2020 Freightliner M2 106 Paint Codes

Quick reference

Note: Freightliner offers a vast array of custom and fleet colors. The colors listed above are some of the most common standard offerings. Always verify your specific color code.

Where to find your paint code

For your 2020 Freightliner M2 106, the paint code can typically be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or on the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors). Open the driver's side door and look for a label that contains vehicle identification information. The paint code will usually be listed near other essential data such as the GVWR. It will often be a three or four-digit number, sometimes preceded by a letter or specific Freightliner color designation. If you have trouble locating it, your owner's manual or a Freightliner dealership parts department can assist you using your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to maintaining the finish of your 2020 Freightliner M2 106, having reliable touch-up paint is crucial. Here are some of the best sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a good range of standard colors in aerosol cans and paint pens. While they might not have every custom Freightliner shade, they often carry matches for common truck colors.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint precisely matched to your vehicle's factory color code. They offer a variety of application options, including paint pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, and are an excellent choice for an exact match.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat provides high-quality, custom-mixed paints, often preferred by professionals for their accuracy and durability. They can typically match unique fleet colors or complex metallic and pearl finishes.
• Dealership: Your Freightliner dealership parts department can order touch-up paint directly from the manufacturer, ensuring an exact match to your truck's original finish. This is often the best option for less common or specialty colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can make a significant difference in the longevity and appearance of your repair. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or wax and grease remover. This ensures proper adhesion.
2. Primer: For deeper scratches or chips that expose bare metal, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of your chosen touch-up paint. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Build up the color slowly until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This is essential for durability and matching the factory look.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While many Freightliner M2 106 trucks come in solid colors, some more elaborate finishes like metallic or pearl paints require extra care during touch-up. Pearl and tri-coat paints achieve their unique depth and shimmer through multiple layers of paint, including a pearl or mid-coat and often a tinted clear coat.

• Metallic Colors: These paints contain small metallic flakes that reflect light, giving a shimmer effect. When applying metallic touch-up paint, ensure even coats to prevent blotchiness or uneven flake distribution.
• Pearlescent/Tri-Coat Colors: These complex finishes often involve a base coat, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a clear coat. Achieving a seamless repair on these types of paints can be challenging for DIYers. For the best results, especially on larger repairs, it is highly recommended to consult a professional body shop. Exact color matching for these finishes often requires blending into adjacent panels.

Never hesitate to verify your paint code with your VIN at a dealership or reputable paint supplier to ensure accuracy, especially for custom or less common colors. Incorrect color matching can be more noticeable on metallic or pearl finishes.

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