2016 Ram 3500 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2016 Ram 3500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label or sticker on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) or on the edge of the door itself. This sticker, often called the "Service Parts Identification" label or "Vehicle Certification" label, will contain various vehicle details, including the paint code. The paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code, sometimes prefixed with a "P" (e.g., "PW7" for Bright White).

If you have trouble locating the paint code on your vehicle, you can also often find it by providing your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to a Ram dealership parts department or a reputable automotive paint supplier. They can look up the exact paint code and color name for your specific truck.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2016 Ram 3500, several reliable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that you can find at most auto parts stores. They offer a good range of factory-matched colors in pen, bottle, and aerosol formats. Their website also has a helpful lookup tool.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed automotive touch-up paint. They provide an extensive selection of exact-match colors based on your vehicle's paint code, available in bottles, pens, spray cans, and larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their quality is generally considered excellent.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: (Available in some regions) Tcoat is another custom-mix paint supplier known for its precise color matching and high-quality paint products. Their formulations are designed for durability and a good finish.
• Dealership: Your local Ram dealership parts department can also supply factory-matched touch-up paint. While sometimes a bit more expensive, you can be assured of an exact match directly from the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

For the best results when using touch-up paint, follow these general steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then degrease it with rubbing alcohol or a wax and grease remover. Ensure it's completely dry.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats of the base color to the damaged area. Build up the color gradually, allowing each coat to dry to the touch 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 has dried completely (usually after several hours or overnight), apply a clear coat. This protects the base coat and provides a glossy finish. Apply thin, even layers, allowing proper drying time between each.
5. Cure and Polish: Allow the touch-up paint to cure fully for several days. After curing, you can gently polish the area with a fine-grit rubbing compound to blend it with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paint finishes, such as Blue Streak Pearl, Delmonico Red Pearl, and Pearl White, are more complex than solid or metallic colors. They contain special pigments that create depth and a multi-dimensional effect, which can shift depending on the light and viewing angle. This makes touch-up repairs more challenging:

• Layering is Key: These paints achieve their effect through multiple layers. A pearl paint, for example, often has a colored base coat, followed by a translucent pearl mid-coat, and then a clear coat. A tri-coat will have three distinct layers of color before the clear. Accurate layering is crucial for a good match.
• Application Technique: Applying these paints requires care. It's often recommended to use lighter, more even coats to allow the pearl or metallic flakes to lay down correctly. Spray applications, if you're comfortable, can sometimes yield better results for larger areas than brush applications due to more even pigment distribution.
• Test Beforehand: If possible, always test the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card first. This allows you to see how the color develops and dries in response to your application technique.
• Professional Help: For larger or more noticeable damage on pearl or tri-coat finishes, it's often best to consult a professional body shop. They have the expertise, equipment, and color-matching technology to achieve a seamless repair that preserves the unique qualities of these complex finishes.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.