2023 Tesla Model Y Paint Color Codes: Quick Reference & Touch-Up Guide

Whether you are fixing a small rock chip from the highway or planning a larger bumper repair, getting the exact paint match for your 2023 Tesla Model Y is crucial for a seamless finish. Tesla keeps its color palette relatively minimal, but the finishes—especially the multi-coats—are incredibly dynamic and require precise matching.

Below is your complete guide to the 2023 Tesla Model Y paint color codes, where to locate your specific code, and how to successfully apply touch-up paint.

Quick reference

Here are the factory colors offered for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. Note that while the core five colors are standard globally, Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red were introduced primarily for vehicles manufactured at Giga Berlin.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type (Solid / Metallic / Pearl)
Pearl White Multi-Coat	PPSW	Pearl / Tri-Coat
Solid Black	PBSB	Solid
Midnight Silver Metallic	PMNG	Metallic
Deep Blue Metallic	PPSB	Metallic
Red Multi-Coat	PPMR	Pearl / Tri-Coat
Quicksilver	PN00	Metallic
Midnight Cherry Red	PR00	Pearl / Multi-Coat

Note: If you are unsure of your exact color, always confirm via your VIN at a Tesla Service Center or a trusted paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Unlike traditional legacy automakers that might hide paint codes in the glovebox or under the spare tire, Tesla makes it fairly straightforward to find your paint code.

To locate the paint code on your 2023 Tesla Model Y, open the driver’s side front door and look at the B-pillar (the door jamb). You will see the Vehicle Certification Label (the black and white sticker containing your VIN, tire pressures, and weight limits).

Look near the bottom left or bottom center of this sticker. You will see a three- or four-letter code that corresponds to the table above (e.g., "PPSW" for Pearl White). Alternatively, you can always call a Tesla Service Center and provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); they can pull up your vehicle's exact build sheet and confirm the factory paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to sourcing the right paint for your Tesla, you have a few excellent options:

• Tesla Service Centers: Tesla sells OEM touch-up paint kits (often in a two-step pen format) specifically formulated for their vehicles. This is usually the safest bet for an exact match.
• AutomotiveTouchup: A highly recommended source for larger jobs. They custom mix paint based on your exact factory code and offer it in touch-up bottles, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints/quarts for spray guns.
• Dr. ColorChip: Widely praised by the Tesla community, Dr. ColorChip offers kits that use a proprietary blending solution, making it incredibly easy to fix small road rash and rock chips without leaving paint blobs.
• Dupli-Color: While Dupli-Color is a staple at local auto parts stores, finding exact Tesla matches (like PPSW or PMNG) on the shelf can be hit or miss. They are a good backup if you can find the exact code, but custom-mix suppliers are usually better for Teslas.

How to use touch-up paint

For the best results when repairing small chips or scratches, follow these essential steps:

1. Clean the area: Wash the damaged area thoroughly. Use a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure there is no dirt, wax, or ceramic coating left inside the chip.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): If the scratch goes down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a tiny drop of automotive primer. Let it dry completely before moving on.
3. Apply the Base Coat: Shake your paint pen or bottle vigorously. Apply the base coat in thin, light layers using a micro-dabber or a toothpick (the brushes included in most kits are often too large). Allow 15 to 20 minutes of drying time between coats until the paint is level with the surrounding area.
4. Apply the Clear Coat: Once the color coat is dry (usually after a few hours), apply a light layer of clear coat to seal the repair and match the factory gloss. Wait a few days before polishing the area to blend it in.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Tesla’s Pearl White Multi-Coat (PPSW) and Red Multi-Coat (PPMR) are notoriously difficult to match perfectly, even for professionals. These are "tri-coat" paints, meaning the factory applies a solid base color, a translucent pearl/metallic mid-coat, and a protective clear coat.

When touching up a tri-coat:

• Expect a blend, not perfection: A touch-up pen will rarely look 100% invisible on a pearl white Tesla because you cannot replicate the factory's multi-stage spray process with a brush.
• Layer carefully: If your kit comes with a base and a pearl mid-coat, apply the base sparingly. The depth of the color comes from the mid-coat. Too much base will make the repair look like a flat white or flat red spot.
• Test first: Always test the paint on a glossy piece of cardboard or scrap metal to practice your layering technique and verify the color match before applying it to your Model Y.

If the damage is larger than a pencil eraser, or if you have sustained significant bumper or panel damage, DIY touch-up paint will not suffice. For professional blending and respraying, rely on the experts. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.