide you to trim. Write down the paint code and call your dealer to help you decode and find the color. Also, you can find your car paint code in the owner’s manual, door jamb, and under the hood. Also, your vehicle will always have a VIN; find it and write it down; you will find the VIN on the left side of your dashboard. Write down the number and contact your dealer to help you find the paint code using the VIN.

How To Find Color Code Of Car

Look for the automobile information sticker inside your car to find your car color code. Most cars have a badge that gives important information about that car; you can find the sticker inside, your car door, your door jamb, under the hood, driver side interior dash, and in the rear wheel well. Then locate the exterior paint color codes on the instruction sticker; some cars will have their codes labeled as VIN, and check the details on the stamp to find paint or color codes. You will see a C code that indicates paint or color. Some cars have their paint codes in abbreviation or shorthand. Locate the letter C that symbolizes paint or Tr that shows the color of your car trim.

What Trim Is My Car By VIN

To find your car trim with your VIN, go to the manufacturer’s website and use the VIN lookup to find information about your car, especially the trim level. Car manufacturers use specifications such as Sports or XLE to show differences between two cars from the same brand. Also, interior and exterior options can show disparities between vehicles. The most common trim levels are the base, mid and high-end, and these trim levels can affect the price, looks, and performance of the vehicle. Base trims always have limited options and features, while high-end trims mean luxury, special features, and options that make driving effortless.

Where To Buy Car Touch Up Paint

You can buy car touch-up paint at your car dealership, mechanics workshops, online markets, and the nearest car paint shop near you.

How To Match Paint On Car

To match up the paint on your car, you will first find the color code to know the original code of your vehicle. You can find the code on the car identification plate or the manufacturer’s website. Once you get the code, go to an auto body supply shop and buy the paint; note that some cars have two tones, which means they will need two colors. Start mixing the paint until you get the right color for your vehicle; you can start with the variation in lightness and darkness and keep adjusting the hue until it matches your desired color. Make sure you blend the color until you achieve a color match; even if the color looks the same, make sure you blend regardless.

How To Find Out The Color Of Your Car By VIN

Typically, you can’t find your paint color using VIN because VIN does not explicitly indicate it. However, you can still get your car color by using the VIN because the VIN is your car fingerprint, and you can use it to find the paint code of your car on another platform. Find the VIN, call your dealer, give them the VIN, and they will help you use it to find your vehicle paint code. Another way is to find your car paint code online using your VIN.

How To Read Paint Color Codes

If a 0 has the same hue as a 99, it means the 99 is t to the green hue; a 99 means it is very close to the blue hue. You will find 0-99 numbers in the series. A code is a number associated with a specific color or group of colors; they will primarily refer to a single number.

How To Match Car Paint Without Code

To match car paint without code, first of all, check the service history of your car or the owner’s manual. Also, you can research your vehicle’s exact model on Google. Another option is to use a machined spectrophotometer; it is the equipment you can use to analyze color measurement. It will provide top-notch analysis and data the human eye can not get. This machine is helpful if you can not get the correct paint code for your car.

What Can You Tell From A VIN Number

A VIN has 17 characters of digits and capital letters that serves as a fingerprint for the vehicle. A VIN will show the unique features of the car, the specifications, and manufacturer information. You can use the VIN to track recalls, warranty documents, thefts and insurance coverage, registrations, etc. The first character gives information about where the car was produced, the second and third character indicates the manufacturer, and the fourth and eighth character shows the vehicle’s brand, engine, size, and type. The ninth character indicates the security code that shows the VIN, while the 10th character gives information about the car’s model year. The eleventh character shows the plant that assembled the car.

When Do You Need A Vehicle’s VIN

You need the VIN of your car when you want to insure your car, during manufacturer recalls and when you want to make claims for a warranty. A VIN is also helpful whenever you want to buy or sell a used car; it gives you some information about the vehicle, such as maintenance history, accident history, past owner history, etc.

GM Paint Code By VIN: In Conclusion…

Finding a GM paint code by VIN is one of the ways you can get the right paint color or touch-up paint for your code. The VIN does not explicitly indicate the paint code, but you can use the characters in the VIN to get your paint code on another platform.