2023 Honda CR-V Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Whether you are fixing a minor door ding or repairing a bumper scrape, getting the exact paint match for your 2023 Honda CR-V is crucial. The completely redesigned 2023 CR-V introduced some stunning new colors, including Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl, alongside long-standing Honda favorites.

Below is your complete guide to 2023 Honda CR-V paint codes, where to find your vehicle's specific code, and how to successfully apply touch-up paint.

Quick reference

Here is the factory paint color lineup for the 2023 Honda CR-V. If you are unsure of your exact color, always verify the paint code on your vehicle before ordering supplies.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Platinum White Pearl	NH-883P	Pearl
Lunar Silver Metallic	NH-830M	Metallic
Meteorite Gray Metallic	NH-904M	Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl	NH-731P	Pearl
Radiant Red Metallic	R-569M	Metallic
Urban Gray Pearl	NH-912P	Pearl
Canyon River Blue Metallic	B-640M	Metallic
Still Night Pearl	B-539P	Pearl

Note: Availability of certain colors may vary based on trim level (e.g., EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid, Sport Touring Hybrid).

Where to find your paint code

Honda makes finding your paint code relatively straightforward. For the 2023 Honda CR-V, the factory paint code is located on the driver’s side door jamb.

1. Open the driver’s side front door.
2. Look for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and tire pressure information sticker located on the B-pillar (the frame where the door latches).
3. At the bottom of this sticker, look for a barcode. Directly above or below the barcode, you will see the word COLOR followed by a code (e.g., NH-912P).

If your sticker is damaged or unreadable, you can call any local Honda dealership parts department. Provide them with your 17-digit VIN, and they can look up the exact factory paint code your CR-V was sprayed with on the assembly line.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your code, you need high-quality paint. Here are the most reliable sources for your 2023 CR-V:

• Honda Dealerships: For small rock chips, the OEM touch-up pen from your local Honda dealer is highly recommended. It guarantees a factory color match and usually features a dual-tip (pen and brush) applicator.
• AutomotiveTouchup: An excellent choice for larger repairs. They offer custom-mixed paint in bottles, aerosol spray cans, and even half-pints for spray guns. Their primer and clear coats are also highly rated.
• Dupli-Color: Available at most local auto parts stores. While they might not carry the newest 2023 colors (like Canyon River Blue) in aerosol form immediately, their Exact-Match lines are great for standard colors like Crystal Black Pearl.
• Tcoat (Custom-mix): A solid online provider for custom-mixed automotive paints, especially if you need specific tri-coat kits that include the base, mid-coat pearl, and clear coat.

How to use touch-up paint

For a seamless repair on rock chips and minor scratches, follow these steps:

1. Clean: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure no contaminants prevent the paint from adhering.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes down to bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color base coat in light, thin layers. Do not glob the paint on. Allow 10 to 15 minutes of drying time between each coat. Build the color up until it matches the surrounding area.
4. Clear Coat: The base coat will look dull when dry. You must apply a clear coat to seal the repair and bring out the glossy, factory shine. Apply 2-3 thin layers of clear coat, allowing it to dry between layers.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Platinum White Pearl (NH-883P) are tri-coat finishes. This means the factory applied a solid white base, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a glossy clear coat.

When touching up a tri-coat:

• Practice first: Test the paint on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard. The final color changes depending on how many pearl mid-coats you apply.
• Count your coats: Apply the base coat until opaque. Then, apply the pearl mid-coat one layer at a time, checking the shimmer against your car under natural sunlight.
• Blend carefully: Metallic paints (like Lunar Silver) contain tiny metal flakes that must lay flat. Spray or brush in one consistent direction to prevent the metallic flakes from clustering and looking like dark blotches.

If a scratch is too deep, covers too large of an area, or if you are struggling to blend a complex pearl finish, it might be time to call in a professional.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.