Ever noticed a small scratch on your Honda and wondered how to match that exact color? You’re not staring at just any red, blue, or black—Honda uses specific paint formulations with unique codes to identify them. Finding your Honda paint code is the crucial first step to a successful touch-up that actually blends with your vehicle’s finish.
I’ll walk you through exactly where to locate your Honda paint code, what those mysterious letters and numbers mean, and how to use this information to get the perfect match for your vehicle. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look and what you’re looking at.
Where Are Honda Paint Codes Located?
Honda consistently places paint codes in specific locations across most of their vehicles. The primary location is quick and easy to check.
Driver’s Side Door Jamb: The Main Location
The most common place to find your Honda paint code is on the driver’s side door jamb. Here’s how to locate it:
- Open your driver’s side door
- Look for a white, silver, or black rectangular sticker on the door jamb
- The paint code typically appears directly beneath the barcode in the center portion of the sticker
- It will show as a combination of letters, numbers, and dashes (like NH-731P)
On newer Honda models (2016 and later), you’ll often find the code near the bottom of this identification sticker, clearly separated from other vehicle data.
Alternative Locations to Check
If you can’t find the paint code on the driver’s door jamb, check these alternative spots:
- Engine Bay Firewall: Particularly common on older Honda models and specific vehicles like the Accord, Jazz, CR-V, FR-V, S2000, and Stream, the paint code may be on a sticker located on the firewall in the engine compartment.
- Under the Hood: Some Honda models have the paint information on a label attached to the underside of the hood.
- Glove Compartment: A few models may have the information inside the glove box on a manufacturer’s label.
- For Honda Motorcycles: Paint codes are typically located under the seat area or on the rear fender near the license plate mounting area.
How to Read Honda Paint Codes
Honda’s paint code system might look confusing at first glance, but it follows a logical pattern that tells you exactly what type of paint you’re dealing with.
Understanding the Code Structure
Honda paint codes follow this basic pattern: PREFIX-NUMBER+SUFFIX±FACTORY CODE
Let’s break down a common example: NH-731P
- NH: The prefix indicating a Neutral Hue category (whites, blacks, grays, silvers)
- 731: Honda’s internal color number
- P: The suffix indicating a Pearl finish
- This code represents Crystal Black Pearl, a popular Honda color
Prefix Categories and Their Meanings
The letters at the beginning of your paint code tell you the color family:
| Prefix | Color Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| NH | Neutral Hue (whites, blacks, grays, silvers) | NH-731P (Crystal Black Pearl), NH-883P (Platinum White Pearl) |
| R | Red (sport-oriented colors) | R-568P (Performance Red Pearl), R-8 (Bright Red) |
| B | Blue | B-588P (Obsidian Blue Pearl) |
| YR | Yellow-Red (oranges and browns) | YR-585M (Orange Fury Metallic) |
| G | Green | G-501M (Fern Green Metallic) |
| PB | Pure Blue | PB-324C (Candy Xenon Blue) |
Suffix Letters and What They Mean
The letter after the number tells you what type of paint finish you’re dealing with:
| Suffix | Finish Type | Application Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| P | Pearl (3-stage: base coat, pearl coat, clear coat) | High – requires precise application |
| M | Metallic (2-stage: base coat with metallic particles, clear coat) | Medium |
| C | Candy (translucent color over metallic base) | High – specialized equipment needed |
| No suffix | Solid color (simpler application) | Low – most DIY-friendly |
Using Your VIN for Paint Code Verification
Sometimes the paint code sticker might be damaged or hard to read. In these cases, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can help.
The 11th digit of your Honda’s VIN corresponds to the factory variation identifier in your paint code. This is especially important for exact color matching, as slight variations can exist between manufacturing facilities.
For example, a base paint code NH-583M (Vogue Silver Metallic) might appear as NH-583M-B when manufactured at factory B. This system ensures you get the exact shade variation that matches your specific vehicle.
Common Honda Paint Code Examples
Here are some of the most common Honda paint codes you might encounter:
- NH-731P: Crystal Black Pearl (used on Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Pilot models from 2009-present)
- NH-883P: Platinum White Pearl (popular on newer Honda models)
- NH-578: Taffeta White (a common solid white)
- R-568P: Performance Red Pearl (used on Type R models)
- B-588P: Obsidian Blue Pearl
- NH-932M: Modern Steel Metallic (popular gray shade on recent models)
Digital Resources for Honda Paint Code Verification
If you’re still having trouble locating or reading your paint code, several digital resources can help:
- Online Databases: Many automotive paint suppliers maintain searchable databases allowing verification through VIN lookup services
- Honda Dealerships: Dealerships can access proprietary paint code databases to resolve ambiguous codes through VIN analysis
- Paint Mixing Systems: Professional shops use computerized systems that incorporate Honda’s factory specifications
Purchasing the Right Paint Based on Your Code
Once you’ve identified your Honda paint code, you have several options for purchasing matching paint:
- Honda Dealership: Get OEM touch-up paint directly from your dealer by providing your paint code
- Automotive Paint Stores: Specialty shops can mix exact matches using your code
- Online Retailers: Many websites allow you to order touch-up paint by entering your specific Honda paint code
- Auto Parts Stores: Some carry pre-mixed touch-up paint for common Honda colors
Application Tips Based on Your Paint Type
The suffix in your Honda paint code also tells you how complex the application process will be:
For Solid Colors (No Suffix)
- Easiest to apply with touch-up pens or bottles
- Often single-stage application
- Good for DIY touch-ups
For Metallic Finishes (M Suffix)
- Requires two-stage application (base coat + clear coat)
- Shake thoroughly to distribute metallic particles evenly
- Apply in thin, even layers
For Pearl Finishes (P Suffix)
- Most challenging to match perfectly
- Three-stage application process
- Pearl effects require proper application techniques for good results
- Consider professional help for larger repairs
Special Considerations for Specific Honda Models
Different Honda models may have unique paint code challenges:
- Civic Type R Models: Often use specialized colors like Championship White (NH-0) or Phoenix Yellow (Y-56) that require specific application methods
- Older Honda Models (pre-1990s): May use simplified coding systems different from current standards
- Limited Edition Models: May feature unique colors with specialized application requirements
- Honda Motorcycles: Use the same basic coding system but may have model-specific variations
How Factory Variations Affect Color Matching
The factory code portion of your Honda paint code is crucial for perfect matching. Even with the same base code, colors can vary slightly between manufacturing facilities.
For example, Crystal Black Pearl (NH-731P) might have subtle differences depending on where and when it was produced. These differences become most noticeable in direct sunlight, particularly with pearl and metallic finishes.
When ordering touch-up paint, providing both the base paint code and factory variation (when available) will give you the best chance at a perfect match.
The History of Honda’s Paint Code System
Honda’s paint code system has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1973. Early Honda models used simpler numbering systems, but as paint technology advanced—particularly with the introduction of pearl and candy finishes in the 1990s—the coding system became more sophisticated.
Modern Honda colors like NH-731P (Crystal Black Pearl) demonstrate their current approach, with codes that appear across multiple model lines to maintain brand consistency while maximizing manufacturing efficiency.
Paint Technology Advancements in Recent Honda Models
Recent additions to Honda’s color palette showcase their commitment to innovative finishes:
- Environmentally-conscious colors like G-555P (Sage Green Pearl)
- Sophisticated metallics such as NH-932M (Modern Steel Metallic)
- High-impact pearlescent finishes that change appearance under different lighting conditions
These advanced paint technologies make proper code identification even more important for successful repairs and touch-ups.
Making the Most of Your Honda Paint Code
Now that you know where to find your Honda paint code and what it means, you’re ready to tackle that touch-up job with confidence. Remember these key points:
- Check the driver’s door jamb first for your paint code
- Understand what the prefix and suffix letters mean
- Consider the complexity of your specific paint type before attempting DIY repairs
- For perfect matching, note both the base code and any factory variations
- When in doubt about complex pearl or candy finishes, consult a professional
With the right paint code information, you’ll be able to keep your Honda looking its best for years to come.
