2022 Ram 2500 Paint Codes: Find Your Color & Touch-Up Tips

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2022 Ram 2500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the edge of the door or the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors). The sticker will often contain various vehicle information, and the paint code will be clearly labeled, usually with "PNT" or "Paint" followed by a three-character code. It's always a good idea to confirm your paint code with your VIN at a Ram dealership or a reputable automotive paint supplier to ensure accuracy.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2022 Ram 2500, several reliable sources offer color-matched paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. You can often find Dupli-Color products at auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Search for your specific Ram color by year, make, and model.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in precisely matched automotive paint. They offer touch-up pens, bottles, aerosol cans, and even larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their website allows you to select your exact year, make, model, and color code for an accurate match.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a truly custom and high-quality match, Tcoat can provide custom-mixed paint based on your specific paint code. This is an excellent option for achieving professional results, especially for more complex colors.
• Ram Dealership: Your local Ram dealership can provide factory-matched touch-up paint. While sometimes a bit more expensive, this ensures you get the exact paint formulation from the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint effectively can significantly improve the appearance of minor imperfections. Follow these general steps for best results:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then dry it completely. You can use a prep solvent to remove any wax or polish residue.
2. Apply primer (if needed): If the scratch has gone down to bare metal or plastic, a thin layer of primer is recommended. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats to the damaged area, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl colors, ensure consistent application to avoid blotchiness.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is completely dry, apply a thin layer of clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy finish. Again, allow adequate drying time.
5. Polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (this can take a few days), you can gently polish the area with a fine-grit rubbing compound to blend it even further and achieve a seamless finish.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like the Delmonico Red or Ivory offered on your 2022 Ram 2500, have multiple layers to achieve their unique depth and shimmer. This makes touch-up a bit more challenging but still achievable with care:

• Layering is key: Pearl paints have a base color coat and then a translucent pearl coat over top. Tri-coats add another mid-coat for even greater depth. When touching up, you'll need to apply each layer separately (base, pearl/mid-coat, and clear coat) according to the product instructions. Do not try to combine layers.
• Even application: The pearl or mid-coat needs to be applied very evenly to prevent tiger-striping or uneven color. Use very light, consistent strokes.
• Test first: If possible, test your touch-up process on a discreet area or a test card to get a feel for the layering and dry times before working on the visible damage.
• Patient blending: Achieving a perfect blend with multi-stage paints requires patience. Take your time with each step and allow proper drying between coats.

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