2020 Toyota Corolla Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

Your 2020 Toyota Corolla's paint code is most commonly located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or label on the door frame or the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors). The paint code is usually a three-digit alphanumeric code. It might be labeled "C/TR" for "Color/Trim" or simply "COLOR."

If you can't locate it there, check the owner's manual, or contact a Toyota dealership with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for precise information.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up pens, bottles, and spray cans for many Toyota colors. Great for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in exact-match touch-up paint for all makes and models. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including pens, bottles, spray cans, and larger quantities for more extensive repairs. Their formulations are designed to match factory specifications.
• Tcoat custom-mix: If you're looking for a highly accurate match, Tcoat can custom-mix paint based on your specific paint code, especially beneficial for older or more complex colors.
• Toyota Dealerships: Your local Toyota dealer can also supply genuine touch-up paint, ensuring the closest possible match to the original factory finish.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and dry the damaged area to remove dirt, wax, and grease. Use an automotive degreaser for best results.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deep scratches or bare metal, a thin coat of automotive primer will help the touch-up paint adhere better and prevent rust.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched base coat, allowing each coat to dry according to the product instructions. Build up the paint slowly until it's level with the surrounding area.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply two to three thin coats of clear coat. This protects the paint, adds gloss, and helps blend the repair with the original finish.
5. Wet sand and polish (optional): For a perfectly smooth finish, you can wet sand with very fine grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) after the clear coat has fully cured, then polish the area to restore its shine.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like "Blizzard Pearl" or "Ruby Flare Pearl," can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered composition. These paints consist of a base color coat, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a clear coat. When doing touch-ups:

• Layering is key: Apply the pearl mid-coat in very thin, even layers. The number of layers will influence the depth and appearance of the pearl effect. Practice on a test card first if possible.
• Blend carefully: Try to blend the edges of your touch-up into the surrounding original paint to minimize any visible contrast.
• Patience: Allow ample drying time between each coat. Rushing the process can lead to an uneven finish.
• Consider professional help: For larger repairs involving pearl or tri-coat finishes, a professional body shop can achieve a more seamless and factory-like repair due to their expertise and specialized equipment.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.