2017 Honda Pilot Paint Codes: Your Guide to Matching and Repair

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2017 Honda Pilot, the paint code is typically located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the jamb area – the vertical surface where the door latches. You'll often find a white or silver sticker with various vehicle information. The paint code is usually clearly labeled, sometimes under a heading like "COLOR" or "PAINT." It will be a short alphanumeric code, usually 3-5 characters long, and may be followed by a "P" for Pearl or "M" for Metallic, although the type is also often discernible from the color name itself.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option found at most automotive parts stores. Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens, providing a convenient solution for small chips and scratches. Make sure to buy the specific color matched for your 2017 Honda Pilot.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paints, offering a precise match to your vehicle's factory color. They provide a wider range of application options, including paint pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, along with primers and clear coats.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For those seeking the absolute best match, especially for more complex colors, a custom-mix from a professional paint supplier like Tcoat (or similar local automotive paint stores) is an excellent choice. They can often mix paint based on your specific VIN for the most accurate results.
• Dealership: Your local Honda dealership can also supply OEM touch-up paint. While potentially more expensive, it guarantees an exact factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax or contaminants.
2. Prime (if necessary): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color (base) coat in thin, even layers. Build up the color gradually, allowing each coat to flash dry before applying the next. Avoid applying thick coats, as this can lead to an uneven finish.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat has dried, apply several thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This step is crucial for durability and matching the surrounding paint's sheen.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like the Crystal Black Pearl or White Diamond Pearl offered on the 2017 Honda Pilot, present a unique challenge for touch-up repairs. These paints contain special reflective pigments that create depth and shimmer.

• Layering is Key: Achieving a seamless repair with pearl or tri-coat paints requires careful layering. The base color, followed by a mid-coat (the pearl effect layer), and then the clear coat, all contribute to the final appearance.
• Practice: Before applying to your vehicle, practice on a test card or an inconspicuous area to get a feel for the paint application and how the pearl effect develops.
• Feathering: When applying the pearl or mid-coat, try to "feather" the edges into the surrounding paint to minimize visible blend lines.
• Professional Help: For larger repairs or if you're uncomfortable tackling a pearl or tri-coat repair yourself, consider seeking professional help from a body shop. They have the expertise and equipment to achieve the best possible match.

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