2018 Peterbilt 389 — Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Note: Peterbilt offered an extensive palette and two-tone combinations on the 389. Codes can vary with supplier and build. Always confirm the exact code and formulation from your VIN or build sheet before ordering paint.

Where to find your paint code

On a 2018 Peterbilt 389, you’ll typically find the factory paint information in these places:

• Driver-side door jamb/B-pillar: Look for the Peterbilt Vehicle Identification/Certification label. It often lists CAB COLOR 1, CAB COLOR 2 (for two-tone), and FRAME COLOR. The label may show the color name and a supplier/fleet code (e.g., a PPG fleet code), or an internal Peterbilt option code that your dealer can translate.
• Build sheet/line-set ticket: Many trucks include a printed chassis spec or line-set ticket in a pouch behind the driver seat, in the overhead console, or with the owner’s documents. This sheet lists paint option codes and can reference the exact color(s) applied at the factory.
• Dealer lookup by VIN: Any Peterbilt dealer can pull your truck’s original build data from the VIN and provide the paint code, supplier (PPG/Axalta/Sherwin-Williams, etc.), and whether it’s single-stage or basecoat/clearcoat.

If the door label is missing or illegible, the VIN-based dealer lookup is the most reliable way to obtain the correct code for mixing.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: Convenient for small chips and scratches. Selection of heavy-duty truck color matches is limited; you may need a universal black/white/silver or custom-mixed alternative.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Can custom-mix to Peterbilt/PPG fleet codes in pens, bottles, aerosol, or ready-to-spray quarts. Provide your VIN or the exact paint code.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Specialty mixer that can tint to commercial truck fleet formulas and tri-coats; good for harder-to-find metallics.
• Peterbilt dealer or local paint jobber: For the best match, have a PPG Delfleet, Axalta Imron, or Sherwin-Williams fleet distributor mix paint to your exact code and gloss system (single-stage urethane vs. basecoat/clearcoat).

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean and prep
   • Wash the area with soap and water; wipe with wax/grease remover. Remove loose paint and rust. For chips that expose metal, lightly sand (600–800 grit) and spot-treat rust (converter if needed).
2. Prime bare metal
   • Apply an etch or epoxy primer to any exposed metal. Allow proper flash and scuff lightly once cured.
3. Apply base color (or single-stage)
   • Shake/mix thoroughly. For pens/bottles, dab in thin layers; for aerosol/spray, apply light coats 6–8 inches away, allowing flash between coats. Build until coverage is even.
4. Clearcoat (if BC/CC system)
   • After the base flashes, apply 2–3 coats of clear. Single-stage fleets may not need clear, but a compatible clear can improve gloss and durability on small repairs.
5. Level and polish (optional)
   • After full cure, wet sand 1500–3000 grit and polish to blend texture and gloss with surrounding paint.

Work in suitable temperature/humidity, and mask generously. For panels larger than a credit card, blending into the adjacent area generally yields a less visible repair.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

• Confirm the system: Many Peterbilt colors are solid or metallic single-stage, but some blues, silvers, and special-order finishes are basecoat/clearcoat or tri-coat pearls. Your code or dealer can confirm.
• Groundcoat matters: Tri-coats rely on a specific ground/base color value. Even small shifts in the groundcoat shade can change the final look. Use the exact toner formula specified for your code.
• Control your midcoat: For pearls, the midcoat pass count and gun distance strongly affect depth and flop. Spray test cards first, counting passes, then replicate on the truck.
• Blend when possible: Metallics and pearls are difficult to “spot.” Extend color slightly into adjacent areas and bury the blend edge with clear for best results.
• Mind orientation and lighting: Paint metallics and pearls with the panel in its installed orientation and evaluate under sun and LED shop light to catch flop and shade differences.

Because Peterbilt uses multiple paint suppliers and fleet formulas, visually similar colors can have different codes and toners. Always verify by VIN or the build sheet, and request a spray-out sample from your mixer before committing to the repair.

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