2023 Toyota Camry Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

Toyota typically places your paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a label (usually white or silver) on the pillar between the front and rear doors (the B-pillar). The paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by a letter, and is often labeled "C/TR" or "COLOR". For example, if your Camry is "Ice Cap," you might see "C/TR: 040/LA10," where "040" is your paint code.

If you have trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual or contact a Toyota dealer with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for assistance.

Best touch-up paint sources

There are several reliable sources for touch-up paint for your 2023 Toyota Camry:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up pens, paint bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. You can often find Dupli-Color products at auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online specialist provides custom-mixed touch-up paint in pens, bottles, aerosol cans, and larger quantities. They pride themselves on precise color matching to factory specifications.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat is another excellent online option for custom-mixed paint. They offer various application methods and are known for their quality and color accuracy.
• Dealership: Your local Toyota dealership parts department can also supply genuine Toyota touch-up paint. While potentially pricier, this ensures you're getting the exact factory formulation.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can minimize the appearance of chips and scratches. Here's a general guide:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then dry it completely. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining wax or grease.
2. Apply primer (optional but recommended for deep scratches): If the scratch goes down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched base coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until it's level with the surrounding surface.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a couple of thin coats of clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy finish. Allow it to dry completely.
5. Polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (usually 24-48 hours), you can gently polish the area to blend it with the surrounding paint.

Always follow the specific instructions on your chosen touch-up paint product, as application methods and drying times can vary.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

For colors like Wind Chill Pearl, Opal White, and Ruby Flare Pearl, which are multi-stage (pearls or tri-coats), color matching can be more challenging. These paints achieve their depth and unique shimmer through multiple layers of color and pearl effects. When touching up these colors:

• Understand the layers: Pearl paints typically involve a base color coat, a pearl mid-coat (which contains the pearl flakes), and a clear coat. Tri-coats add another layer of color or effect.
• Follow specific instructions: Touch-up kits for pearl and tri-coat paints often come with multiple bottles and very specific application instructions for each layer. It's crucial to follow these diligently to achieve the desired effect.
• Test first: If possible, test the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area or a test card to get a feel for how the layers build and what the final color will look like.
• Be patient: Apply thin, even coats and allow ample drying time between each layer. Rushing the process can lead to an uneven or mismatched finish.

If you're unsure about matching a pearl or tri-coat color, consider having a professional body shop handle the repair for the best results.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.