Volvo S40/V40 Touch Up Paint (31 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Volvo didn't just play it safe with "Swedish Steel Gray." Across the S40 and V40 production runs, they recorded a total of 31 colors, and they really went for it with the naming. Whether you're driving a car in Sydney Bay Pearl Metallic (which sounds like a vacation I can't afford) or the vibrant Panama Yellow, these cars have personality. From the earthy Terra Gray Metallic to the deep Virtual Blue Pearl, Volvo provided a palette that ranges from "stealthy executive" to "I definitely found this car in the IKEA parking lot."

What to Watch For

Before you get started, you need to find your paint code, which on an S40 or V40 can feel like a bit of a scavenger hunt. Check the driver's side strut tower under the hood first; if it's not there, peek at the center of the firewall or the driver's side door pillar. You're looking for a three-digit number (like 412 or 612).

In terms of reality checks: keep a close eye on your front bumper and the leading edge of the roof. These models are known for "crinkling" or clear coat peeling on the plastic bumpers, especially in Passion Red or the darker metallic blues. If you see a small chip on the hood, jump on it quickly-Volvo's factory finish is high-quality, but once the seal is broken, the elements love to sneak in.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many of these S40/V40 colors are Pearls or Metallics, your biggest challenge isn't the color-it's the "sparkle." When you get your touch-up bottle or pen, shake it for at least 60 full seconds. Those tiny metallic flakes like to settle at the bottom, and if you don't wake them up, your repair will look too dark.

When filling a chip, don't try to "paint" it like a wall. Instead, use the tip of your brush or pen to drop a tiny bead of paint into the center of the chip and let it flow out to the edges. If you're working with Passion Red and it looks a little bright, don't panic; it requires patience to let the paint dry and settle into its final shade.