2019 Toyota RAV4 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Note: Some colors were part of two-tone combinations, which will have a different paint code listed on the vehicle to indicate the full body/roof color scheme (e.g., 2QJ for Lunar Rock body with an Ice Edge roof).

Where to Find Your Paint Code

Finding the factory paint code for your 2019 Toyota RAV4 is straightforward. Toyota places a manufacturer's sticker, also known as the VIN sticker, on the driver's side door jamb.

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Look at the B-pillar (the area where the door latches). You will see a black sticker with various vehicle specifications.
3. Locate the "C/TR" label on this sticker. The code immediately following "C/TR" is your exterior color code. It will be a three-digit code (e.g., 1G3, 040, 218).

It is crucial to use this code from your specific vehicle to ensure a perfect match, as color names can be misleading and used across different makes and models with slight variations. If you cannot find the sticker, a Toyota dealership parts department can find the correct code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your three-digit paint code, you have several excellent options for purchasing touch-up paint to fix minor chips and scratches:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of applicators, including pens and small brush-in-cap bottles that are perfect for small rock chips.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer provides professional-grade, custom-mixed paint that is guaranteed to match your factory color code. They offer a complete system, from paint pens and bottles to aerosol spray cans and larger quantities for spray guns. This is an ideal choice for a precision match.
• Dealer: Your local Toyota dealership's parts department can provide you with touch-up pens or bottles directly from the manufacturer. This is a reliable, albeit sometimes more expensive, option.
• T-Coat Custom Mix: For larger repairs or if you need a specific format, a local automotive paint supplier can custom-mix your color code in an aerosol can or quart/gallon size for professional use.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

A successful touch-up repair requires patience and a multi-step process for a durable, well-blended finish. Do not simply dab paint onto a chip.

1. Clean: The area must be completely free of wax, grease, and dirt. Use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol on a clean microfiber towel.
2. Primer: For any chip that has gone down to the bare metal, a small application of primer is essential to prevent rust and help the paint adhere properly. Apply a very thin layer only to the exposed metal.
3. Base Coat: Apply a thin coat of your matched color (the base coat). Allow it to dry completely as directed by the manufacturer (usually 20-30 minutes). Apply a second thin coat if needed to achieve full coverage. Avoid applying one thick coat, as it will not dry properly and may create an uneven finish.
4. Clear Coat: The clear coat protects the base coat, provides a glossy shine, and helps blend the repair. Apply one or two thin layers of clear coat over the base coat, extending slightly beyond the original chip to help seal the edges.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Blizzard Pearl (070) and Ruby Flare Pearl (3T3) are more complex than solid or metallic colors. They are often called "tri-coats" because they consist of a base coat, a mid-coat (the pearl layer), and a clear coat.

• Correct Materials: When ordering paint for a pearl or tri-coat color, you must ensure you receive both the base color and the translucent pearl mid-coat. Companies like AutomotiveTouchup will sell this as a complete package.
• Application is Key: The final appearance of a pearl color is highly dependent on how the mid-coat is applied. The number of coats and the application technique will affect how the pearl reflects light. When using aerosol cans for a larger repair, apply light, even coats and check the color from multiple angles to ensure it matches the factory finish.
• Blending: For pearl colors, blending the new paint into the existing paint is critical. This involves spraying the new color over a wider, pre-sanded area and tapering the spray so it fades into the original paint. This technique is best left to professionals or experienced DIYers for larger repairs.

For anything more than a minor stone chip, achieving a perfect match with a pearl or tri-coat finish can be very difficult.

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