2017 Freightliner Cascadia Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most Freightliner Cascadia models, including the 2017 series, your paint code can typically be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or on the B-pillar. This sticker usually contains various vehicle information, and the paint code will be listed among them. It might be labeled as "Paint" or "Color Code" and will be a series of numbers, sometimes followed by a letter. In some cases, especially for custom orders, the paint code might also be found on a build sheet or invoice from the dealership.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a good range of colors in aerosol cans and paint pens. They are a good option for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to match your vehicle's exact factory color. They offer various product types, including paint pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, and are known for their accurate color matching. They can often mix colors that are harder to find.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat is another excellent option for custom-mixed paint. They are known for their high-quality formulations and ability to match even complex colors, including pearls and metallics, which can be challenging.
• Dealership: Your local Freightliner dealership can provide factory-matched touch-up paint. While often a bit more expensive, this ensures the most accurate match, especially for unique or less common colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Proper application of touch-up paint is key to achieving the best results:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and dry the area to be repaired. Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, a thin coat of primer is recommended. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats to the damaged area. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This step is crucial for durability and a professional look.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2017 Freightliner Cascadia primarily featured solid colors, some custom orders or fleet colors might have included metallic or pearl finishes. These types of paints require extra care for color matching:

• Metallic paints: These contain tiny metallic flakes that reflect light, creating a shimmering effect. When touching up metallic paint, it's important to apply thin coats evenly to ensure the metallic flakes lay down correctly. Uneven application can lead to a darker or lighter appearance than the surrounding paint.
• Pearl (or tri-coat) paints: These paints have multiple layers, typically a base coat, a translucent mid-coat containing pearl pigments, and a clear coat. The pearl effect comes from the mid-coat, which refracts light. Matching tri-coats is more complex and often requires a professional touch. If you have a pearl finish, consider taking your truck to a reputable body shop for repairs to ensure a seamless match. If using touch-up, be extremely careful with the pearl mid-coat application, as too much or too little can drastically alter the color.

For any paint code uncertainties or for an exact match, especially for fleet-specific colors not listed here, always provide your VIN to the dealership or a specialized paint supplier. They can access the precise factory specifications for your vehicle.

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