2022 Freightliner Cascadia — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Notes:

• Freightliner/DTNA paint codes are typically alphanumeric (often starting with L, M, or N plus digits, e.g., L0006). Because most Cascadias are built to fleet specs, the exact code for non-white/black colors varies. Always confirm by VIN with a dealer or paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

• Driver’s door jamb/B‑pillar: Look for the white Vehicle Certification Label near the hinges or latch. It lists the VIN and often shows “Paint,” “Cab Color,” or “Primary/Secondary Color.” On many Cascadias, the code appears as an alphanumeric such as L0006.
• Driver’s door frame ID plate: A metal/silver Vehicle ID plate on the B‑pillar or door frame may include paint information or a reference to the data card.
• Build sheet/Data Card: Any Freightliner dealer can pull the official DTNA Data Card by VIN (also available via DTNA Connect). Ask for the “Cab Color” and “Chassis Color” codes.
• Interior label: Some units include a spec label on the rear cab wall (behind the seats) or in the overhead compartment listing option codes and colors.

Tip: Cascadias can have different colors for cab, chassis, and bumper/fairings. Verify which section you’re refinishing before ordering paint.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli‑Color: Good for small rock chips and quick aerosol jobs if your color cross‑references to a standard formula. Availability for heavy‑truck colors may be limited; verify the code first.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Can custom‑mix most Freightliner/DTNA codes in bottles, pens, aerosols, and spray‑gun quarts. Provide the exact paint code from your VIN data card.
• Tcoat custom‑mix: Made‑to‑order touch‑up and aerosol mixes from your Freightliner code when you need a precise match shipped fast.
• Freightliner dealer: Dealers can often supply touch‑up bottles or direct you to the OEM paint system (Axalta Imron Elite or PPG Delfleet equivalents) using your VIN.
• Local paint jobber: A PPG, Axalta, or BASF commercial coatings supplier can scan the truck and mix Imron/Delfleet/Utech formulas that match your code or current fade.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean: Wash the area, then wipe with wax/grease remover. For chips, lightly scuff with 1000–1500 grit to remove loose edges.
2. Rust stop: If bare steel shows, apply a rust converter or etch/epoxy primer. Let it cure as directed.
3. Prime: For larger repairs, a thin coat of primer helps adhesion and fills micro‑pitting. Sand smooth once dry.
4. Basecoat: Shake well. Apply light, even passes. For brush pens, wick off excess and dab only in the chip. Allow flash time between coats.
5. Clearcoat: After base flashes, apply clear to restore gloss and UV protection. Feather the edges.
6. Cure and polish: Let harden 24–48 hours. Wet sand 2000–3000 grit only if needed to level, then polish to blend.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri‑coats

• Confirm the formula: Metallics and pearls may have alternate formulas by plant or year. Use your VIN data card to avoid the wrong variant.
• Spray technique matters: Metallic/pearl orientation changes with gun distance, air pressure, and overlap. Keep your technique consistent between coats.
• Blend, don’t butt‑match: For panels, extend color into adjacent areas and clear a larger section to hide flop and flake differences.
• Check under multiple lights: Evaluate match in sun, shade, and LED shop light. Pearls can shift dramatically with lighting.
• Account for fade: High‑mileage trucks fade. If the code match looks “too fresh,” have a jobber tint to the truck or perform a blend.
• Tri‑coats: If your Cascadia uses a tri‑coat (ground color + mid‑coat pearl + clear), count passes and maintain identical gun distance for uniform pearl density.

If your 2022 Cascadia’s color isn’t listed above or you’re unsure of the exact code, contact a Freightliner dealer or a paint supplier with your VIN and ask for the DTNA Data Card color entries.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.