2018 Ram 2500 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2018 Ram 2500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. This sticker, often white or silver, contains various vehicle information, including a barcode and the paint code. The paint code is usually a three-digit alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by another three-digit code in parentheses. You might also find it on the underside of the hood, in the glove compartment, or within the owner's manual.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2018 Ram 2500, several reliable sources offer high-quality paint matching your factory finish:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many automotive colors. You can often find their products at auto parts stores and online retailers.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint for a wide range of vehicles, guaranteeing a precise match to your Ram's factory color. They offer various application options, including paint pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat provides custom-mixed paints, ensuring an exact match for your vehicle's specific paint code. They are known for their precision and quality products.
• Ram Dealership: Your local Ram dealership can provide OEM touch-up paint specifically designed for your 2018 Ram 2500. This often guarantees the best color match and quality.

How to use touch-up paint

Using touch-up paint effectively can significantly improve the appearance of minor imperfections. Here's a general guide:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then dry it completely. You can also use an automotive degreaser for stubborn grime.
2. Apply primer (if needed): If the scratch reaches the bare metal, apply a thin layer of primer and let it dry according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake the touch-up paint well. Apply thin, even coats of the base color, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the paint level gradually until it's flush with the surrounding paint.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. Again, apply thin, even layers, allowing proper drying time between coats.
5. Buff and polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (this can take several days), you can gently buff and polish the area to blend it seamlessly with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like some of the metallic and pearl options for your 2018 Ram 2500, can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered nature. These paints contain special pigments that reflect light differently, creating a deeper, more iridescent appearance. When touching up these colors:

• Layering is key: The final color is built up through multiple translucent layers. It's crucial to apply thin, even coats and allow sufficient drying time between each to achieve the correct depth and hue.
• Consider professional help: For larger repairs or if you're uncomfortable tackling pearl or tri-coat touch-ups yourself, a professional body shop will have the expertise and equipment to achieve an undetectable repair.
• Always test: Before applying paint to your vehicle, always test it on a discreet area or a test card to ensure the color matches correctly, especially with metallic and pearl finishes where flake consistency can vary minimally.

If you are uncertain about your specific paint code or need assistance with color matching, it is always recommended to confirm your vehicle's paint code using your VIN at a Ram dealership or a reputable automotive paint supplier.

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