2019 Ram 2500 Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2019 Ram 2500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. This sticker, often white or yellow, contains various vehicle information, including tire pressure recommendations and manufacturing details. The paint code is usually clearly labeled, often under a heading such as "Paint" or "EXT PNT." It will be a short alphanumeric code, usually 2 to 3 characters long, sometimes followed by a letter indicating a specific formulation (e.g., "PW7").

If you can't find the sticker in the door jamb, check the glove compartment or the owner's manual, as sometimes a build sheet or information card will list the paint code. If all else fails, a Ram dealership can provide the paint code using your truck's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor chips and scratches on your 2019 Ram 2500, several reliable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many factory colors. They are a good option for small repairs and can be found at most automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint, ensuring a precise match to your Ram's factory color. They offer a wider range of application options, including pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans, which is beneficial for larger repairs or for those seeking a more professional finish.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat is another excellent option for custom-matched paint. They provide high-quality paint in various formats, often preferred by enthusiasts who demand the best possible match.
• Dealerships: Your local Ram dealership can often supply official touch-up paint specifically designed for your truck's color. While sometimes more expensive, this ensures an exact OEM match.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless touch-up involves a few key steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then an automotive-grade degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or dirt. This ensures proper adhesion.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Apply the touch-up paint in thin, even layers. Build up the color gradually, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to an uneven finish.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint, provides a glossy finish, and helps blend the repair with the surrounding paint. Again, apply in thin layers and allow adequate drying time.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many of the 2019 Ram 2500 colors, such as Diamond Black Crystal, Delmonico Red Pearl, and Blue Streak Pearl, are multi-stage paint jobs (pearl or tri-coat). These finishes have a unique depth and shimmer due to multiple layers of paint and clear coat, often including a translucent mid-coat with pearl flakes.

• Take your time: Pearl and tri-coat paints require patience. Each layer contributes to the final effect. Applying too much of any single layer can throw off the color match.
• Apply thin, even coats: This is crucial. For pearl effects, the number and thickness of the mid-coats significantly impact the final hue and sparkle.
• Practice: If you're new to touch-up work, consider practicing on a spare piece of metal or an inconspicuous area first to get a feel for how the paint behaves.
• Verify with your VIN: Due to the complexity of pearl and tri-coat finishes, it's highly recommended to verify your exact paint code with a dealership using your VIN or consult with your chosen touch-up paint supplier. Sometimes, even within the same color name, slight variations can exist that require a specific formulation.

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