Compatible with the following Audis:

Models: All Models
Years: 1988, 1989

To determine if Taupe Metallic is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is LY4Z/Q3.

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Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

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American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find Audi color code

How to Find Your Audi's Color Code

Audi paint color codes are printed on a paper color id tag, often found around the spare tire area; some Audis also have a metal plate on the driver door jamb. The paper tag can fall off and disappear over time, leaving codes unavailable. Codes can include two parts, e.g., LY9H and P1; LY9H often corresponds to Polar White Clearcoat, and P1 can be used for the same white on some models. Older Audi models can be hard to identify by code; custom matching may be required.

More about Audi color codes
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Custom paint for your Audi

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your Audi in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Taupe Metallic that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Taupe Metallic

The Look

This is the peak of 1980s German minimalism. It's a chameleon. In the shade, it's a deep, earthy grey. Under the sun, the metallic flakes wake up, turning it into a warm, bronze-tinted taupe. Audi used this across their lineup, from the boxy 80 to the flagship 200. It's a sophisticated choice that hides road grime better than almost any other color from that era. Some older catalogs even call it Flamingo, but don't let the name fool you-it's pure executive class.

Technical Details

You are dealing with a metallic finish. This means tiny metal particles are suspended in the pigment to catch the light. It is a double-edged sword. If you apply it too heavily in one spot, those particles will bunch up and create dark, muddy patches. The goal is an even distribution. Because this is a vintage metallic, it requires a clear coat to lock in the shine and prevent the metal bits from looking flat.

Best Practices

Pop the trunk and pull up the carpet. You are looking for a paper sticker, usually glued inside the spare tire well, to confirm your match. Before you spray or dab Audi Taupe Metallic (check for code LY4Z/Q3), you must shake the container for two full minutes. The heavy metallic flakes like to settle at the bottom. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade is right. When applying, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes. If you stop moving while the product is flowing, you will get stripes.

Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

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Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

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Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our Audi Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your Audi is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching Audi color code 'LY4Z/Q3' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.