Volkswagen Van Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Volkswagen didn't just make a van; they made a rolling canvas. Over the years, they recorded 46 distinct colors, and they really went for it. Whether your van is rocking the high-energy Brilliant Orange, the quintessential Samos Beige, or the crisp Pastel White, these vehicles were designed to stand out-even if they were mostly painted the colors of a very stylish 1970s kitchen. From deep Marine Blue to the earthy Agate Brown, there's a shade for every adventure.
What to Watch For
First things first: finding your paint code is a bit of a scavenger hunt. On older buses, look for a metal plate behind the front seat or tucked under the dashboard. On later models like the Vanagon or Eurovan, check inside the glovebox or near the fuse box (you might have to pop the cover off to see the sticker).
Because the VW Van has the aerodynamics of a very charming brick, the flat front "nose" is a magnet for rock chips. You'll also notice that older non-metallic colors, like Ivory or Pastel White, tend to get "chalky" over time. Don't worry, that's just the paint showing its age-it's still very fixable in your driveway. Also, keep a close eye on the window seals and door handles, as the paint there likes to show the first signs of wear.
Driveway Repair Tip
When you're using your touch-up brush or pen on that big, flat front panel, remember: gravity is not always your friend. If you put too much paint on the brush, it will want to slide down the "nose" of the van. Instead of one big glob to fill a chip, apply two or three paper-thin layers, waiting about 15 minutes between each. If you're working with one of the metallic shades like Diamond Silver, give your bottle an extra-long shake-at least a full minute-to make sure all those tiny metallic flakes are awake and ready to shine.