Compatible with the following Mercedes-Benzs:

Models: C Class, CL Class, E Class, S Class, SL Class, C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, M Class, S-Class, SL-Class, G-Class, CLK Class, CLS-Class, M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class
Years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014

To determine if Desert Silver Metallic is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 693/1693.

Color Match Guarantee

Color Match Guarantee

We guarantee a perfect match, or we'll replace your paint for free!

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

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

American-Owned Family Business

American-Owned Family Business

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

Where to find Mercedes-Benz color code

How to Find Your Mercedes-Benz's Color Code

Mercedes-Benz used to place paint color codes in various locations. Recent models have the code on the driver's door jamb. On older models the code can be hard to find; location and format vary by year or model and may require searching multiple tags. Most codes are three-digit and numeric only. On the color ID tag, the code appears as the fourth group of numbers at the top. Example: 373 corresponds to Atlantic Blue; names typically stay consistent across models.

More about Mercedes-Benz color codes
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Custom paint for your Mercedes-Benz

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 Mercedes-Benz in the comfort of your own home.

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

Desert Silver Metallic

The Look

Desert Silver is a chameleon that defined Mercedes-Benz luxury for a generation. While standard silvers feel cold or industrial, this finish leans into warm champagne and beige undertones. It gave the S Class and E Class a soft, executive presence that pure silver cannot replicate. It was the choice for drivers who wanted elegance without the high maintenance of a black car. This color masks road grime and dust better than almost any other in the catalog. Since your car has been on the road for years, the original finish has shifted from its factory tone, so thin layers are essential for a match.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish. It relies on microscopic flakes to catch the light. Metallics are sensitive to your technique. If you apply too much paint in one spot, the flakes clump together. This creates dark, muddy patches that ruin the shimmer. Before you spray or dab Mercedes-Benz Desert Silver Metallic (check for code 693/1693), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This mixing keeps the flakes suspended so they distribute across the surface rather than sinking to the bottom of the container.

Best Practices

Look for your paint code on the driver's side door jamb or on the radiator support bar under the hood. Work in the shade or a cool garage. Test the color on the included card first to get a feel for the flow and how the metallic particles settle. When you move to the car, keep the container moving across the repair area in light, overlapping passes. This prevents pooling. Give each layer plenty of drying time before you add more paint to ensure the flakes stay in place.

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 Mercedes-Benz Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Yes. If your Mercedes-Benz's color code is '693/1693', your paint is custom-mixed to factory specs and backed by our Color Match Guarantee. If the paint does not match your Mercedes-Benz, we will send you a replacement or refund.

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.