2019 Freightliner M2 106 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2019 Freightliner M2 106, the paint code is typically located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or label on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors on a conventional cab, or the only vertical post on a single-cab truck) or on the edge of the door itself. This label will contain various vehicle information, including the VIN and manufacturing details. The paint code is usually explicitly labeled "Paint" or "Color" followed by a series of numbers, sometimes with a letter prefix or suffix. It's important to note that Freightliner often uses commercial paint codes which may be different from standard automotive codes you find on passenger vehicles. Always confirm the code with your VIN at a dealer or reputable paint supplier.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up paint on your commercial vehicle, quality and durability are key. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a good range of commercial and fleet colors. While they might not have every single Freightliner specific code, their general color offerings often match common truck colors. Check their website or local automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint for a vast array of vehicles, including commercial trucks. You can typically find your exact paint code on their website and order it in various forms, including pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They are known for excellent color matching.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a truly precise match, especially for older or less common colors, a custom paint mixing service like Tcoat can be invaluable. They can often mix paint based on your specific paint code, providing a perfect or near-perfect match.
• Dealer: Your Freightliner dealership can provide original equipment manufacturer (OEM) touch-up paint, ensuring the best possible match. This is often the most expensive option but guarantees authenticity.

How to use touch-up paint

Proper application of touch-up paint is crucial for a lasting and visually appealing repair:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then follow with a wax and grease remover. Ensure the area is completely dry.
2. Prime (if necessary): If the scratch or chip has gone through to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin coat of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply several thin coats of the base color, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the color slowly until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply one or two thin coats of clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Allow it to cure fully.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While most factory Freightliner M2 106 colors are solid, some custom or special order trucks might feature metallic or pearl finishes. These types of paints require extra care for color matching:

• Metallic Paints: Metallic paints contain small metallic flakes that reflect light, giving the paint a sparkle. When touching up metallic paint, it's critical to apply thin, even coats. Spraying too thick or at an inconsistent angle can cause the metallic flakes to lay differently, leading to a noticeable mismatch in appearance. Blending the edges of the repair into the surrounding paint can help minimize this effect.
• Pearl Paints (Tri-coats): Pearl paints are multi-stage systems that typically involve a base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a clear coat. The pearl mid-coat contains special pigments that create a shimmering, color-shifting effect. Due to their multi-layer nature, pearl paints are the most challenging to match. For significant repairs involving pearl coats, professional body shop expertise is highly recommended. When doing touch-ups, follow the product instructions precisely for each layer, paying close attention to the thickness and evenness of the pearl mid-coat application. Inconsistent application of the pearl layer is the most common cause of color mismatch.

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