Volkswagen Phaeton Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
When Volkswagen built the Phaeton, they weren't just making a car; they were making a statement. That's why we have a staggering 33 colors recorded, ranging from the classically stoic Tarantella Schwarz Perleffekt to the "did they really just call it that?" Nocturne Aubergine. They truly went for it with the finishes, offering high-concept options like Papillon Silver Heliochrome and Waterworld Pearl. It's a palette that says, "I have arrived, and I would like the valet to be very, very careful."
What to Watch For
The Phaeton is a masterpiece of engineering, but it's mostly made of aluminum. This is great for weight, but it means the paint doesn't "rust" in the traditional sense. Instead, keep a close eye on the areas around the door handles and the lower trim. If you see tiny bubbles under the surface, that's the aluminum reacting-it's a common quirk, but one you can catch early with a quick touch-up. To find your specific shade, skip the door jambs; you'll find the build sticker tucked away in the spare tire well (usually in the right rear corner) or on the inside cover of your owner's manual. Look for a four-digit code like "LA7W."
Driveway Repair Tip
Since so many Phaeton colors are "Perleffekt" (Pearl) or "Heliochrome," those tiny bottles are packed with specialized metallic flakes that love to settle at the bottom. Shake your touch-up bottle for a full 60 seconds-longer than you think you need-to wake up those sparkles. When applying, remember that this isn't a "one and done" situation. Use the tip of your brush to place a tiny dot of paint in the center of the chip and let it spread itself out. Two or three thin "whisker-light" layers will always look better than one thick blob that stands out like a sore thumb. Patience is your best friend here!