Tesla Model S Touch Up Paint: Paint Codes, Costs, and Scratch Repair

Small scratches and paint chips are common on a daily-driven Tesla Model S, especially on the front bumper, hood, and doors. For minor paint damage, touch-up paint can be a practical way to cover the damaged area without repainting an entire panel. The key is choosing the correct paint code and using a repair method that matches the size and depth of the damage.

Can You Use Touch-Up Paint on a Tesla Model S?

Yes. Tesla Model S touch-up paint can be used for many small paint chips, scratches, and spots where the painted surface has been damaged.

Touch-up paint is most useful when the damaged area is small and localized. Common examples include:

• Rock chips on the front bumper or hood

• Small scratches on a door or fender

• Small areas where the top paint layer has been removed

• Minor paint damage from everyday driving or parking

Touch-up paint is not a replacement for professional body repair in every situation. A large scratch, serious damage, exposed metal, a dent, or damage covering a large part of a panel may require more extensive repair.

Before buying paint, look closely at the damage. If you can see a deep groove, bare metal, or a dent underneath the paint damage, a simple touch-up may not provide the finish you want.

How to Find the Right Tesla Model S Paint Code

The first step when choosing Tesla Model S touch-up paint is to find your vehicle's paint code. The paint code is more reliable than choosing a color based only on its name or appearance, especially when several shades may look similar under different lighting.

For Model S vehicles, the paint code can be found in Car Details. It may also appear on a label attached to the vehicle. Tesla's service documentation provides the corresponding paint codes and color information for different Model S production periods.

For example, PMNG is listed for Gray, Midnight Silver Metallic, and Steel Gray on Model S vehicles from 2014 onward. Other examples include PPSW for Pearl White Multi-Coat and PBSB for Solid Black/Base Black.

Before ordering touch-up paint:

1. Check your Model S vehicle information.

2. Find the paint code.

3. Match the code with the paint product.

4. Make sure the product is intended for the vehicle's body paint.

5. Use the paint code rather than color appearance alone when both are available.

Using the paint code gives you a more precise starting point for choosing a touch-up paint color and can help avoid buying a shade that only looks similar to the original paint.

Tesla Model S Paint Codes and Colors

Model S paint colors and codes vary by production period. The table below covers common Model S body paint codes and is intended as a quick reference rather than a complete list of every color offered over the years.

The available paint colors depend on the Model S production period. If you are matching touch-up paint to your vehicle, check the paint code shown in your Model S Car Details or on a vehicle label before choosing a color. Tesla's service information lists paint codes for different Model S production periods. 

What Is Midnight Silver Metallic on the Tesla Model S?

Midnight Silver Metallic is one of the Model S colors that can create confusion when searching for touch-up paint because it may appear under more than one name.

Tesla's Service Manual lists PMNG as Gray, Midnight Silver Metallic, or Steel Gray for Model S vehicles from 2014 onward.

If your Model S uses PMNG, look for touch-up paint matched to PMNG rather than choosing a silver or gray paint based only on appearance.

For a small body scratch or chip, a PMNG-matched paint pen can be a convenient option. The Model S-specific car body touch-up paint is offered in PMNG along with several other Model S paint codes.

How Much Does Tesla Model S Touch-Up Paint Cost?

Tesla Model S touch-up paint can cost anywhere from about $16.99 to $39.99, depending on the paint type, application method, and size of the repair. For example, a basic touch-up paint pen or small paint product is usually less expensive, while a larger repair kit or electric sprayer kit costs more. T-Launch currently offers several Tesla touch-up paint options in this price range, including Model S-specific products and multi-model options.

The right price also depends on the type of damage you need to repair. A small rock chip may only need a simple paint pen, while several chips or a larger damaged area may be easier to handle with a repair kit. For body scratches and chips, T-Launch's current options range from $19.99 for a Model S-specific car body touch-up paint to $39.99 for an electric sprayer repair kit. Other paint pen and repair kit options are available at $29.99, giving you several choices based on the size and type of repair.

For comparison, Tesla's current Paint Repair Kit is listed at $75 and includes paint, blending solution, applicators, and other tools. Tesla also recommends using a touch-up pen for minor chips and scratches, while larger body repairs may require a repair facility.

This means you do not necessarily need the most expensive option for a small Model S paint chip. If you only need to cover a few small chips or scratches, a lower-cost paint pen may be enough. If you have several chips or want more tools for the repair process, a larger kit may make more sense. The most important steps are to match the paint code and choose a product designed for the damaged surface.

Read More: Tesla Scratch Repair Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratch?

Tesla Model S Touch Up Paint Kit vs. Paint Pen

A paint pen and a touch-up paint kit can serve different needs.

When to Use a Touch-Up Paint Pen

A paint pen is useful when the damage is small, and you want to apply paint precisely to a chip or narrow scratch.

It can make sense for:

• Small rock chips

• Small scratches

• A few isolated paint spots

• Quick spot repairs

For example, the Model 3/Y/S/X Color Paint Repair Pen includes several Model S paint codes, including PMNG, PPSW, PBSB, PPSB, PPMR, PR01, and PN01.

When to Use a Touch-Up Paint Kit

A kit may make more sense when you need additional tools or when you have several areas to repair.

A kit can include items such as:

• Touch-up paint

• Applicator

• Cleaning materials

• Sandpaper or preparation tools

A kit is not automatically better for every repair. If you only have one or two small chips, a simple paint pen may be enough.

How to Repair a Small Scratch on a Tesla Model S

Before applying touch-up paint, clean the damaged area and check how deep the scratch is. For small chips and shallow scratches, a touch-up pen can be a practical option.

Watch the video below to see how to repair scratches on a Tesla.

Step 1: Clean the Damaged Area

Remove dirt, dust, wax, and other contaminants from the area.

The surface should be clean and dry before applying paint. Avoid applying touch-up paint over dirt or wax because it can affect adhesion and the final appearance.

Step 2: Check the Scratch Depth

Look closely at the scratch.

If it is a shallow scratch or small paint chip, touch-up paint may be suitable. If the damage is serious or exposes the underlying material, a more extensive repair may be needed.

Step 3: Apply a Small Amount of Touch-Up Paint

Apply the paint carefully to the damaged area.

It is usually better to build up a small repair gradually than to apply a thick layer at once. Follow the instructions supplied with the specific paint product, since application methods can vary.

Step 4: Let the Paint Dry

Allow the paint to dry according to the product instructions.

Do not rush to touch or polish the repair before it has had enough time to set.

Step 5: Apply Clear Coat if the Product Requires It

Some automotive paint systems use a color coat followed by a clear coat. Whether you need a separate clear coat depends on the specific touch-up product and repair process.

Always follow the instructions for the paint you are using rather than mixing application methods from different products.

What Should You Do If Your Tesla Model S Has a Deep Scratch?

Touch-up paint is mainly intended for small areas of paint damage. A deep scratch needs more careful inspection.

Consider professional repair if:

• The scratch reaches through the paint layers.

• Bare metal is visible.

• The panel is dented.

• The damaged area is large.

• The repair would require extensive sanding or blending.

Trying to cover a deep or large repair with a small paint pen can leave a visible raised area or color difference. For larger damage, professional body repair may provide a more consistent finish. Tesla's Model S repair guidance also recommends escalating higher-risk paint defects to a body shop.

If the damage is limited to a small chip or shallow scratch, touch-up paint may still be a practical option. Start by checking the paint code, then choose a matching touch-up paint and an application method that fits the size of the damaged area. For deeper scratches, exposed metal, dents, or larger areas of damage, a professional repair may be a better fit.