Toyota Paint Color Codes

Understanding Toyota Paint Color Codes: A Comprehensive Guide

Toyota vehicles are renowned for their reliability and durability, and their paint finishes play a vital role in maintaining their aesthetic appeal. To ensure proper color matching for repairs or touch-ups, it is essential to understand Toyota paint color codes.

Paint Code Format

Toyota paint color codes follow a standardized format consisting of a three-character alpha-numeric code, followed by a dash and two digits. The alpha-numeric code represents the paint color, while the two digits indicate the finish type.

Example: 1D4 - Polar White

Types of Finishes

Toyota offers various finish types to cater to different preferences and vehicle applications. The two most common finish types are Solid (indicated by "01") and Metallic (indicated by "02"). Solid finishes provide a uniform, non-reflective surface, while Metallic finishes contain reflective particles that add depth and sparkle to the paint.

Locating the Paint Code

The Toyota paint code can typically be found in the following locations:

Inside the driver's side door jamb
Under the hood, on a metal plate near the firewall
On the vehicle identification number (VIN) sticker

Using the Paint Code

Once you have located the paint code, you can use it to purchase matching paint from a Toyota dealership or an automotive paint supplier. It is important to note that Toyota paint colors may vary slightly over time due to fading or other factors, so a professional color match is always recommended for best results.

Tips for Paint Color Matching

Here are some tips for accurate paint color matching:

Provide the exact paint code to the paint supplier.
Specify the finish type (Solid or Metallic).
Take a sample of the original paint to the supplier for comparison.
Consider having a professional paint match conducted for the best results.

Conclusion

Understanding Toyota paint color codes is essential for ensuring proper color matching when performing repairs or touch-ups. By following the information provided in this article, you can easily locate and decode the paint code on your Toyota vehicle and obtain the correct matching paint for any paintwork needs.