2020 Isuzu NQR Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Maintaining the professional appearance of your commercial fleet is just as important as keeping it mechanically sound. For owners and fleet managers of a 2020 Isuzu NQR, repairing minor scratches, rock chips, and dings promptly helps prevent rust and keeps your truck looking its best.

Finding the exact paint match is the critical first step to a successful repair. Below is a comprehensive guide to the paint color codes for the 2020 Isuzu NQR, along with tips on finding your code and applying touch-up paint correctly.

Quick reference

Because the 2020 Isuzu NQR is a medium-duty commercial cab-forward truck, the factory color palette is generally focused on traditional fleet colors. Arc White is by far the most common color to roll off the assembly line, but several other solid colors are available for fleet orders.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Arc White	729 (or W31)	Solid
Cardinal Red	73	Solid
Wheatland Yellow	86U	Solid
Woodland Green	9V4	Solid
Dark Blue	124	Solid
Ebony Black	826	Solid

Note: Commercial fleet vehicles often receive custom paint codes based on large corporate orders. If your Isuzu NQR was part of a specific corporate fleet, it may feature a custom color. Always verify via your VIN at a dealership or paint supplier if you are uncertain.

Where to find your paint code

To ensure a perfect match, you should never guess your paint color based on appearance alone. You need to locate the factory paint code label on your Isuzu NQR.

For the Isuzu N-Series (including the NQR), the Service Parts Identification (SPID) label or the vehicle certification label contains the paint code. Here is where to look:

1. Driver’s Side Door Jamb or B-Pillar: Open the driver’s side door and inspect the metal pillar and the edge of the door. The primary certification sticker is usually located here.
2. Passenger Side Door Jamb: On some Isuzu cab-over trucks, fleet identification and paint tags are affixed to the passenger side B-pillar or lower door jamb.
3. Behind the Seats: In certain cab configurations, the SPID label can be found on the back wall of the cab, directly behind the driver or passenger seat.

The paint code is typically located near the bottom of the sticker and may be prefaced with "BC/CC" (Basecoat/Clearcoat) or simply "Paint". If you cannot find the sticker or it has worn away, you can call an Isuzu commercial truck dealer with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to retrieve the exact factory code.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your paint code, it's time to source the touch-up paint. Because Isuzu commercial trucks use standard automotive paints, you have several reliable options:

• AutomotiveTouchup: A highly recommended source for exact-match OEM paint. They offer custom-mixed paint in various sizes, from small touch-up pens and 2-ounce bottles to aerosol spray cans and full pints/quarts for spray guns.
• Dupli-Color: A readily available brand found at most local auto parts stores. While they might not carry Isuzu-specific commercial labels for every color, their exact-match "Universal White" or heavy-duty truck lines often align perfectly with Isuzu's standard fleet colors.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Great for custom fleet colors or specific commercial applications, providing durable basecoats and clearcoats designed to withstand heavy use.
• Local Isuzu Dealership: Purchasing a touch-up pen or brush bottle directly from an Isuzu commercial truck dealer is a foolproof way to guarantee you are getting the OEM formulation.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly is vital for preventing rust and achieving a professional finish. Follow these steps for rock chips and minor scratches:

1. Clean the area: Wash the damaged area with soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover (or rubbing alcohol) to ensure no oils or dirt remain in the chip or scratch.
2. Apply primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to bare metal or fiberglass/plastic, apply a small amount of automotive primer. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Apply the basecoat: Shake the touch-up paint vigorously. Using a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick (for tiny rock chips), dab the paint into the damaged area. Apply it in thin layers, allowing 15 to 20 minutes of drying time between each coat. Build the paint up until it is just below the level of the surrounding factory paint.
4. Apply the clearcoat: Once the basecoat has dried completely (usually after a few hours), apply the clearcoat. This seals the repair, adds UV protection, and matches the glossy finish of your truck.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2020 Isuzu NQR primarily utilizes solid single-stage or standard basecoat/clearcoat fleet finishes, some custom-ordered commercial trucks may feature metallic or pearl finishes.

If your truck has a metallic or pearl paint job, keep these matching tips in mind:

• Check the metallic flake: Metallic paints require thorough mixing. Shake the touch-up bottle or pen constantly during application to ensure the metal flakes remain suspended and distribute evenly.
• Tri-coat systems: Pearl finishes often require a tri-coat process (a base color, a mid-coat pearl layer, and a top clearcoat). You must apply the mid-coat very sparingly, as too many layers of the pearl will make the repaired area look darker than the surrounding paint. Practice on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard first to gauge the color depth.
• Blending: For larger scratches on metallic finishes, using an aerosol spray rather than a brush will help you blend the metallic flakes more seamlessly into the surrounding area.

If the damage to your commercial truck is too extensive for a touch-up pen, or if you need to repaint an entire panel to keep your fleet looking professional, it is best to leave it to the experts.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.