2023 Kenworth T680 Paint Color Codes

Quick reference

Kenworth offers a wide array of colors for the T680, including custom options. Always verify your specific truck's paint code.

Where to find your paint code

For the 2023 Kenworth T680, your paint code is typically located on the driver's side door jamb. Look for a sticker or plate that contains vehicle information, including VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and often the paint code. The paint code usually starts with an "L" followed by a series of numbers.

Since Kenworths are often custom-ordered, it's always a good idea to double-check this location. If you can't find it there, check the glove box for a build sheet or contact a Kenworth dealership with your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to keeping your 2023 Kenworth T680 looking its best, high-quality touch-up paint is essential. Here are some of the best sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers a good range of colors in aerosol cans and paint pens. While they might not have every single Kenworth specific shade, they often have good matches for common solid colors.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed automotive paints. You can order paint precisely matched to your Kenworth paint code, ensuring an excellent color match, especially for metallics and more unique shades.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paints based on your vehicle's specific paint code. This is a great option for hard-to-find colors or for achieving the closest possible match.
• Kenworth Dealership: For the most accurate match, especially for custom colors or multi-stage paints, your local Kenworth dealership can often provide touch-up paint directly or guide you to a reliable source that works with genuine Kenworth formulas.

How to use touch-up paint

Using touch-up paint effectively can make small chips and scratches virtually disappear. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the chip or scratch with soap and water, then use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, a thin coat of primer will help the paint adhere better and prevent rust. Allow the primer to dry according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched base coat. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl paints, ensure you apply thin, even coats to avoid blotchiness.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is completely dry, apply a couple of thin coats of clear coat. This protects the paint, provides a glossy finish, and helps blend the repair with the surrounding paintwork.
5. Cure and Polish: Allow the touch-up paint to cure fully (this can take a few days to a week). Once cured, you can very gently wet-sand with fine-grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) if there are any high spots, and then polish the area to a seamless shine.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some of Kenworth's more specialized finishes, particularly those with pearl or metallic effects, can be challenging to match perfectly. Here are some tips:

• Metallics: Metallic paints contain tiny metallic flakes that reflect light. When touching up, it's crucial to apply thin, even coats. Heavy or uneven application can cause the metallic flakes to settle inconsistently, leading to a darker or lighter appearance in the touched-up area. Shaking the paint thoroughly and consistently during application is key.
• Pearls and Tri-coats: These paints often involve multiple layers (a colored base coat, a mid-coat with pearl effect, and a clear coat). Achieving a perfect match requires careful application of each layer. It's often best to use custom-mixed paint specifically for tri-coats. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions closely, especially regarding drying times between coats. The pearl effect is created by the translucency of the mid-coat, and too thick an application can obscure this effect.

For complex colors, consider testing the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card first to get a feel for its application and color development.

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