2022 Tesla Model Y Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

The paint code for your 2022 Tesla Model Y is typically located on a sticker found on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) or on the door itself. This sticker will contain various vehicle information, including your paint code, often listed under "Paint" or "EXT PNT." Tesla uses a four-character code for their paint colors.

Best touch-up paint sources

When your 2022 Tesla Model Y inevitably collects a small scratch or chip, you'll want to have the right touch-up paint on hand. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option, Dupli-Color offers aerosol sprays and touch-up pens for many automotive colors. While they might not carry every Tesla color, it's a good first stop for common shades. Check their website or local auto parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint, offering a precise match to your vehicle's factory color based on the paint code. They provide paint in various formats, including pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans, making them an excellent choice for a near-perfect match.
• Tcoat custom-mix: For precise color matching, especially with multi-coat or pearl finishes, Tcoat custom-mix can provide a tailored solution. They are known for their high-quality formulations that consider the intricacies of modern automotive paints.
• Dealer: Your Tesla service center can also provide touch-up paint specifically designed for your Model Y. While often a bit pricier, it guarantees an exact match from the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Properly applying touch-up paint can make a significant difference in the repair's appearance. Follow these general steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then follow up with an automotive wax and grease remover. This ensures proper adhesion.
2. Primer: 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. Base Coat: Apply thin, even coats of your colored base coat. For pens, dab the paint onto the scratch; for bottles, use the brush to carefully fill the area. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, building up the color gradually until it's level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the color and provides a glossy finish that blends with your car's existing paint. Again, apply in thin layers and allow ample drying time.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Tesla offers several multi-coat pearl finishes, such as Pearl White Multi-Coat and Red Multi-Coat. These paints have a unique depth and shimmer due to multiple layers of paint, including a colored mid-coat and a translucent pearl coat over the base color. Matching these perfectly can be challenging for touch-up repairs:

• Layering is Key: When applying touch-up paint to a pearl or multi-coat finish, it's crucial to layer the paint correctly. This means applying the base coat, then the pearl/mid-coat (if supplied separately), and finally the clear coat.
• Test Area: If possible, test the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a scrap piece of metal first. This allows you to practice the application technique and see how the color develops.
• Lighting: Observe the color match in various lighting conditions (direct sunlight, shade) as pearl effects can look different depending on the light source.
• Professional Help: For larger chips or scratches on pearl/multi-coat finishes, it might be best to consult a professional body shop. Their expertise and specialized equipment can achieve a seamless repair.

Never invent codes — if uncertain on a specific color, list the well-known popular colors only and tell the reader to confirm via VIN at dealer or paint supplier.

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