2017 Toyota Highlander Paint Color Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For any 2017 Toyota Highlander, the paint code is located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a black sticker on the B-pillar (the vertical frame of the car just behind the door). This sticker contains various pieces of information about your vehicle, including the date of manufacture, tire pressure recommendations, and the VIN.

You will see "C/TR" on this label, which stands for Color/Trim. The paint code is the three-character code that follows "C/TR". For example, if you see "C/TR 1J9/FB13", your paint code is "1J9" (Celestial Silver Metallic) and your interior trim code is "FB13". Always use this code to ensure an exact match for your touch-up paint.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, your local Toyota dealer's parts department can confirm the color code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your three-character paint code, you can find a matching touch-up paint from several reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A popular choice found at most auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. They offer paint pens, brush-in-bottle applicators, and aerosol spray cans. Their products are a good balance of cost and quality for small-to-medium-sized repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in perfectly matched automotive paints. They offer a complete range of products, from small touch-up pens to professional-sized spray cans and quart/gallon cans for spray guns. They are an excellent source for the required primer and clear coat as well.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a guaranteed match, especially for aging paint or tricky pearl finishes, a local automotive paint supplier can use a spectrometer to analyze your car's paint and create a custom-mixed batch. This is often the best choice for larger repairs.
• Toyota Dealership: Your local dealer’s parts department will sell official Toyota touch-up paint pens or bottles. This is a great way to guarantee an OEM color match, though it can sometimes be a more expensive option.

How To Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a near-invisible repair on your Highlander requires patience and the right process. For small chips and scratches, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash the chip with soap and water, then dry it completely. Use a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth to ensure the surface is free of any contaminants.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch has gone down to the bare metal or plastic, you must apply a thin layer of automotive primer first. This helps the new paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Use a fine-tipped brush or a paint pen for precision. Let it dry completely (usually 20-30 minutes).
3. Apply Base Coat (Color): Shake the paint pen or bottle thoroughly. Apply a very thin layer of the color-matched base coat. The key is to build up the color with two or three thin coats rather than one thick one. Allow each coat to become tacky before applying the next (about 30 minutes).
4. Apply Clear Coat: After the final base coat has dried, apply a thin layer of clear coat. The clear coat protects the base coat, adds gloss, and helps the repair blend in with the surrounding paint. Let it cure for at least 24 hours before waxing or polishing.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

The 2017 Highlander features several pearl and mica finishes, such as Blizzard Pearl (070) and Ooh La La Rouge Mica (3Q3). These colors, often called "tri-coats," have a unique depth that can be challenging to match perfectly with simple touch-up pens.

These paints involve a base coat, a mid-coat (containing the pearl or mica effect), and a final clear coat. For a successful repair, you must use a touch-up system specifically designed for tri-coat paints. AutomotiveTouchup and other specialized suppliers sell kits that include both the base and mid-coat colors. Applying the mid-coat correctly is crucial for achieving the right shimmer and color depth.

For any significant damage to a pearl or metallic finish, it is often best to consult a professional. Their blending techniques are essential for creating a seamless transition between the original paint and the new repair.

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