2016 Volvo VNL Paint Color Codes

Quick reference: 2016 Volvo VNL Paint Codes

Where to find your paint code

For most 2016 Volvo VNL trucks, your paint code can be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. This sticker typically contains various vehicle information, including the VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and tire pressure recommendations. Look for a label that explicitly states "Paint Code" or "Color Code" followed by a series of numbers and possibly letters. In some cases, it might be listed simply as "COLOR" or "EXT PNT".

If you can't find it on the door jamb, check the glove compartment or the owner's manual. The owner's manual for your 2016 Volvo VNL may have a dedicated section detailing vehicle specifications, including paint codes.

If you are still unable to locate your paint code, the most reliable method is to contact a Volvo dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can access the factory build sheet for your specific truck and provide the exact paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2016 Volvo VNL, several reputable sources offer quality paint products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand, Dupli-Color offers exact-match touch-up paint in pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. They are a good option for small repairs and are often found at automotive parts stores.

• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed automotive touch-up paint, aerosols, and paint products. They can match your Volvo VNL's paint code precisely and offer a wider range of product types, including larger quantities for more extensive repairs.

• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Tcoat provides custom-mixed touch-up and aerosol paints based on your vehicle's paint code, ensuring an accurate match. They are known for high-quality products that can deliver professional-looking results.

• Dealership: Your local Volvo dealership can also provide genuine touch-up paint for your VNL. While often a bit more expensive, it guarantees an exact factory match and can sometimes be the best option for unique or less common colors.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a good result with touch-up paint requires a few simple steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then dry completely. Use a degreaser or alcohol prep pad to remove any wax or contaminants.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper chips that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Apply thin, even coats of your touch-up paint. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the color slowly until it matches the surrounding paint. For pens, dab the paint into the chip; for bottles, use the included brush; and for aerosols, ensure proper masking of the surrounding area.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and restore the shine. Again, apply thin layers and allow adequate drying time between coats.
5. Polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (this can take several days), you can gently polish the area to blend the repair with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some of the 2016 Volvo VNL colors, particularly certain reds and blues, might have a metallic finish. Metallic paints contain tiny metallic flakes that give the paint a shimmering effect. While the common colors listed above for the 2016 VNL are primarily solid or metallic, if your truck features a pearl or tri-coat finish (less common on commercial trucks but still possible for custom orders), color matching can be more challenging.

• Pearl paints have a unique luster due to mica flakes, which create a multi-dimensional effect. Tri-coat paints involve three distinct layers: a colored ground coat, a translucent mid-coat containing pearl or metallic particles, and a clear coat.

For these complex finishes, it's crucial to follow the touch-up paint instructions very carefully, as the order and thickness of each layer are critical for a proper match. Sometimes, test spraying on a discreet area or a test card is recommended to ensure the color and effect are correct before applying to the visible damaged area. For significant repairs on pearl or tri-coat finishes, professional body shop assistance is highly recommended to achieve an unnoticeable repair.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.