2018 Honda CR-V Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

If you are looking to fix a rock chip, repair a bumper scratch, or just restore the showroom shine to your compact SUV, getting the exact paint match is the most critical step. The 2018 Honda CR-V came in a beautiful array of metallics and pearls that give the vehicle its premium look. However, these complex finishes require the precise factory paint code to blend properly during repairs.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2018 Honda CR-V paint codes, where to find them, and how to apply touch-up paint correctly.

Quick reference

Below is a complete list of the factory colors offered for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Always verify your specific code using your vehicle’s identification sticker before ordering paint.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Crystal Black Pearl	NH-731P	Pearl
Lunar Silver Metallic	NH-830M	Metallic
Modern Steel Metallic	NH-797M	Metallic
White Diamond Pearl	NH-603P	Pearl
Obsidian Blue Pearl	B-588P	Pearl
Basque Red Pearl II	R-548P	Pearl
Molten Lava Pearl	R-567M	Pearl
Dark Olive Metallic	G-546M	Metallic
Sandstorm Metallic	YR-633M	Metallic
Gunmetal Metallic	NH-737M	Metallic

Note: If you are uncertain about your specific color, we strongly recommend calling a Honda dealer parts department and providing your VIN to confirm the exact factory paint code.

Where to find your paint code

Honda makes it relatively easy to locate your vehicle's factory paint code. For the 2018 CR-V, the paint code is printed on the manufacturing identification sticker (often called the Service Parts Identification label).

1. Open the driver’s side door.
2. Look at the door jamb (the B-pillar area where the door latches when closed).
3. Locate the black, white, and grey sticker that lists the VIN and tire pressure information.
4. At the bottom of this sticker, look for the letters TRX/PNT.
5. The code directly beneath or next to "PNT" is your paint code. For example, you might see "NH797M" for Modern Steel Metallic. It will usually contain a mix of letters and numbers, ending in a "P" for Pearl or "M" for Metallic.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your code, you need high-quality paint to ensure a seamless match. Here are the most reliable sources for 2018 Honda CR-V touch-up paint:

• Your Local Honda Dealer: For small rock chips, the OEM touch-up pens from a Honda dealership are inexpensive, guarantee a factory color match, and usually feature a dual-tip applicator (pen and brush).
• AutomotiveTouchup: A favorite among DIY auto repair enthusiasts. They custom-mix paint based on your exact factory code and offer it in pens, half-ounce bottles, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints for spray guns.
• Dupli-Color: Available at most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O'Reilly). Dupli-Color’s Exact-Match line is great for quick, affordable fixes, though their selection of newer or rare colors can sometimes be limited.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat is another excellent online vendor that specializes in custom-mixed automotive paint, ensuring the metallic flake and pearl density perfectly match the Honda factory finish.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking result requires patience and preparation. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean the Area: Wash the damaged area with car wash soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to strip away any old wax, road grime, or oils. The surface must be completely bare and clean.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, you need a primer. Apply a thin layer of automotive primer to the chip/scratch with a fine brush or toothpick. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes.
3. Apply the Base Coat (Color): Shake the touch-up paint vigorously. Apply the color in very light, thin layers. Do not try to fill the scratch in one go, or the paint will blob. Wait 15-20 minutes between coats until the color covers the primer entirely.
4. Apply Clear Coat: The base coat will likely dry with a dull, matte finish. The clear coat provides the UV protection and the glossy shine. Apply 2-3 light layers of clear coat over the base, waiting 15 minutes between each application. Allow the repair to cure for at least 24-48 hours.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Matching the 2018 Honda CR-V’s beautiful pearl finishes—like White Diamond Pearl (NH-603P)—can be notoriously difficult. These are often "tri-coat" paints, meaning the factory finish consists of a base color coat, a semi-transparent mid-coat (which contains the pearl flakes), and a final clear coat.

• Test First: Always test your tri-coat paint on a piece of scrap metal or glossy cardboard first. The final color changes depending on how many layers of the pearl mid-coat you apply.
• Less is More: When applying the pearl mid-coat to the vehicle, start with just one very light coat. Let it dry and check the match in direct sunlight. Add another light layer only if the pearl effect isn't strong enough yet.
• Blending: For larger scratches or aerosol repairs on pearl colors, you will need to "blend" the paint into the surrounding panels to trick the eye, as a hard tape line will make a slight color mismatch incredibly obvious.

If a scratch is too deep, spans multiple panels, or involves complex dent repair alongside a tricky pearl paint match, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.