2022 Ram 1500 Paint Color Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2022 Ram 1500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's side door and look for a label on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors). This sticker will contain various vehicle information, including a "TRIM" or "PAINT" section where you'll find the paint code. It's usually a two or three-character code, often preceded by "P" (e.g., PXJ for Diamond Black Crystal Pearl). In some cases, it might also be found under the hood, but the door jamb is the most common location.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option at most auto parts stores. Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans, paint pens, and brush bottles for many factory colors. It's a good choice for minor scratches and chips.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to match your exact factory code. They offer a wider range of application options, including aerosols, spray guns, pens, and bottles, and are praised for their color accuracy, especially for metallic and pearl finishes.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat also provides custom-mixed paints based on your vehicle's paint code, often offering high-quality results for a professional touch-up.
• Dealerships: Your Ram dealership can provide genuine OEM touch-up paint specifically formulated for your truck. While sometimes more expensive, it guarantees the most accurate color match.

How to use touch-up paint

Using touch-up paint effectively involves a few steps to achieve the best results:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and degrease the area to be painted. Use rubbing alcohol or a prep solvent to remove any wax, dirt, or oils.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deep scratches or bare metal, a thin coat of primer will help the paint adhere better and prevent rust. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin, even coats of your color-matched base paint. Allow each coat to flash dry (become dull) before applying the next. Avoid applying thick coats, as this can lead to uneven drying and poor adhesion.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply several thin coats of clear coat. This protects the paint, adds gloss, and helps blend the repair with the surrounding finish. Again, allow each coat to flash dry.
5. Wet sand and polish (optional): For a truly seamless repair, you can gently wet sand the area with very fine-grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) after the clear coat has fully cured (24-48 hours). Follow this with a rubbing compound and polish to restore the original shine.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like those found on some 2022 Ram 1500 models (e.g., Diamond Black Crystal Pearl, Ivory Tri-Coat), are more complex than solid colors. They contain special pigments that create a multi-dimensional effect, shimmering differently in various lighting conditions.

• Layering is key: For pearl and tri-coat paints, the final appearance is highly dependent on the number and thickness of the layers applied. Applying too much or too little of the mid-coat (the pearl layer) can drastically alter the color.
• Test on a discreet area: Before applying to your actual repair, it's highly recommended to test the touch-up paint on a hidden area or a scrap piece of metal. This allows you to practice the application technique and ensure the color match is satisfactory.
• Feathering: When applying the mid-coat, try to "feather" the edges, gradually extending the paint beyond the repair area. This helps to blend the new paint with the existing finish and minimize harsh lines.
• Consider professional help: For significant repairs involving pearl or tri-coat finishes, it might be best to consult a professional body shop. Their expertise and specialized equipment can ensure a perfect match.

If you're ever in doubt about your specific paint code or need a precise match, especially for multi-stage paints, it's always best to consult your local Ram dealership with your VIN or reach out to a specialized paint supplier like AutomotiveTouchup or Tcoat. They can often mix the exact shade you need.

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