2020 Honda Civic Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2020 Honda Civic models, you'll find the paint code sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label similar to the one pictured here (add image link later). The code will usually be a short alphanumeric sequence, often starting with "NH" for Honda colors, followed by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., NH883P for Platinum White Pearl). It might also be listed under a "COLOR" or "PAINT" heading.

If you have trouble locating it, check your owner's manual, or contact a Honda dealership with your VIN. They can quickly provide you with the exact paint code for your vehicle.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option at most auto parts stores. Dupli-Color offers pen, brush, and spray can formats for many Honda colors, including those for the 2020 Civic. Their products are generally affordable and good for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to match your vehicle's exact color, including pearls and metallics. They offer a variety of application methods, from paint pens to aerosol cans and larger quantities for spray guns. Their color match accuracy is typically very high.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat is another excellent option for precision color matching. They use your specific paint code to create a custom batch of touch-up paint, ensuring a close match even for complex colors.
• Dealerships: Your local Honda dealership can also supply OEM touch-up paint. While sometimes more expensive, these are guaranteed to be an exact factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash and dry the area to be repaired. Use a wax and grease remover to ensure no contaminants interfere with adhesion.
2. Prime (if necessary): For deeper scratches or exposed metal, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply the touch-up paint in thin, even coats. For pens and brushes, dab lightly to fill the chip or scratch. For spray cans, hold about 6-8 inches away and apply in sweeping motions. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, until the color matches the surrounding area.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This is crucial for durability and a factory-like appearance. Apply in thin coats, allowing drying time between applications.
5. Cure & Polish: Allow the paint to fully cure (this can take several days). You can then lightly wet-sand with very fine grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) if needed to smooth out imperfections, and then polish the area to blend it seamlessly with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Matching pearl and tri-coat paints can be more challenging due to their layered composition. These paints contain special pigments that reflect light differently, creating a dynamic, multi-dimensional look. For the best results:

• Apply thin coats: Especially with pearl colors like Platinum White Pearl or Sonic Gray Pearl, building up the color in thin layers is crucial to achieve the correct depth and effect.
• Observe lighting: The appearance of pearl and metallic paints can change significantly with different lighting conditions. Check your repair in various light sources (direct sunlight, shade) to ensure a good match.
• Test first: If possible, test your touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card before applying it to your vehicle. This helps you get a feel for how the color applies and dries.
• Consider professional help: For larger repairs or if you're uncomfortable working with complex pearl or tri-coat finishes, a professional body shop can ensure a perfect match and finish.

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