2022 Toyota Tacoma Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For most Toyota Tacoma models, including the 2022 model year, you'll find the paint code located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver label with various vehicle information. The paint code is typically a three-character alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by a dash and another character (e.g., "1G3/C/TR C14/FA20"). It will often be labeled "C/TR" or "COLOR/TRIM".

If you have difficulty locating it, checking your owner's manual or contacting a Toyota dealership with your VIN will provide the definitive paint code for your specific vehicle.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to repairing minor scratches, chips, or dings on your 2022 Toyota Tacoma, several reputable sources offer touch-up paint that matches factory specifications:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at automotive parts stores, Dupli-Color offers aerosol cans and paint pens for many Toyota colors. It's a good option for small repairs and offers a decent color match for solid and metallic finishes.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint. They provide a precise match for your specific paint code in various formats, including pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. They are known for their accuracy, especially with more complex colors like pearls and tri-coats.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat is another excellent online resource for accurately matched custom-mixed touch-up paint. Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, they can recreate your Tacoma's original color, a great choice for ensuring a seamless repair.
• Dealership: Your local Toyota dealership can also supply OEM touch-up paint. While sometimes pricier, it guarantees the exact factory formulation.

How to use touch-up paint

For best results, follow these general steps when applying touch-up paint:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Prime (if necessary): If the scratch is deep and reaches bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This promotes adhesion and prevents rust. Let it dry according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of your chosen touch-up paint. Allow each coat to flash dry (become dull) before applying the next. Build up the color slowly until it matches the surrounding paint. For metallic and pearl colors, it's crucial to apply thin coats to prevent mottling or an uneven appearance.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a couple of thin layers of clear coat. This protects the color, adds gloss, and helps blend the repair with the surrounding paint. Allow it to cure completely.
5. Wet Sand & Polish (optional): For a more seamless finish, you can carefully wet sand the repaired area with very fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 2000-3000 grit) and then polish it to restore shine and blend the edges.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat finishes, like the Wind Chill Pearl (089) on some 2022 Tacomas, can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered composition. These finishes often consist of a base color, a mid-coat containing the pearl or metallic flakes, and a clear coat.

• Thin Coats are Key: When applying a pearl or tri-coat, exceptionally thin and even coats of the mid-coat are crucial. Too thick, and the flakes can clump, leading to a darker or uneven appearance. Too thin, and the pearl effect might not be as vibrant.
• Test Cards: If possible, test the touch-up paint on a test card or an inconspicuous area before applying it to your vehicle. This helps you get a feel for the color build-up and ensures a closer match.
• Patience: Achieving a perfect match with pearls requires patience. Build the color in very light applications and allow adequate drying time between coats.
• Professional Help for Large Repairs: For larger or more noticeable repairs on pearl or tri-coat finishes, seeking a professional body shop is often the best course of action to ensure a factory-quality blend.

Never invent codes — if uncertain on a specific color, list the well-known popular colors only and tell the reader to confirm via VIN at dealer or paint supplier.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.