Audi RS3 Touch Up Paint (21 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Audi didn't hold back with the RS3, recording a total of 21 distinct colors. While they clearly have a deep, committed relationship with the "50 shades of gray" aesthetic-giving us everything from the flat, tactical look of Nardo Gray to the sophisticated sparkle of Daytona Gray Pearl-they also clearly had a "wild child" phase. If you're rocking Vegas Yellow or Turbo Blue, you aren't just driving; you're making a statement. Whether you have a classic Ibis White or a deep Moonlight Blue Pearl, the finish on these cars is premium, meaning it deserves more than a "close enough" approach.

What to Watch For

Before you start, you need to find your paint code. On an RS3, don't bother looking in the door jam like most cars; Audi likes to hide the goods. Head to the trunk, lift up the floor cover, and look near the spare tire well or the trunk side walls for a white paper sticker. You're looking for a 2-to-4-character code (like LY3J or LS9R).

As for the paint itself, the RS3 is a high-performance machine, which means it spends a lot of time "inhaling" road debris at speed. You'll likely find most of your battle scars on the front hood and the low-slung bumper. Also, keep a close eye on the window trim and side mirrors-some owners have noted the clear coat can be a bit sensitive there, occasionally showing tiny bubbles if neglected.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many RS3 colors are "Pearls" or "Effects" (like Mythos Black Metallic or Glacier White Pearl), your biggest challenge is the "sparkle" settling at the bottom of the bottle. Shake that touch-up pen or bottle for a full two minutes-long after you think you're done, keep shaking. This ensures the metallic flakes are swimming evenly in the paint. When you apply it, don't try to paint a "line." Instead, use the tip of your brush to "dab" a tiny amount into the center of the chip and let it flow outward. It requires a bit of patience, but two thin layers will always look better than one big, gloppy mountain of paint.