2020 Toyota RAV4 — Paint Color Codes & Touch-up Guide

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the road, prized for its reliability, capability, and striking angular design. Whether you are dealing with a minor parking lot scratch, rock chips from highway driving, or scuffs on your bumper, finding the exact factory paint match is critical to keeping your RAV4 looking flawless.

Below is your comprehensive guide to identifying, sourcing, and applying the correct touch-up paint for your 2020 Toyota RAV4.

Quick reference

Here are the factory paint colors offered for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Keep in mind that some trims featured two-tone paint schemes (such as a Midnight Black Metallic or Ice Edge roof), but the primary body colors use the codes listed below.

Note: If you are unsure of your exact color, always confirm your paint code via your VIN at a local Toyota dealer or through a trusted automotive paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Toyota makes it relatively easy to locate your vehicle's factory paint code. For the 2020 RAV4, you will want to look at the vehicle information sticker (often a black and white or black and yellow label).

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Inspect the door jamb (the area where the door latches to the vehicle body) or the B-pillar.
3. Look for a rectangular sticker containing the VIN, barcode, and tire pressure data.
4. Near the bottom left of this sticker, look for the letters C/TR (which stands for Color/Trim).
5. The three-character code immediately following the "C/" is your factory paint code (for example, C/TR: 1G3/FA20 means your paint code is 1G3).

Best touch-up paint sources

Getting a precise color match requires buying paint from a reputable source. Here are the best places to source your 2020 RAV4 touch-up paint:

• AutomotiveTouchup: Highly recommended for precise, custom-mixed OEM matches. They offer paint pens, brush-in-bottle, and aerosol spray cans, making them ideal for both tiny rock chips and larger panel repairs.
• Dupli-Color: A highly accessible option found at most major auto parts stores. Their Scratch Fix All-in-1 tool is great for quick, minor chip repairs and includes an abrasive prep tip, paint, and clear coat.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Excellent for specialized OEM matching and high-quality kits that include everything you need for a seamless repair.
• Your Local Toyota Dealer: For the absolute guarantee of an exact factory match, purchasing an official Toyota paint pen from the parts department is a safe and relatively inexpensive bet for minor chips.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking repair takes a little patience and the right technique. Follow these basic steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the damaged area using dish soap and water to remove dirt, then wipe it down with wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol. The surface must be completely bare and clean.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 20-30 minutes) before proceeding.
3. Base Coat: Apply the color-matched base coat in light, even dabs (if using a pen/brush) or sweeping sprays (if using an aerosol). Do not glob the paint on. Apply 2-3 thin layers, waiting 15-20 minutes between each coat until the color is fully opaque.
4. Clear Coat: Once the final base coat is dry (wait at least 30-60 minutes), apply the clear coat. The clear coat protects the paint and provides the glossy finish that matches the rest of your vehicle.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Blizzard Pearl (070) and Ruby Flare Pearl (3T3) are tri-coat paints. This means the factory finish consists of a base color coat, a semi-transparent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clear coat.

When touching up tri-coats, you must apply the base color first, followed by the pearl mid-coat, and finally the clear coat. Test the paint on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard first. The number of pearl mid-coats you apply will directly affect the final shade—too few and the paint looks flat; too many and it may look too dark or yellowed. Take your time and compare the test card to your vehicle in direct sunlight before applying it to your RAV4.

If your damage is too extensive for a touch-up pen, don't risk a botched DIY repair. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.