If your car needs a paintwork repair, one of the first steps is identifying its exact paint colour. While colours like black or silver might appear universal, every car manufacturer uses specific paint codes for each model and year. Even slight variations in tone matter, so getting the precise match is crucial.
At Modus Car Body Repairs, we’re experts in car paintwork repairs—and that starts with understanding how to find the right colour code for your vehicle.
Why Should I Know My Car’s Colour Code?
Knowing your car’s colour code is essential for several common situations:
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You’ve spotted a used car online, but the seller didn’t mention the paint name
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Your vehicle has paint damage and needs a precise touch-up
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You’re repainting a panel or bumper and need a flawless finish
Every manufacturer produces dozens of paint shades annually—even within similar colour families. This means guessing the colour or using “close enough” shades can result in an obvious mismatch.
How to Find the Colour Code for Your Car
To find the exact paint colour of your car, you need to locate its paint code—a specific alphanumeric identifier that corresponds to the manufacturer’s original formula.
Contrary to popular belief, this code is not the VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number). It’s a separate code printed on a label or plate somewhere within your car.
Common Locations of Paint Codes:
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Inside the driver’s door frame
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Under the bonnet
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Inside the glove box
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In the spare wheel well
Different car manufacturers place these stickers in different locations, so check all these spots if needed.
For extra help, you can consult your car’s handbook, which usually indicates where to find the paint code. Some helpful online databases—like the one from Car Colour Services—can also guide you based on your make and model.
Can I Find My Car’s Paint Code by Registration Number?
Unfortunately, no official online tool currently provides your car’s paint code from just the UK registration (REG) number. However, if you contact your local dealership and provide them with your REG number and vehicle details, they can usually look it up in their system.
Check Your Owner’s Manual or Service History
In some cases, your owner’s manual or service book may include the paint code. Flip to the index or contents section and look under headings like “paint”, “exterior specifications”, or “colour code.”
Let Modus Car Body Repairs Handle the Colour Match for You
Need a paint repair but unsure of your car’s colour? Don’t worry—Modus Car Body Repairs takes care of this for you.
Our expert mobile technicians use professional-grade colour matching tools like spectrophotometers to scan your vehicle’s existing paint. Even if the manufacturer’s code has worn off or faded over time, our technology ensures an exact colour match—down to subtle variations in shade.
We mix your paint using a range of specialist tints to achieve a seamless repair, even on older or rare car models.
📍 Available across the UK, including Luton and Bedfordshire, we offer convenient mobile services right at your home or office.
What Type of Paint Is Used on Cars?
Modern automotive paint typically consists of three layers:
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Primer – helps the paint adhere to the metal surface
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Base colour – the actual paint colour of your car
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Clear coat (lacquer) – gives a glossy finish and UV protection
In line with EU environmental regulations (introduced in 2014), Modus Car Body Repairs uses low-VOC and eco-friendly paint solutions, including non-isocyanate materials, to ensure safety and sustainability—whether for mobile repairs or work carried out in our body shop.
Choosing the Right Type of Paint
When repairing your car, it’s not just about matching the colour—it’s also about using the correct paint type.
Common paint types include:
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Solid – durable and easy to touch up
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Metallic – has a sparkling effect
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Pearlescent – shimmers in the light
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Matte – offers a flat, non-glossy finish
Using the wrong type can result in poor adhesion, texture mismatches, or finish imperfections. Our technicians ensure the correct paint type is always used for a factory-quality result.
Some of Our Favourite Car Colour Names
During our years of car repairs, we’ve come across some truly unique and fun colour names:
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Panther Black – Ford
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Willow Catkin – Hyundai
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Silky Beige – Hyundai
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Nightfall Blue – Lotus
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Strawberry Red – Nissan
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Aromatic Aqua – Suzuki
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Prosecco – Porsche
Whether your car’s colour has a quirky name or a classic one, we’ve got the tools to match it perfectly.
Need a Car Paint Repair? Get a FREE Estimate
If your car’s paintwork is scratched, chipped, or faded, trust Modus Car Body Repairs for flawless results. Our mobile scratch and dent repair experts will match your paint perfectly—even if you don’t know the code.
👉 Get a free no-obligation estimate today by visiting moduscarbodyrepairs.com or calling us on 0330 133 3180.
Let us take the guesswork out of colour matching and restore your car’s finish to perfection
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