2014 Volvo VNL Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

On the 2014 Volvo VNL, the paint code is typically located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or label on the door frame or the edge of the door itself. This label contains various vehicle information, including the VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and the exterior paint code. The paint code is usually a three or four-digit number, often accompanied by the color name. If you have trouble locating it, refer to your owner's manual or contact a Volvo dealership with your VIN.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to sourcing touch-up paint for your 2014 Volvo VNL, several reputable options are available:

• Dupli-Color: A widely accessible brand found at most automotive parts stores. Dupli-Color offers a range of pre-filled touch-up pens, paint bottles, and aerosol cans. While convenient, their color matching might be less precise for older or more complex colors.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint based on your specific paint code. They offer a more extensive color palette and aim for a higher degree of accuracy in matching your vehicle's factory finish. They provide pens, bottles, aerosol cans, and larger quantities for more extensive repairs.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat is another excellent option for custom-mixed paint, often favored by detailers and enthusiasts for its high-quality formulations and color-matching precision. They can often mix colors that are no longer available through other channels.
• Dealer: Your Volvo dealership can provide OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up paint. This is often the most accurate match, as it comes directly from the manufacturer. However, it can be more expensive and may not be available for all older colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can significantly improve the appearance of minor scratches and chips. Follow these general steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or contaminants.
2. Primer (optional but recommended): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply the base coat in thin, even layers. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually until the repair area is level with the surrounding paint. This may take several coats.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy finish. Apply in thin layers, allowing each to dry. Clear coat is crucial for durability and a professional-looking repair.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like the "Pearl White" offered on the 2014 Volvo VNL, can be more challenging to match due to their multi-layered composition. These paints typically consist of a base color, a mid-coat containing metallic or pearl flakes, and a clear coat.

• Layered Application: Achieving a good match often requires replicating the factory's layered application process. This means applying the base color, then the pearl or metallic mid-coat (if separate), and finally the clear coat, exactly as specified by the paint manufacturer.
• Panel Blending: For more significant repairs, a professional body shop will often "blend" the color into adjacent panels. This technique helps to seamlessly transition the new paint with the old, minimizing any color difference caused by manufacturing variations or weathering.
• Test Sprays: If using aerosol cans, always do test sprays on a scrap piece of metal or an inconspicuous area first. This helps you get a feel for how the paint applies and dries, and allows you to confirm the color match in various lighting conditions.
• Lighting: Always evaluate your color match in good, natural daylight. Artificial light can distort color perception.

If you are unsure about matching a pearl or tri-coat paint, especially for a prominent area of your truck, it is always best to consult with a professional automotive painter or a specialized paint supplier. They have the experience and equipment to achieve the best possible match.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.