Colour codes
Where to find your Volkswagen paint colour code
Volkswagen puts its paint code on the vehicle data sticker in the boot, not the door jamb. Here's where to look, how to read it, and what to do if the sticker's gone.
FT Paints
· 3 min read
Where to look on your Volkswagen
As part of the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen uses the same vehicle data sticker as Audi and doesn't put the paint code on the door jamb. There are three places to check:
- Spare wheel well. Lift the boot floor cover, take out any mats or foam trays, and check the metal floor and walls around the spare wheel. This is the first place to check.
- Boot side panels. On some models the sticker sits behind an interior access panel near the rear lights instead.
- Service book. A duplicate of the data sticker is usually stuck on the first page of the original service booklet, often kept in the glove box.
How to read the sticker
The data sticker is covered in three-character option codes (PR codes), which is where most people get stuck. Ignore those. The paint code sits on the line labelled PAINT NO./INTERIOR (Lacknr./Innenausst. in German), just above the option codes. You'll often see it twice (the body and roof colours), followed by the interior trim code.
Volkswagen paint codes are usually four characters starting with L, for example LC9X (Deep Black) or LB9A (Candy White). The leading L just stands for Lack (German for paint), so LC9X and C9X are the same colour.
Popular Volkswagen colours
A few of the codes we mix most often for Volkswagen. Tap one to see the finish and order it mixed to code.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Can't find the sticker?
If the sticker's been removed, painted over or peeled off with the boot carpet, you've got two options:
- Look it up online. TPS, a Volkswagen Group approved parts supplier, can find your Volkswagen's colour code from the registration number or VIN.
- Ask a dealer. Call your local Volkswagen dealership, ask for the Parts department, and give them your registration or VIN.
Still stuck, or not sure the code matches a resprayed panel? Bring the fuel flap or a small part into a branch and we'll match it on the counter.
What you’ll need
Once you have the code, the finish tells you what to order. Volkswagen colours fall into these groups:
Single-stage
Solid colours
One paint. It dries to a gloss finish, so no lacquer is needed.
959 Volkswagen colours
Two-stage
Metallic, pearl and most modern colours
Basecoat, then clear lacquer over the top. Matt colours need a matt lacquer instead.
1190 Volkswagen colours
Three-stage
Pearl tri-coat colours
Basecoat, a pearl mid-coat, then clear lacquer. Order both paints together so they match.
11 Volkswagen colours
Which size?
Touch-up 50ml
Chips & scratches
Aerosol 400ml
Bumper or panel touch-in
500ml
1–2 panels
1L
2–3 panels
2.5L
Most full resprays
Each colour’s page shows its finish and the sizes it comes in. For two- and three-stage colours, finish with our clear lacquer or the clear lacquer aerosol.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the paint code on a Volkswagen?
- On the white vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, under the boot floor. On some models it's behind a boot side panel instead, and there's usually a copy in the front of the service book.
- What does a Volkswagen paint code look like?
- Usually four characters starting with L, such as LC9X (Deep Black) or LA7W (Reflex Silver). The L is optional, so LC9X and C9X are the same colour.
- Can I find my Volkswagen paint code from the registration number?
- Yes. TPS, a Volkswagen Group approved supplier, has a free lookup by registration or VIN, or a Volkswagen dealer's Parts department can look it up for you.
Part of the Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen shares paint colours with the other Volkswagen Group brands, but each lists them under its own codes. Search the brand your car is badged as.
