2021 Tesla Model S Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

Tesla makes it easy to find your paint code. Open the driver's side door and look for the vehicle specification sticker on the door jamb (also known as the B-pillar). This sticker contains a wealth of information about your Model S, including the build date, VIN, and, most importantly, the paint code. The code is clearly labeled and is typically a four-letter acronym, like PPSW for Pearl White Multi-Coat.

Unlike some manufacturers who place this information in the glove box, spare tire well, or under the hood, Tesla consistently places it on the driver's side door jamb for all its models. If for some reason the sticker is missing or illegible, any Tesla service center or a reputable paint supplier can pull up the correct color information using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Scratches and chips are an unfortunate reality of driving. Thankfully, there are several excellent options for sourcing high-quality touch-up paint for your 2021 Tesla Model S.

• Tesla Official Touch-Up Paint: Tesla sells its own touch-up paint kits directly from its online store or service centers. This is often the best first choice to guarantee a perfect match, as it's the same formula used at the factory. The kits are easy to use and are formulated for small repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This is a highly reputable online retailer that offers custom-mixed paints in various formats, including paint pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. They have a very high accuracy rate for color matching and can mix your specific 2021 Tesla color based on the factory paint code.
• Dupli-Color: While a popular and widely available brand found in most auto parts stores, Dupli-Color may have limited off-the-shelf support for newer Tesla colors. Their color library is extensive, but for the specific multi-coat and metallic finishes Tesla uses, a custom-mix solution is often better.
• T-Coat Custom Mix: For larger repairs, a professional paint supplier like T-coat can provide a custom-mixed quart or gallon of paint based on your code. This is the best option for spray gun applications needed for panel repairs.

How To Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a near-invisible repair requires patience and the right process. For small chips and scratches, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash and dry the damaged area to remove all wax, grease, and road grime. Use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol for a perfectly clean surface.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch has gone down to the bare metal, you must apply a small amount of automotive primer first. This prevents rust and helps the base coat adhere properly. Apply a thin, even layer and let it dry completely.
3. Apply the Base Coat: Shake the touch-up paint bottle or pen thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of your color-matched paint to the scratch. For deep scratches, it's better to apply two or three very thin coats rather than one thick one. Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 20-30 minutes).
4. Apply the Clear Coat: The clear coat protects the base coat and provides the glossy finish. Apply a thin layer of clear coat over the base coat, slightly overlapping onto the surrounding paint. Let it cure completely, which can take several hours to a few days.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Tesla is famous for its "Multi-Coat" finishes (Pearl White and Red). These are sophisticated three-stage paints (tri-coats) that have a base color, a mid-coat of pearl, and a final clear coat. This is what gives them their incredible depth and shimmer.

When touching up these colors, it is absolutely critical to use a paint system that replicates this process. A single-stage touch-up paint will not match. The touch-up kit must include both the base color and the pearl mid-coat, to be applied in sequence before the clear coat. The final appearance is highly dependent on how the pearl coat is applied, so it's important to follow the directions precisely. For metallic finishes like Midnight Silver and Deep Blue, the orientation of the metallic flake can affect the appearance, so apply thin, even coats to ensure a consistent look.

For any repair larger than a small chip, especially on a multi-coat or metallic finish, we strongly recommend professional service.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.