2018 Tesla Model X Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Keeping your 2018 Tesla Model X looking flawless means addressing rock chips and minor scratches before they become bigger problems. Whether you are dealing with a tiny blemish on your front bumper or a noticeable scratch on a falcon-wing door, using the exact factory paint code is the only way to ensure a seamless repair.

Here is your complete guide to 2018 Tesla Model X paint codes, where to find them, and how to apply touch-up paint effectively.

Quick reference: 2018 Tesla Model X Paint Codes

The 2018 Tesla Model X was offered in a refined palette of futuristic and elegant colors. Below is the complete list of factory paint options available for the 2018 model year.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Solid Black	PBSB	Solid
Pearl White Multi-Coat	PPSW	Pearl / Tri-Coat
Midnight Silver Metallic	PMNG	Metallic
Deep Blue Metallic	PPSB	Metallic
Red Multi-Coat	PPMR	Pearl / Tri-Coat
Obsidian Black Metallic*	PMBL	Metallic
Silver Metallic*	PMSS	Metallic

*Note: Obsidian Black Metallic and Silver Metallic were discontinued from the standard configuration menu during the 2018 production year, but many 2018 models still feature these colors. Always confirm your code.

Where to find your paint code

Unlike traditional automakers that sometimes hide paint codes under the hood or in the trunk, Tesla makes it relatively easy to find your vehicle's specific paint information.

For the 2018 Model X, the paint code is located on the Vehicle Certification Label.

1. Open the driver’s side door.
2. Look at the B-pillar (the vertical structural pillar behind the front door) or the lower door jamb.
3. Locate the black-and-white sticker that contains your VIN, tire pressure information, and weight ratings.
4. Near the bottom of this label, look for a 4-letter code starting with "P" (e.g., PPSW or PMNG). This is your exact factory paint code.

If your label is damaged or unreadable, you can also call any Tesla Service Center with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm your exact factory color.

Best touch-up paint sources

Getting the right paint is crucial for a repair that blends perfectly with the surrounding panels. Here are the most reliable sources for 2018 Tesla Model X touch-up paint:

• AutomotiveTouchup: One of the best online providers for exact-match OEM paint. They offer pens for tiny chips, brush bottles for slightly larger scratches, and aerosol cans for panel blending. They are especially good at formulating Tesla’s complex multi-coats.
• Tesla Service Centers: You can often purchase an official Tesla Paint Repair Kit directly from the Tesla app or a local service center. These kits usually include the paint and a blending solution.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: A great option for highly accurate, custom-mixed batches, especially if your Model X has spent a lot of time in the sun and might have slight UV fading.
• Dupli-Color: While Dupli-Color is available at most local auto parts stores, they may not carry exact matches for Tesla's specific multi-coat colors on the shelf. They are better suited for basic solid colors like PBSB (Solid Black).

How to use touch-up paint

For a professional-looking repair, patience and preparation are key. Follow these standard steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the area with wax-removing auto soap. Wipe the chip or scratch with rubbing alcohol or a prep solvent to remove any lingering grease, wax, or ceramic coating.
2. Primer (If necessary): If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a very light dab of automotive primer. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Shake your paint pen or bottle vigorously. Apply the base color in extremely light, thin layers using a micro-dabber or fine-tipped brush. Do not glob the paint on. Allow 15-20 minutes of drying time between coats until the color covers the primer.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is fully dry (usually wait at least an hour, or as directed by the paint manufacturer), apply the clear coat. The clear coat provides the UV protection and the glossy finish that matches the rest of your Model X.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Tesla’s Pearl White Multi-Coat (PPSW) and Red Multi-Coat (PPMR) are notoriously complex colors. Because they are tri-coats, the factory finish consists of a solid base layer, a translucent pearl or tinted mid-coat, and a final clear coat.

When touching up these colors:

• Practice first: Test the paint on a piece of glossy cardboard or scrap metal to understand how the base and mid-coats interact.
• Layer carefully: The mid-coat dictates the depth and "flop" (how the color changes in the light). Applying too much mid-coat will make the repair look too dark; too little will make it look too flat.
• Manage expectations: Tri-coats are incredibly difficult to match perfectly with a brush. Touch-up paint will hide the chip from a few feet away, but it may still be slightly visible up close.

For major scratches, bumper scuffs, or large areas of damage on multi-coat colors, a professional respray and panel blending is highly recommended to achieve a flawless finish.

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