2018 Honda Pilot Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2018 Honda Pilot, the paint code is most commonly located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the pillar between the front and rear doors (the B-pillar). The sticker will often contain a barcode and other vehicle information. Look for a label that says "PAINT" or "COLOR" followed by a code consisting of letters and numbers, sometimes ending with a "P" for pearl or "M" for metallic. It's important to take down the full code to ensure an accurate match.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2018 Honda Pilot, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up paint in pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They have a good selection of Honda colors, and their products are often found at automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to precisely match your vehicle's factory color. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including primer, base coat, and clear coat, and are known for their accurate color matching.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paint tailored to your specific vehicle's paint code. They are another excellent online option for achieving a near-perfect match.
• Honda Dealership: Your local Honda dealership can also provide genuine OEM touch-up paint pens or bottles specifically designed for your Pilot. While potentially a bit more expensive, this guarantees an exact factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

For best results when using touch-up paint, follow these general steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the area around the scratch or chip with soap and water, then dry it completely. You can also use a wax and grease remover for optimal adhesion.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake the touch-up paint vigorously. Apply thin, even coats of the base color directly onto the scratch or chip. Build up the color in multiple thin layers until it matches the surrounding paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and restore the original gloss. Again, apply in thin layers and allow each to dry.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many 2018 Honda Pilot colors are pearl or metallic. These types of paints can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered composition. Pearl paints contain iridescent pigments that create a shimmering effect, while metallic paints have small metallic flakes that reflect light. Tri-coat paints involve three layers: a colored base coat, a mid-coat (often pearl or translucent), and a clear coat.

• Layering is key: When working with pearl or metallic paints, precise layering is crucial. Applying too much or too little can alter the final appearance. Start with very thin coats.
• Feathering: When applying the base coat, try to "feather" the edges by lightly misting the paint beyond the immediate repair area. This helps to blend the new paint with the surrounding factory finish.
• Lighting: Always check your progress in good, natural lighting. Artificial light can sometimes mask slight color differences.
• Test on an inconspicuous area: If you have access to a hidden area on your vehicle (e.g., inside the fuel door), test your touch-up paint there first to ensure the color match is satisfactory.

If you are uncertain about a specific color code or if your vehicle's color appears to be a less common variant, it is always best to confirm the paint code using your VIN at a Honda dealership or a reputable automotive paint supplier. This will ensure you get the most accurate match.

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