2018 Ram 3500 — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Note: Ram/Chrysler codes are typically three characters and may appear with or without a leading “P” on the label or in catalogs. The list above covers the most common 2018 Ram 3500 factory colors; some special/limited or fleet colors exist. Always confirm your exact code by VIN with a dealer or paint supplier before ordering.

Where to find your paint code

On the 2018 Ram 3500, the factory paint code is printed on the Vehicle Safety Certification label located on the driver’s side door or the B‑pillar (door jamb). Look for a white or silver sticker with barcodes; the paint entry is typically shown as “PAINT,” “PNT,” or “PAINT CODE,” followed by a three‑character code (for example, PAU, PR4, PW7). If your truck has a two‑tone lower accent, you may also see a “Secondary Paint” or “Paint 2” code.

Tips:

• Open the driver door and inspect the vertical B‑pillar first; if not there, check the door edge itself.
• Use your phone’s flashlight; the text can be small.
• If the label is missing or unreadable, pull your Mopar build sheet using your VIN at a Mopar/stellantis owner site or ask a Ram dealer’s parts counter—they can decode the exact exterior color and any secondary two‑tone code from the VIN.

Best touch‑up paint sources

• Dupli‑Color: Widely available pens, bottles, and aerosols keyed to Ram codes like PW7, PR4, PAU, etc. Great for small chips and quick fixes.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Custom‑mixed basecoat and clear in bottles, pens, and spray cans; can also supply primers, sandpapers, and blending solvents for larger spot repairs.
• Tcoat custom‑mix: Local or online jobbers can mix to your code and variant in pints/quarts for spray‑gun work; ask for the latest formula and any alternates.
• Ram dealer parts: OEM‑labeled touch‑up pens/bottles are convenient for common colors; still verify the code on your door‑jamb label before purchase.

How to use touch‑up paint (chips and small scratches)

1. Clean and decontaminate: Wash the area, remove tar and wax, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Clay if gritty.
2. Feather and rust treat: Lightly sand rough chip edges (e.g., 1000–2000 grit). Neutralize/convert any rust and allow to dry.
3. Prime if bare metal: Apply a thin etch or filler primer to exposed metal; let it cure, then wet‑sand smooth.
4. Apply color (basecoat): Shake well. Using a fine brush or pen, apply small, thin coats of your code‑matched paint (e.g., PAU, PR4). Allow 10–20 minutes between coats. Build just shy of flush.
5. Clearcoat: Seal with compatible clear in 1–2 light coats to restore gloss and protection.
6. Level and polish: After full cure (24–48 hours for most touch‑ups), wet‑sand lightly with 2000–3000 grit if needed, then polish to blend.

For larger scuffs or panels, consider aerosol base/clear with proper masking and a blended edge, or leave it to a pro with a spray gun and blending solvent.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri‑coats

• Confirm the exact code and any variant: Pearls like PXR (Brilliant Black Crystal) and PRV (Delmonico Red Pearl) can have formula variants. Your supplier can check your VIN/build date and provide the best match.
• Tri‑coat technique: Pearl White PWQ is a three‑stage (groundcoat, mid‑coat pearl, clear). Control the mid‑coat: very light, even passes at the correct distance. Too much mid‑coat will darken/shift the hue.
• Spray‑out card first: Always make a test panel with the same primer color and number of coats you’ll use on the truck. Compare in sun and shade before touching the vehicle.
• Blend whenever possible: Metallics (PSC, PAU, PAR) and pearls hide best when you fade into the adjacent panel rather than stopping at a hard tape line.
• Metallic orientation matters: Keep gun distance and overlap consistent so metallic lays evenly; inconsistent technique can cause striping or a darker/lighter cast.
• Temperature and lighting: Match booth/garage temperature recommended on the tech sheet and evaluate color in natural daylight. LEDs can mislead.

If you’re unsure about technique—especially on PWQ tri‑coat or dark pearls—have a professional do a small blend to guarantee the match.

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