2019 Peterbilt 389 Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For the 2019 Peterbilt 389, the paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, often on the B-pillar. This sticker also contains other important vehicle information such as the VIN and gross vehicle weight ratings. The paint code will usually be clearly labeled as "PNT" or "Paint Code" followed by a series of letters and numbers. If you have trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual or contact a Peterbilt dealership with your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to keeping your Peterbilt 389 looking its best, having the right touch-up paint is crucial. Here are some of the most reliable 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 Peterbilt color, their matches for common solid colors are generally good. You can often find Dupli-Color products at auto parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paints based on your vehicle's exact paint code. They offer a variety of application options including pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. Their color matching is often more precise, especially for metallic and pearl finishes.
• Tcoat custom-mix: For a truly custom and often superior match, especially for complex colors, a professional custom-mix paint supplier like Tcoat (if available in your region) can provide paint mixed to order using your specific paint code.
• Dealership: Your Peterbilt dealership can also supply touch-up paint, which is often the most accurate match as it comes directly from the manufacturer's recommended supplier. Be sure to provide your VIN for the best results.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless repair with touch-up paint requires a few careful steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and degrease the area to be painted. Use automotive soap and then a wax and grease remover to ensure no contaminants interfere with adhesion.
2. Prime (if necessary): 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's instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake your touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply several thin coats, allowing 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 colors, ensure consistent application to avoid blotchiness.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint, provides a glossy finish, and helps blend the repair. Again, multiple thin layers are better than one thick one.
5. Cure and Polish: Allow the clear coat to cure completely (this can take several days). Once cured, you can gently wet sand with very fine-grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) and then polish to blend the repair perfectly with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

While the 2019 Peterbilt 389 primarily offered solid and metallic finishes in its most common factory colors, it's important to understand the complexities of pearl and tri-coat paints for future reference or if you have a custom color. These types of paints derive their unique depth and shimmer from multiple layers.

• Metallic paints: These contain tiny metallic flakes that reflect light, creating a sparkle. The direction you spray or apply the paint can affect how the flakes lay, impacting the overall appearance. Always use consistent application techniques.
• Pearl paints: These have translucent pigments that create a luminous, multi-dimensional effect. They often shift color depending on the angle of light. Replicating this effect accurately with touch-up paint requires precise layering and can be challenging.
• Tri-coats: True tri-coat finishes involve three distinct layers: a colored ground coat, a translucent mid-coat (often pearl), and a clear top coat. Each layer contributes to the final color and depth. Matching these perfectly is very difficult for a DIY repair due to the precise layering and pigment dispersion required. For such complex finishes, professional body shop repair is highly recommended.

For a 2019 Peterbilt 389, precise color matching is still key, especially for metallic finishes. Always test your touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area first to ensure a good match before applying it to a visible repair area.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.