2018 Ram 1500 Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Finding the right paint code for your 2018 Ram 1500 is crucial for any touch-up or repair work. This guide provides a comprehensive list of all factory paint colors, their codes, and essential tips for successful paint matching and application.

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2018 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 on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) or the edge of the door itself. The sticker will usually contain a barcode and various vehicle information, including a "PNT" or "Paint" section followed by a two or three-character code, sometimes alphanumeric. This is your paint code. It is sometimes also in the glove box on a sticker or within the owner's manual documentation. If you have trouble locating it, your local Ram dealership parts department can tell you exactly what your truck's paint code is by providing them with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many factory colors. They are a good choice for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to precisely match your vehicle's factory color. They offer a wider range of application options, including pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans, and are known for their accurate color matching.
• Tcoat custom-mix: For those seeking the most precise match, particularly with complex pearl or metallic finishes, a custom-mix from a specialist like Tcoat can be invaluable. This option might be more involved but often yields superior results.
• Dealer: Your local Ram dealership can also provide genuine Mopar touch-up paint. While sometimes pricier, it guarantees an exact match from the original manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be touched up with soap and water, then degrease it with an automotive-specific cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Ensure the area is completely dry.
2. Prime (if necessary): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color coat in thin layers. For pens or brush bottles, dab the paint onto the chip or scratch, building it up gradually. For aerosols, spray in light, even passes from 6-8 inches away. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Several thin coats are always better than one thick coat.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. Again, apply in thin layers.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, which are common on the 2018 Ram 1500 (such as "Black Forest Green Pearl" or "Delmonico Red Pearl"), consist of multiple layers that create their unique depth and shimmer. Achieving an exact match with touch-up paint can be more challenging due to the way light interacts with these layers.

• Shake well: Before application, thoroughly shake your touch-up paint, especially pearl and metallic colors, to ensure the pigments are evenly mixed.
• Test patch: If possible, test the paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card to check for color accuracy before applying it to the visible damage.
• Layering: For best results with pearl paints, you might need to apply several very thin layers, allowing each to flash dry, to build up the depth and match the surrounding paint.
• Professional help: For larger repairs or if you're unsure about matching a pearl or tri-coat, consider consulting a professional body shop. They have the expertise and equipment to blend these complex colors seamlessly.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.