2020 Ram 1500 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For the 2020 Ram 1500, the paint code is located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a black sticker on the B-pillar (the vertical post the door latches to). This sticker contains various pieces of information about your truck, including the date of manufacture, VIN, and tire pressure recommendations.

Look for the "PAINT" or "PNT" designation on this label. The code listed next to it is your factory paint code. It is typically a three-character code, like PW7 for Bright White or PXJ for Diamond Black Crystal Pearl. Always confirm the code on your specific vehicle before ordering paint, as variations can exist.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several good options for sourcing touch-up paint to fix minor chips and scratches:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of ready-to-use pens, brush-in-cap bottles, and aerosol cans. They are a great choice for common colors and small, quick repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer provides high-quality, custom-mixed paints in a variety of applicators, from small touch-up pens to professional-sized spray cans and quart/gallon cans for larger jobs. They are known for excellent color matching based on your factory paint code.
• T-Coat Custom-Mix: Many local automotive paint supply stores can mix your specific paint code in-house. This is an excellent option if you need a specific quantity or want to ensure a perfect match, especially for more complex pearl or tri-coat colors. They can also provide primers and high-quality clear coats.
• Your Ram Dealer: Your local dealership's parts department can order official Mopar touch-up pens or bottles. This is a guaranteed match but can sometimes be more expensive than aftermarket options.

How To Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a good result with touch-up paint requires patience and proper steps. For a small rock chip, follow this process:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the chip with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol to ensure the surface is free of contaminants.
2. Primer: If the chip is down to the bare metal, apply a small amount of automotive primer. This prevents rust and helps the base coat adhere properly. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Carefully apply thin layers of your color-matched base coat. It's better to apply two or three thin coats than one thick, blob-like coat. Allow each layer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Clear Coat: Apply a thin layer of automotive clear coat. This protects the base coat, provides a glossy finish that matches the factory paint, and helps blend the repair. Let it cure fully before waxing.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Diamond Black Crystal Pearl, Hydro Blue Pearl, and especially the Ivory White Tri-Coat present unique challenges. Their depth and color-shifting effects come from multiple layers of paint.

• Pearl Coats: These colors have mica flakes (the "pearl") mixed into the base coat or a mid-coat, which gives them a deep, shimmering look. When using touch-up, ensuring the metallic/pearl flakes are oriented correctly is key. Gently dabbing the paint, rather than brushing, can help.
• Tri-Coats: A tri-coat color like Ivory White (PWD) consists of three stages: a solid base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and the final clear coat. For touch-up, you will need a specific kit that includes both the base and pearl layers. Applying them in the correct sequence is crucial for a successful match.

For larger repairs on pearl and tri-coat paints, achieving a seamless blend is extremely difficult. If the damage is larger than a dime, we recommend consulting a professional.

If you're unsure about the repair, you can always find a trusted body shop on Repairius.