2021 Toyota Highlander Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

If you are looking to fix a few rock chips, repair a bumper scuff, or fully repaint a panel on your 2021 Toyota Highlander, getting the exact paint match is the most critical step. Using the correct factory paint code ensures your repair blends seamlessly with the original finish. Welcome to the Repairius.com guide to 2021 Toyota Highlander paint codes. Below you will find the complete list of factory colors, where to locate your paint code, and expert tips on touching up your SUV's paint.

Quick reference

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was offered in a beautiful array of colors, ranging from deep metallics to rich, multi-stage pearls. Here is the complete list of factory colors for the 2021 model year:

Note: If you are uncertain about your specific color, always confirm your paint code via your VIN at a local Toyota dealer or a professional paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Finding the paint code on a 2021 Toyota Highlander is a straightforward process. Toyota places a vehicle identification sticker on the driver's side door jamb (also known as the B-pillar).

To find it:

1. Open the driver’s side front door.
2. Look at the lower section of the door jamb, near where the door latches.
3. Locate the black-and-white (or sometimes silver) manufacturer information sticker.
4. Look towards the bottom left of the sticker for the letters "C/TR" (which stands for Color/Trim).
5. The first three-digit alphanumeric code following "C/" is your paint code. For example, if it says "C/TR: 1G3/LA20", your paint code is 1G3 (Magnetic Gray Metallic).

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your paint code, you will need to source the right paint. For small rock chips or minor scratches, there are several highly rated sources for exact-match touch-up paint:

• Your Local Toyota Dealer: For the most accurate basic touch-up pens, the parts department at your local Toyota dealership is always a safe bet.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Known for high-quality, precision-matched paints available in bottles, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints for larger jobs. They are excellent for Toyota's metallic and pearl finishes.
• Dupli-Color: Available at most local auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers convenient 2-in-1 scratch fix pens. They are great for quick, budget-friendly fixes on common colors like Celestial Silver or Midnight Black.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat and similar custom-mix paint providers can formulate a specific batch of paint based on your exact VIN, which is incredibly helpful if your vehicle has slight factory color variances.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking touch-up requires a bit of patience and the right technique. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the area with soap and water, then wipe it down with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol. There must be no dirt, wax, or oil left in the scratch.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a very light coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color-matched base coat in thin, light layers. Use a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick for tiny rock chips. Allow each coat to dry for 15-20 minutes before applying the next. Build the color until it is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: The base coat provides the color, but the clear coat provides the shine and protection. Once the base coat is fully dry, apply a layer of clear coat. After it cures for a few days, you can lightly polish the area to blend it in.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

If your Highlander is painted in Blizzard Pearl (070) or Ruby Flare Pearl (3T3), you are dealing with a tri-coat finish. This means the factory paint consists of a base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a final clear coat.

Touching up tri-coats can be tricky. When ordering paint for these codes, you will usually receive two separate bottles of color (the base and the pearl mid-coat). You must apply the solid base coat first, let it dry, and then carefully apply the pearl mid-coat until the sparkle matches the surrounding factory paint. Finally, seal it with the clear coat. Test the process on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard first to gauge how many layers of pearl you need to achieve a perfect match.

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