Compatible with the following Hondas:

Models: Accord
Years: 1983

To determine if Desert Tan is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is YR54-3.

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

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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 Honda color code

How to Find Your Honda's Color Code

Honda paint codes are usually on the driver-side door jamb label, on a color ID tag that often lists the paint and factory codes. The factory code appears in the lower right corner and is the eleventh digit of the VIN. Paint codes look like NH-583M and may include letters, numbers, and dashes. Example: factory code B pairs with NH583M, corresponding to Vogue Silver Metallic Clearcoat used on some Civics, Delsols, and Preludes between 1996 and 2000.

More about Honda color codes
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Custom paint for your Honda

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 Honda in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Desert Tan 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

Desert Tan

The Look

This color is a time capsule from the early eighties. It is an earthy, honest beige that helped the second-generation Accord define the era of sensible, high-quality Japanese imports. Unlike modern tans that try to look like liquid gold, this shade is humble and utilitarian. It captures a specific moment in automotive history when the goal was to blend into the landscape rather than scream for attention. On your car, it provides a warm, vintage aesthetic that feels much more grounded than the sterile silvers we see today.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearls hidden in the mix. While this makes the application straightforward, it also means the paint has nowhere to hide. Solid colors are susceptible to "chalking" or fading after decades of sun exposure, so the paint on your car today might look slightly lighter than the fresh pigment in your hand. Because there is no metallic shimmer to distract the eye, your focus must be on achieving a flat, level surface. Any ripples or thick spots will be visible once the finish dries.

Best Practices

You will typically find the identification tag on the driver's side door jamb, though you should also check the firewall if it is not immediately visible. Before you spray or dab Honda Desert Tan (check for code YR54-3), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure the heavy pigments at the bottom are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card and hold it up to your car in the sunlight to see how the aging of your original paint affects the match. Whether you are working in your garage or a patch of shade, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes. Respect the recommended drying time between layers to prevent the paint from sagging or trapping moisture, especially if you are working in a humid environment.

Need a different color?

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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 Honda Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your Honda 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 Honda color code 'YR54-3' 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.