2025 Volvo VNL Paint Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

On the 2025 Volvo VNL, finding your paint code 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 plate usually located on the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) or the edge of the door itself. The label should contain various vehicle information, including a section dedicated to paint or color codes. The paint code is often a sequence of numbers, sometimes followed by a letter. It might be labeled as "PAINT," "COLOR," or "EXT CLR."

If you can't locate it there, check the owner's manual, or consult with a Volvo dealership parts department. Providing your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) will allow them to accurately retrieve all the specific color information for your truck.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to keeping your 2025 Volvo VNL looking its best, having the right touch-up paint is crucial. Here are some of the most reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand, Dupli-Color offers a variety of touch-up paint products, including pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans. They can be found at most automotive parts stores.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint for an exact match. You can order directly from their website, providing your Volvo's paint code for a precise formulation. They offer pens, bottles, spray cans, and larger quantities for more extensive repairs.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Similar to AutomotiveTouchup, Tcoat offers high-quality custom-mixed paints, ensuring a perfect match to your VNL's factory finish. They are known for their precision and range of application options.
• Volvo Dealership: For the most guaranteed factory match, your authorized Volvo dealership can provide genuine touch-up paint. This is often the most expensive option but ensures you're getting the exact formulation used by the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly can make a significant difference in the final appearance of your repair. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be touched up with soap and water, then degreaser or rubbing alcohol. Ensure it's completely dry and free of any wax or contaminants.
2. Prime (if necessary): For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of your chosen 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.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint and provides a glossy finish. Again, apply thin layers and allow adequate drying time between coats.
5. Cure & Polish (optional): After the clear coat has fully cured (this can take several days), you can gently wet-sand and polish the area for a seamless blend, though this step requires more advanced technique.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Some of the 2025 Volvo VNL colors, such as Ruby Red Pearl, are pearl finishes. These paints contain mica or ceramic particles that create a multi-dimensional, shimmering effect. Tri-coat paints involve three distinct layers (primer, color, and translucent mid-coat for depth) to achieve their unique look. *While the 2025 VNL doesn't list any specific tri-coats, it's important to be aware of them for future reference.*

When touching up pearl or multi-stage paints, achieving a perfect match can be more challenging due to the way light interacts with the various layers. For these types of finishes, it's even more critical to:

• Shake well: Ensure all metallic or pearl particles are evenly dispersed throughout the paint.
• Apply thin, even coats: This is crucial for controlling the depth and shimmer effect.
• Feather the edges: Blend the new paint seamlessly into the surrounding area to avoid harsh lines.
• Test first: If possible, test the paint on an inconspicuous area or a scrap piece of metal to see how it dries and matches.

If you're dealing with a pearl or metallic finish and are unsure, or if the damage is extensive, it's always best to consult with a professional body shop for the best results.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.