2017 Kenworth W900 — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Viper Red	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Solid
White	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Solid
Black	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Solid
Electric Blue	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Midnight Blue	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Silver	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Gunmetal Gray	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Maroon/Burgundy	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Forest Green	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Light Blue	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Metallic
Orange	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Solid
Yellow	Confirm via VIN (PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code)	Solid

Note: Kenworth offered extensive factory and dealer-applied colors on the 2017 W900, including two- and three-tone schemes and stripe packages. Because heavy-duty truck colors are specified by the original order (and can be mixed in different paint systems such as Axalta Imron, PPG Delfleet, BASF, etc.), always verify your exact paint code using the VIN before ordering touch-up. If your color isn’t in the table, your dealer or paint supplier can still retrieve it.

Where to find your paint code

On a 2017 Kenworth W900, the paint information is typically on the driver-side door opening:

• Driver-side door jamb/B-pillar certification label: Look for the silver/white Vehicle Certification label. It lists the VIN, build date, GVWR/axle ratings, and a line for PAINT/COLOR or PRIMARY/SECONDARY color. Some trucks show separate entries for cab, frame, and stripe colors.
• Left door hinge pillar ID plate: Many W900s have a riveted metal data plate in the left door opening that may also list color or a scheme code.
• If labels are missing or repainted: A Kenworth dealer can pull the original build sheet by VIN and provide the PACCAR paint code(s) and color names. A professional paint jobber can also scan an inconspicuous area with a spectrophotometer to create a near-exact formula.

Tip: W900s often use multi-color schemes. Record each code (Primary, Secondary, Frame, Stripe) so you order the correct products.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Kenworth dealer parts counter: Best for confirming the exact PACCAR color name/code by VIN. They can source small quantities or provide the mix information for a local jobber.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Custom-mixes by code/name and ships in brush bottles, pens, and aerosols; can also match by mailed-in sample if needed.
• Dupli-Color: Readily available universal colors (white/black/red/silver) that can be close for simple solids, but verify against your actual shade. Not all heavy-truck formulas are cataloged.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Mix-to-code or spectro-matched touch-up and aerosols; can package in 1K aerosol or 2K catalyzed clear options for higher durability.
• Local paint supplier (PPG/Axalta/BASF): Can mix the OEM formula in Imron Elite, Delfleet Evolution, or equivalent fleet urethane. Many can fill custom aerosols for small repairs.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean and prep

• Wash the area with soap and water, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol or wax/grease remover.
• Feather any lifted edges with 1000–1500 grit. De-rust chips with a pick and rust converter if needed.

2. Prime (if bare metal)

• Use an etch or epoxy primer on exposed metal. Let it cure fully; lightly scuff if required by the product.

3. Apply base color

• Shake/stir thoroughly. For pens/bottles, apply thin layers, allowing flash time between coats. For aerosols, keep the can 6–8 inches away and use light, even passes.

4. Clearcoat

• Most metallics and fleet urethanes require clear. Apply 2–3 light coats of clear after the base has flashed. A 2K (catalyzed) clear provides better chemical and UV resistance.

5. Level and finish

• After full cure, nib or wet sand with 2000–3000 grit as needed and polish to blend gloss.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

• Confirm your system: Kenworth fleet colors may exist in multiple systems (Imron, Delfleet, etc.). Matching within the same system improves accuracy.
• Pearl/tri-coat sequence matters: Tri-coats use a ground coat (base), a translucent mid-coat (pearl), then clear. Skipping or over-applying the mid-coat shifts the color. Do a spray-out card and count coats.
• Metallic orientation: Spray technique affects flake lay. Maintain consistent distance and overlap to avoid mottling or shade shifts.
• Blend when possible: Even with a correct formula, sun fade on work trucks is common. Blend into adjacent panels/edges rather than hard-stopping the repair.
• Light check: Evaluate color in sun and shade. Pearls can flip warm/cool depending on light angle.
• Keep records: Note the exact code, brand, reducer, temp, and gun/can distance that produced the best match for future repairs.

If you do not see your exact color in the quick reference, contact a Kenworth dealer with your VIN or provide a paint supplier your certification label details to obtain the precise PACCAR/PPG/Axalta code before ordering.

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