2023 Honda Pilot — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Note: The list above reflects the most common U.S. 2023 Pilot colors. Some colors vary by trim/market and may have mid‑year changes. Always verify your exact code by VIN with a Honda dealer or paint supplier before ordering.

Where to find your paint code

On the 2023 Honda Pilot, the exterior paint code is printed on the driver’s side door‑jamb (B‑pillar) certification label.

• Open the driver’s door and look on the B‑pillar or door edge for a white/black sticker with the VIN, tire pressures, and manufacturing info.
• The paint code appears as a 5–7 character code (e.g., NH-883P, NH-830M, B-588P) and may be labeled “Paint,” “Ext Pnt,” or simply shown next to the interior trim code.
• If it’s hard to read, use a phone flashlight. On some Hondas, a small supplemental label near the latch area also lists the code.
• Can’t find it? Your Honda dealer or a professional paint supplier can confirm the correct code from your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color Perfect Match: Widely available aerosols and pens. They stock many Honda staples like NH-731P (Crystal Black Pearl) and NH-883P (Platinum White Pearl). Good for small-to-medium spot repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Custom-mixed to your code in pens, bottles, and aerosols, plus compatible primers and clears. Reliable for less common colors and better color accuracy.
• Tcoat custom-mix (local jobbers): A local automotive paint supplier can mix your exact code and variant, often while you wait. Ask about spray-out cards and blending clear.
• Honda dealer parts counter: OEM-branded touch-up pens/kits for popular colors. Convenient and typically accurate, though selection can be limited.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean and prep: Wash with soap, remove tar/bug residue, and wipe the repair area with isopropyl alcohol. For chips with rust, lightly sand, treat rust if needed, and feather the edges with 1500–2000 grit.
2. Mask: Mask adjacent panels/trim to control overspray if using aerosol.
3. Prime (if bare metal/plastic is exposed): Apply a thin etching or plastic primer; allow to flash and lightly scuff.
4. Basecoat: Shake well. Apply multiple light coats of color, allowing recommended flash time between coats. Stop when coverage is uniform.
5. Pearl/tri-coat mid-coat (if applicable): Some colors labeled “Pearl” or select tri-coats require a separate mid-coat layer to achieve depth. Apply 1–2 very light, even passes.
6. Clearcoat: Finish with 2–3 light coats of clear to restore gloss and UV protection.
7. Cure and refine: Let the repair cure fully. If needed, nib sand with 2000–3000 grit and polish to blend.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

• Confirm the exact code and any variant: Provide the paint supplier your VIN. Honda colors can have variant formulas that adjust flop/brightness.
• Do a spray-out: Before the car, test on a card or scrap. Evaluate in sun and shade—pearls shift with lighting.
• Control your technique: Keep the same gun/pen distance and pass speed. Metallics and pearls change tone with angle and film thickness.
• Blend, don’t just spot: For best invisibility, lightly extend base into the surrounding area and clear a wider section or the whole panel.
• Mind environment: Paint at recommended temps with low humidity. Poor conditions cause mottling or pearl streaking.
• Let it dry before judging: Pearls and metallics can look off while wet; assess after full flash.

Additional 2023 Pilot colors you may encounter include Radiant Red Metallic II and Diffused Sky Blue Pearl (TrailSport). Because codes can vary by market/production run, confirm the exact code via VIN with your Honda dealer or paint supplier before you buy.

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