2016 Honda Civic Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For any 2016 Honda Civic, the paint code is located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a black sticker about the size of a credit card—this is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sticker. You will see the paint code clearly labeled, typically following the format of two letters, a hyphen, three numbers, and a letter (e.g., NH-788P) or a letter, hyphen, and three numbers (e.g., R-513).

It is crucial to verify this code on your specific car before ordering any paint. While the names listed above are the correct factory names, a single color can have multiple variations over the years. Confirming the code on your door jamb sticker is the only way to guarantee a perfect match.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several good options for sourcing touch-up paint to fix rock chips, scratches, and other minor imperfections.

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of paint pens and spray cans matched to factory colors. They are a good, affordable choice for small, quick repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in perfectly matched paint for a huge range of vehicles. They offer pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans, as well as all the necessary supplies like primer and clear coat. Their quality is excellent, and they are a go-to for DIY enthusiasts.
• Tcoat custom-mix: For a precision match, especially for aged paint or tricky pearls, a local automotive paint supplier can use a spectrometer to analyze your car's paint and mix a custom batch. This is a professional-grade option that yields fantastic results.
• Honda Dealership: Your local Honda dealer’s parts department can order touch-up pens or bottles directly from the manufacturer, ensuring a factory match. This is often the simplest, albeit sometimes more expensive, option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a seamless repair requires patience and the right process. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the damaged area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover to ensure no contaminants are left.
2. Primer: If the scratch is down to bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This helps the new paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Carefully apply thin layers of your color-matched base coat. For small chips, a paint pen or a fine-tipped brush is ideal. Build the color up slowly, allowing each layer to dry for about 20-30 minutes. The goal is to make the new paint level with the surrounding area.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat has fully cured (check the paint instructions), apply one or two thin layers of clear coat. The clear coat protects the base coat and provides the glossy finish.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

The 2016 Honda Civic was offered in several pearl and metallic finishes, such as White Orchid Pearl (a tri-coat) and Burgundy Night Pearl. These colors have extra depth and can be challenging to match perfectly.

• Metallic Paints: These contain small metal flakes that reflect light. When using a spray can, it's important to spray from the same distance and in the same direction for each pass to ensure the flakes lay down evenly, mimicking the factory finish.
• Pearl & Tri-Coats: These paints involve a base color followed by a semi-translucent pearl mid-coat before the final clear coat. White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) is a prime example. For touch-ups, this means you must apply the base, then the pearl coat, and then the clear. Test on a sample card first to ensure your application technique achieves the correct color effect. Blending the new paint into the existing paint is key for a seamless look.

If you are ever uncertain about a color or the repair process, it is always best to consult a professional. For complex repairs or if you want a guaranteed perfect finish, find a trusted body shop on Repairius.