2021 Toyota Tacoma Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

For any Toyota, including your 2021 Tacoma, 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. This is the Manufacturer's VIN sticker. The paint code is a three-digit alphanumeric code labeled as "C/TR," which stands for Color/Trim. The first part of this code (before the slash) is your exterior paint code.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

• Dupli-Color: Widely available in auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers a range of off-the-shelf colors. It's a good option for common colors like Super White or Magnetic Gray Metallic, but may not have a perfect match for less common or pearl-finish colors.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer can mix your specific paint code into various applicators, including pens, brush-in bottles, and aerosol cans. They offer a high-quality match for almost any factory color.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a professional-grade match, services like Tcoat can custom-mix your paint based on your VIN to account for any factory variations. This is a great option for pearl and tri-coat finishes.
• Toyota Dealership: Your local dealer's parts department can provide a touch-up pen or bottle of the exact factory paint. This is often the most reliable, albeit sometimes more expensive, option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover.
2. Primer: If the scratch is down to bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer to ensure proper adhesion and prevent rust.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even coats of the color-matched base coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the color until it is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat has cured, apply a clear coat to protect the paint, provide a glossy finish, and blend the repair with the original paint.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Pearl and tri-coat finishes, like Wind Chill Pearl, are more complex to match. These paints have a mid-coat of pearl or mica flake that creates a deep, shimmering effect. When touching up these colors, it is crucial to apply the base and mid-coats in thin, even layers to replicate the factory finish. It is highly recommended to use a spray applicator for these colors to achieve a uniform blend. For any color, but especially pearls and metallics, always use a test card to check your color match before applying it to the vehicle.

If you are ever uncertain about your paint code, a Toyota dealer or a professional paint supplier can confirm the exact color using your vehicle's VIN.

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