2022 Toyota Camry Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick Reference

Where to find your paint code

For most 2022 Toyota Camry models, you'll find the paint code located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or label, usually white or silver, affixed to the door frame itself or the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors). The paint code is typically a three-digit alphanumeric code, often preceded by "C/TR" or "COLOR". It may also be listed near the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on this label. Be sure to check this location first.

If you have trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual, which will provide diagrams and specific instructions for your vehicle.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2022 Toyota Camry, several reputable sources offer quality paint options:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at automotive parts stores and online retailers, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans, paint pens, and brush bottles formulated to match factory colors. They are a good option for small repairs and offer a clear coat for added protection.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online specialist provides custom-mixed touch-up paint in various formats, including pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They pride themselves on precise color matching, especially for metallic and pearl finishes. You can usually find their products by searching for your specific year, make, model, and paint code.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat is another excellent online resource specializing in perfectly matched paint for a wide range of vehicles. Their custom-mixed paints are often lauded for their accuracy and quality, particularly for more complex colors.
• Dealership Parts Department: Your local Toyota dealership can order genuine OEM touch-up paint directly from the manufacturer. While sometimes a bit more expensive, this ensures the most accurate match to your vehicle's original finish.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless repair with touch-up paint requires a few careful steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Ensure it's completely dry and free of wax or contaminants.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper chips that expose bare metal, a thin layer of primer is essential for adhesion and rust prevention. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake your touch-up paint well. Apply thin, even coats to the damaged area, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface. For metallic or pearl paints, consistent application is crucial to avoid blotchiness.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply several thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and restore the original gloss. This step is vital for durability and a smooth finish. Allow ample drying time.
5. Polish (optional): After the clear coat has cured (this can take several days), you can gently polish the area with a fine-grit rubbing compound to blend the repair further and remove any minor imperfections.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like Wind Chill Pearl or Ruby Flare Pearl, have multiple layers (a colored base coat, a mid-coat with pearl particles, and a clear coat) that contribute to their unique depth and shimmer. Matching these can be more challenging:

• Patience is key: These paints often require more coats and careful application to achieve the correct effect. Apply very thin, even layers.
• Spray patterns: When using aerosol cans for metallic or pearl finishes, ensure a consistent spray pattern to prevent uneven metallic flake or pearl particle distribution, which can lead to a darker or lighter appearance.
• "Blend into" the surrounding area: For larger repairs, professional painters often "blend" the new paint into the surrounding factory paint. This technique minimizes the appearance of any slight color variation. For small touch-ups, concentrate on filling the chip precisely.
• Test on a discrete area: If you have any doubt, or if you're experimenting with a new product, test the touch-up paint on a hidden area (like inside the trunk lid or door jamb) to ensure the color match and application technique are satisfactory.

If you're unsure about your paint code or if you have a complex pearl or tri-coat finish, it's always best to verify the code using your VIN at a Toyota dealership or a professional paint supplier to ensure accuracy.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.