2014 Kenworth T680 Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most Kenworth T680 trucks, you'll find the paint code located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. This sticker often contains various vehicle information, and the paint code will typically be labeled clearly. It may also be found on a label on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors). If you can't locate it there, check your owner's manual or contact a Kenworth dealership with your VIN; they can provide the precise code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to keeping your 2014 Kenworth T680 looking its best, several reputable sources offer quality touch-up paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a good range of colors in pen, bottle, and aerosol formats. They are a good option for minor chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed automotive paints for an exact match. They offer a larger selection of colors and sizes, including spray cans, paint pens, and brush bottles, making them ideal for more extensive repairs.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paint based on your specific paint code, ensuring an excellent color match.
• Dealership: Your Kenworth dealership can supply OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up paint. While often more expensive, this guarantees the most accurate factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless repair with touch-up paint involves a few key steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and degrease the area to be repaired. Use rubbing alcohol or a prep cleaner to remove any waxes or contaminants.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper scratches or chips that expose bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake your touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl colors, pay extra attention to ensuring even flake distribution.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy, factory-like finish. Apply in thin layers, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
5. Wet sand and polish (optional): For a truly professional finish, after the clear coat has fully cured (typically 24-48 hours), you can lightly wet sand with fine-grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) and then polish the area to blend it seamlessly with the original paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2014 Kenworth T680 typically features solid or metallic finishes, if you encounter a pearl or tri-coat finish (which involves multiple layers for depth and shimmer), color matching requires extra care. These paints achieve their unique look through multiple layers, often a colored base coat, a mid-coat containing pearl or metallic flakes, and a clear coat. For the best results with these complex finishes, it's often recommended to seek professional assistance from a body shop that has experience with multi-stage paint systems. If attempting a DIY repair, always practice on a test panel first to ensure you understand how the different layers interact to create the final color and effect.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.