2015 Ram 1500 Paint Codes: Your Complete Guide to Color Matching

Body shops and Ram 1500 owners alike will find this guide invaluable for identifying and matching the original factory paint colors for the 2015 model year. Whether you're performing a small touch-up or a larger repair, having the correct paint code is the first crucial step to achieving a seamless finish.

Quick reference

Note: "Met." denotes Metallic and "Cr." or "Pearl" denotes Pearlescent or Tri-Coat finishes.

Where to find your paint code

For your 2015 Ram 1500, the paint code is most commonly located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors) or on the edge of the door itself. The sticker typically provides information like the VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and tire pressure. The paint code is usually a three-character code, often starting with a "P" followed by two letters or numbers. It might be labeled as "Paint" or "EXT PNT." If you have trouble locating it, your owner's manual or a Ram dealership parts department can help you decode your VIN to find the exact paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to sourcing touch-up paint for your 2015 Ram 1500, several reputable options exist, catering to different needs and budgets:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option found at most automotive parts stores. Dupli-Color often offers aerosol cans and paint pens, which are suitable for small chips and scratches. Be sure to use their online code lookup to ensure you get the exact match.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint for a vast array of vehicles. They offer paint in pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans, all mixed precisely to your vehicle's paint code. AutomotiveTouchup is known for its accuracy and offers primer, base coat, and clear coat options.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For those seeking the most precise match, Tcoat can custom-mix paint based on your specific paint code, often taking into account vehicle age and factory variations. This is a good option for more critical repairs where color accuracy is paramount.
• Dealership: Your local Ram dealership can also order factory-matched touch-up paint. While sometimes more expensive, it guarantees an exact OEM match and is a reliable option, especially for less common colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking repair with touch-up paint requires patience and proper technique:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser, to remove all dirt, wax, and grease. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Sand (if necessary): For deeper scratches or chips, gently sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 2000-grit) to smooth out any rough edges. Clean again after sanding.
3. Apply Primer: If the bare metal or plastic is exposed, apply a thin coat of primer. Allow it to dry according to the product instructions. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
4. Apply Base Coat: Apply thin, even coats of the base color. Allow each coat to flash (become dull) before applying the next. Build up the paint until it's level with the surrounding surface. Patience is key here to avoid a noticeable raised area.
5. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply several thin coats of clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This step is crucial for durability and matching the factory shine.
6. Wet Sand & Buff (Optional): For a truly seamless repair, after the clear coat has fully cured (usually 24-48 hours), you can wet sand with extremely fine-grit sandpaper (3000-grit or higher) and then polish and buff the area. This step requires careful attention to avoid burning through the clear coat.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like Deep Cherry Red Crystal or True Blue Pearl, are multi-layer finishes that can be more challenging to match perfectly. These paints involve a base color layer, followed by a translucent pearl mid-coat, and finally a clear coat. The pearl layer contains reflective particles that give the paint its unique depth and shimmer.

• Layering is Key: When touching up pearl or tri-coat paints, it's critical to apply the different layers (base, pearl, clear) precisely and in the correct order. The thickness of the pearl mid-coat can significantly affect the final hue and appearance.
• Expect Variations: Even with factory paint, slight variations can occur due to application methods and environmental factors. For precise repairs on pearl or tri-coat finishes, professionals often blend the color into the surrounding panels to minimize any visible difference.
• Test Before Applying: If possible, test the touch-up paint on a discrete area or a test card to confirm the color match, especially for pearl finishes. This allows you to adjust your technique if needed before applying it to the visible damage.

Never hesitate to consult a professional body shop for more extensive repairs involving pearl or tri-coat paints, as their expertise and specialized equipment can achieve superior results.

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