2021 Freightliner M2 106 Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For the 2021 Freightliner M2 106, your 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 door frame or the edge of the door itself. This label will often contain various vehicle information, including the VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and the paint code. The paint code is usually a three- to six-digit number, often accompanied by a color name abbreviation. If you have trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual for the exact location or contact a Freightliner dealership with your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2021 Freightliner M2 106, several reliable sources can provide you with the correct paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up pens, paint bottles, and spray cans. They might have a more limited selection for commercial vehicle colors, but it's worth checking their online color finder or local auto parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in exact-match paint for a vast array of vehicles, including commercial trucks. You can order custom-mixed touch-up paint in pens, bottles, aerosol cans, or larger quantities. You'll typically need your paint code to order.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For more specialized or harder-to-find colors, a custom paint mixing service like Tcoat can formulate the exact match based on your paint code and even a sample if needed. This is often a good option for older or unique fleet colors.
• Dealership: Your local Freightliner dealership can provide genuine touch-up paint specifically matched to your truck's original factory finish. This is often the most accurate option, especially for less common or specialty colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can make a big difference in the final appearance. Follow these general steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and degrease the area around the scratch or chip. Use rubbing alcohol or a prep solvent to ensure it's free of wax, oil, and dirt.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): For deep scratches that expose 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 well. Apply thin, even layers of the base coat, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface. For brush-on applications, use a fine-tipped brush for precision.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. Again, apply in thin layers and allow adequate drying time between coats.
5. Curing and polishing: Allow the paint to cure completely (this can take several days depending on the product and conditions). Once cured, you can gently buff and polish the area to blend it with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2021 Freightliner M2 106 typically uses solid or metallic finishes, understanding color matching for pearls and tri-coats is helpful for future reference or if you have a special order. Pearlescent and tri-coat paints have multiple layers that create depth and special effects:

• Pearlescent: These paints contain mica flakes that reflect light, creating a shimmering effect. Matching requires careful application to ensure the flakes align correctly and the color shifts appear natural.
• Tri-Coat: As the name suggests, these finishes involve three distinct layers: a colored ground coat, a translucent mid-coat (often containing pearl or special effect pigments), and a clear coat. Each layer contributes to the final color and depth. Matching these can be particularly challenging as slight variations in any of the three layers can alter the final appearance.

For pearl and tri-coat finishes, it's even more critical to use an exact-match paint and apply it meticulously according to the manufacturer's instructions. Due to their complexity, professional application by a body shop is often recommended for the best results on these types of finishes.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.