When it comes to choosing the perfect black paint color for a vehicle, home decor project, or any other application, midnight black is a popular choice. Midnight black paint has a deep, rich darkness that really makes items pop. However, like most paint colors, midnight black can vary between brands and types of paint. Each manufacturer uses their own specific paint code to identify the midnight black in their product line. Knowing the specific paint code is important when you need to purchase more paint for touch-ups or future projects. This article will provide an overview of midnight black paint codes from some of the top paint brands.
What is a Paint Code?
A paint code refers to a specific formula for mixing paint to achieve a certain color. It is a series of letters and numbers that allow paint manufacturers and stores to identify each color accurately and consistently. The code serves as a way to communicate exactly which pigments and in what ratios a particular color contains. This helps ensure the right shade is reproduced every time.
For example, a midnight black paint code might be something like 21-43-8. This hypothetical code would provide the recipe for that brand’s midnight black – telling the store or personnel at the paint counter how much of each of the basic pigments to put into the base paint to make that exact color.
Paint codes are important because colors can look different under various lighting conditions and on different material surfaces. The code takes the guesswork out of color matching and helps guarantee the same shade is achieved across production runs and touch-ups. When dealing with specialty colors like midnight black, having the precise code is key.
Midnight Black Paint Codes by Brand
The specific midnight black paint code can vary depending on the brand or type of paint. Here are some of the most common midnight black paint codes from leading manufacturers:
Automotive Paint
| Brand | Paint Code |
| BMW | A1268 |
| Ford | UX |
| GM/Chevrolet | 41/WA8555 |
| Honda | NH-538P |
| Toyota | 203 |
In automotive applications, midnight black is hugely popular for its sleek, sophisticated look. Each major manufacturer has their own specific midnight black offering. Codes are essential for auto body work and paint jobs to precisely color match the original paint.
Home Paint Brands
| Brand | Paint Code |
| Behr | S-H-540 |
| Benjamin Moore | 212 |
| Glidden | 50YY 28/073 |
| Sherwin-Williams | SW 6991 |
| Valspar | 4007-10 |
For interior and exterior house paints, midnight black is a classic, versatile shade. Whether going for an edgy, modern vibe or a sophisticated elegance, quality home paint brands offer their own take on rich, deep midnight black.
Specialty/Industrial Paint
| Brand | Paint Code |
| Rustoleum | Up to 21 different codes |
| Krylon | B25504 |
| Montana Cans | 946 Black |
| Dupli-Color | BBNZ0287 |
For specialty applications like automotive touch up paint, industrial equipment, or spray paints for metal and wood projects, midnight black is available in paints designed for those specific uses. The codes allow for mixing consistency across large product lines.
Finding the Midnight Black Paint Code
If you have a can of paint or know the existing paint brand used, check the label for the color name and paint code. The code is typically printed near the color name or description. Paint codes may also be specified on tech sheets or spec lists for auto paint jobs.
If you need to determine the paint code, check:
– Existing paint can label
– Vehicle door jamb sticker
– Website of the paint manufacturer
– Paint store reference materials
Many brands market midnight black paint in multiple finishes – flat, gloss, metallic, etc. So be sure to identify the exact product line and finish needed when referencing paint codes.
When purchasing paint for touch-ups, having the precise paint code helps guarantee an accurate color match. Provide the code to the paint store personnel so they mix the midnight black to the correct formula.
Mixing Custom Midnight Black
For do-it-yourselfers, midnight black paint can be custom mixed using artist quality pigments. Here is one recipe for mixing a deep true midnight black:
– 4 parts Ivory Black pigment
– 1 part Mars Black pigment
– 1 part Carbon Black pigment
Ivory black provides depth and intensity. Mars black adds a neutral warmth. Carbon black brings richness. Combining these artist paint pigments allows you to create a custom midnight black paint for projects and crafts. Adjust ratios slightly to tune the shade.
Conclusion
When working with midnight black paint, be sure to find the specific paint code from the manufacturer or reference materials. Paint codes allow you to accurately match the color across production runs, touch-ups, and repairs. With so many brands of automotive paints, home paints, and specialty/industrial paints offering their own midnight black, the precise paint code acts as the fingerprint to identify the right formula. For custom mixing, combine ivory black, mars black, and carbon black artist paint pigments. Referencing paint codes helps guarantee painting success when using midnight black.
