2017 Toyota RAV4 Paint Codes Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2017 Toyota RAV4, the paint code is most commonly located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker, typically white or silver, that contains various information about your vehicle. The paint code will usually be near the bottom of this sticker, often labeled "C/TR" or "COLOR/TRIM." It will be a short alphanumeric code, usually three characters long (e.g., "040" for Super White or "1G3" for Magnetic Gray Metallic).

If you can't find it on the door jamb, you might also check under the hood on the firewall or on a sticker in the glove compartment. However, the door jamb is the most reliable place for Toyota vehicles.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2017 Toyota RAV4, several reputable sources can provide a good color match:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available option found at most auto parts stores. They offer a range of touch-up pens, paint bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. Make sure to match their product numbers with your RAV4's paint code for the best results.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in exact-match automotive paints. They can custom-mix paint based on your specific vehicle's make, model, and paint code, offering touch-up bottles, pens, spray cans, and larger quantities.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat offers custom-mixed paints, ensuring a precise match. They often provide comprehensive kits that include primer, base coat, and clear coat, which are essential for a professional-looking repair.
• Dealership: Your local Toyota dealership parts department can also provide touch-up paint specifically formulated for your 2017 RAV4. While potentially a bit more expensive, you can be assured of an OEM match.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless touch-up involves a few key steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then dry it completely. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove any wax or polish residue.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): For deep scratches that go down to the bare metal or plastic, a thin layer of primer is recommended. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched paint, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Avoid applying one thick coat, as this can lead to uneven drying and a noticeable blob.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a couple of thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and restore the shine. This also helps to blend the touched-up area with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some 2017 Toyota RAV4 colors, such as Ruby Flare Pearl, are multi-stage paints. These consist of a base color, a pearl or metallic mid-coat, and then a clear coat. Matching these can be more challenging than solid colors:

• Practice first: If you're using an aerosol or a brush, it's highly recommended to practice on a spare piece of metal or a hidden area first to get a feel for the application and color build-up.
• Layering is key: For pearl and tri-coat paints, the final appearance is highly dependent on the number and thickness of the pearl or mid-coats. Applying too many or too few can alter the color slightly. Follow the product instructions meticulously.
• Blender products: Some touch-up kits for multi-stage paints include a "blending solvent" or "color blender." These products help to feather the edges of the new paint into the existing paint, reducing the visibility of the repair.
• Consider professional help: For larger or more complex repairs involving pearl or tri-coat finishes, you might consider professional body shop services to ensure a factory-quality finish.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.