2020 Volvo VNL Paint Codes: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2020 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 B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors). This label will contain various vehicle information, including the VIN, gross vehicle weight ratings, and often the paint code. The paint code is usually a three- or four-digit number, sometimes followed by a letter, and may be labeled as "PAINT" or "COLOR" or be found near a bar code.

If you have difficulty locating it, your Volvo VNL owner's manual will have a section detailing the exact location of this information. Alternatively, a Volvo dealership parts department can provide your truck's paint code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2020 Volvo VNL, several reputable sources offer quality paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up pens, paint bottles, and spray cans in a variety of factory-matched colors. You can often find Dupli-Color products at automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed, factory-matched paint for a vast array of vehicles. They can accurately match your VNL's paint code and offer touch-up pens, bottles, spray cans, and even larger quantities for more extensive repairs.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat offers high-quality, custom-mixed paints specifically formulated to match your truck's original finish. They are a great option for hard-to-find colors or for ensuring a precise match.
• Volvo Dealership: Your local Volvo dealership parts department can supply genuine OEM touch-up paint for your VNL. While sometimes a bit more expensive, this guarantees an exact factory match.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking repair 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 it completely. You can also use a wax and grease remover for optimal adhesion.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): If the damage goes down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Shake the touch-up paint thoroughly. Apply thin, even coats to the damaged area. Allow each coat to dry for the recommended time before applying the next. Build up the paint slowly until it's level with the surrounding surface.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish. Again, apply thin, even 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 with a fine-grit rubbing compound to blend the repair seamlessly with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many of the 2020 Volvo VNL colors are metallic, and some vehicles may have pearl or tri-coat finishes. These types of paints can be more challenging to match perfectly due to their multi-layered composition:

• Metallics: Metallic paints contain small metallic flakes that reflect light, creating a shimmering effect. When applying metallic touch-up paint, try to maintain a consistent spray pattern or application to avoid "tiger striping" or blotchiness. Slight variations in application can affect how the metallic flakes lay, leading to a visible difference.
• Pearls and Tri-coats: Pearl paints contain mica particles that create a pearlescent, iridescent effect, often changing color slightly depending on the viewing angle. Tri-coat paints involve three layers: a colored base coat, a mid-coat (often translucent pearl), and a clear coat. For these complex finishes, it's even more crucial to apply thin, even coats and allow proper drying time between each layer. Practicing on a test panel or a hidden area is highly recommended. For significant repairs involving pearl or tri-coat finishes, professional assistance from a body shop is often the best route to ensure an invisible repair.

Always confirm your paint code with your VIN at a Volvo dealership or reputable paint supplier to ensure an exact match. Colors can vary slightly even within the same paint code due to manufacturing variations.

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