2017 Volvo VNL Paint Codes: Your Complete Guide to Color Matching

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

Finding the paint code on your 2017 Volvo VNL is typically straightforward. The most common location is on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or label on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) or the edge of the door itself. This label will often contain various vehicle information, including the VIN, and somewhere on it, you should find a code clearly labeled "Paint Code" or "Color Code." It is usually a two to four-digit number.

Occasionally, the paint code might also be found under the hood, often on the firewall or a strut tower, but the door jamb is the primary location for Volvo trucks. If you have trouble locating it, consulting your owner's manual or contacting a Volvo dealership with your VIN can quickly provide you with the correct paint code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up paint on your 2017 Volvo VNL, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that you can find at most automotive parts stores. They offer a good range of colors in aerosol cans and paint pens, often matching factory codes.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in exact-match factory paint in various applications, including pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They mix the paint fresh based on your specific paint code, ensuring a very close match.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a truly custom and precise match, especially for older or less common colors, Tcoat offers custom-mixed paint. You can often send them a sample or provide your paint code for a perfectly blended solution.
• Dealer: Your Volvo dealership can also supply OEM touch-up paint. While sometimes pricier, it guarantees an exact match to the factory finish.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint effectively requires a few simple steps for the best results:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly wash and degrease the area to be touched up. Use automotive soap and then a wax and grease remover to ensure optimal adhesion.
2. Apply primer (if needed): For deeper scratches or chips that expose bare metal, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake your touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is fully dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. This also helps blend the touched-up area with the original paint.
5. Buff and polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (this can take several days), you can gently buff and polish the area to further smooth out any imperfections and enhance the shine.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat paints, like the Pearl White offered on your VNL, present a unique challenge for touch-ups due to their multi-layer composition. These paints achieve their depth and iridescent quality through multiple layers of color and pearl particles. For the best match, it's crucial to:

• Use a multi-stage touch-up system: True pearl and tri-coat touch-up kits will include separate base, mid-coat (pearl), and clear coat layers. Each layer contributes to the final color and effect.
• Apply in thin, even coats: This is even more critical for pearl paints. Too much pearl coat can make the touched-up area look darker or lighter than the surrounding paint.
• Feather the edges: When applying the pearl or mid-coat, try to feather the paint slightly beyond the repair area to help blend the pearl effect seamlessly into the original paint. This minimizes abrupt color transitions.
• Test on a discreet area: If possible, test the touch-up paint on a hidden spot or a paint stir stick to get a feel for how the different layers interact and what the final color will look like.

For complex colors like pearls, it's often best to consult with a professional body shop or a specialized paint supplier like AutomotiveTouchup, who can provide precisely formulated kits and advice.

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