A Harley’s paint job isn’t just a coat of color. It’s part of the bike’s identity. From timeless Vivid Black to rare CVO schemes, riders take pride in keeping their bikes looking sharp. But sooner or later, every Harley owner faces the same problem: a chip, a scratch, a faded panel, or the urge to repaint.
That’s when you go looking for Harley paint codes. And if you’ve ever tried, you already know, they’re not as straightforward as car paint codes. This guide breaks it down in plain rider talk so you can find the right color, fix your bike, and keep it looking the way it should.
Do Harleys Even Have Paint Codes?
Here’s the deal: Harley doesn’t publish paint codes the way car makers do. You can’t just punch your VIN into a free online tool and get a universal color code.
- Harley paint is identified by name and model year (like Gauntlet Gray Metallic or Billiard Red).
- The actual mixing codes exist, but they’re used internally by Harley and their suppliers (mainly PPG).
- That’s why most riders run into confusion, the fancy color name is easy to find, but the matching formula isn’t printed anywhere handy.
Where to Find Your Harley’s Paint Info
If you need to match your color, here’s where to start:
- On the bike – Check under the seat, under the fuel tank, or inside the fairing. Some bikes have factory stickers or labels with paint info, though not always.
- In the paperwork – Owner’s manuals, spec sheets, or even the original sales invoice sometimes list the factory color name.
- Through your dealer – The most reliable option. Give them your VIN, and they can look up your bike’s build record to confirm the factory color.
- Online charts & PDFs – Plenty of rider forums and reference sites post paint code lists by year. These are handy for older models but always double-check against an official source before ordering paint.
Harley-Davidson 2023 Paint Colors & Codes
When it comes to Harley-Davidson, the color on your tank is more than paint. It’s personality. For 2023 models, Harley offered a mix of classic black and gray shades, bold reds, and some premium metallics for those who like to stand out. Knowing the color name and its corresponding paint code is key whether you’re touching up chips, doing a full repaint, or just showing your pride at the next meet.
Here’s a handy reference for 2023 Harley-Davidson colors:
| Color Name | Paint Code | Finish Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivid Black | DH | Solid | Classic black; a staple across the lineup. |
| Bright Billiard Blue | EXB | Solid | Bold blue with a glossy finish. |
| Billiard Gray | EXU | Solid | Sophisticated gray with a subtle sheen. |
| Redline Red | EUZ | Solid | Deep red with a vibrant tone. |
| Atlas Silver Metallic | EWZ | Metallic | Sleek silver with a reflective quality. |
| Industrial Yellow | EXE | Solid | Bright yellow with a matte finish. |
| Baja Orange | ESS | Solid | Vibrant orange with a bold presence. |
| Midnight Crimson | ESN | Solid | Dark red with a rich, deep hue. |
| Gray Haze | EWX | Metallic | Light gray with a hint of metallic sparkle. |
| Silver Fortune | EFP | Metallic | Light silver with a pearlescent finish. |
| Heirloom Red | EWL | Solid | Rich red with a vintage appeal. |
| Prospect Gold | EXF | Metallic | Warm gold with a metallic sheen. |
| Hi-Fi Magenta | EXS | Solid | Bright magenta with a glossy finish. |
| Hi-Fi Orange | EXP | Solid | Bold orange with a high-gloss finish. |
| Impact Blue | ESH | Solid | Striking blue with a glossy finish. |
| Dark Peace Officer Blue | LO | Solid | Deep blue with a matte finish. |
| Dark Platinum | EWO | Solid | Rich platinum with a matte finish. |
| Gauntlet Gray Metallic | ESH | Metallic | Dark gray with a metallic finish. |
| Midnight Blue Pearl | EWV | Pearl | Deep blue with a pearlescent finish. |
| Luxury Blue Pearl | EWL | Pearl | Elegant blue with a pearlescent finish. |
| Arctic White | GY | Solid | Crisp white with a clean finish. |
| Birch White | AV | Solid | Soft white with a subtle sheen. |
| Black Denim | BYM | Denim | Matte black with a denim-like texture. |
| Charcoal Metallic | DYG | Metallic | Dark charcoal with a metallic finish. |
| Concord Purple | QH | Solid | Deep purple with a glossy finish. |
| Camo Tan | DAY | Solid | Military-inspired tan with a matte finish. |
| Firefighter Red | BRK | Solid | Bright red with a high-gloss finish. |
| Burgundy | BC | Solid | Deep red with a rich, glossy finish. |
OEM Paint vs. Aftermarket
Harley doesn’t manufacture paint themselves, they partner with PPG Industries. Official touch-up products you buy through a dealership (pens, bottles, spray cans) are based on PPG formulas.
If your bike’s color is discontinued or hard to find, you’ve got solid aftermarket options:
- ColorRite – Probably the most trusted for Harley factory color matches, even older ones.
- TouchUpDirect – Offers full kits with primer, base, and clear, designed for DIY repairs.
- House of Kolor / custom brands – Popular with custom painters, but not OEM Harley. Great if you’re going for a totally new look.
For bigger paint jobs, shops often use PPG cross-reference codes so they can mix Harley colors using standard automotive paint systems.
Types of Paint Work Riders Deal With
- Touch-ups – Fixing small rock chips or scratches with pens or bottles.
- Part replacement – Matching a new fender, saddlebag, or tank to the existing paint.
- Full repaints / restorations – Bringing an older bike back to factory look.
- Custom jobs – Anything from two-tone fades to full-on show bikes with airbrushed artwork.
What It Costs
Paint work can range from pocket change to full-on investment:
- Touch-up kits: $20–$60
- Basic single-color respray: $500–$1,500
- Two-tone or premium finishes: $1,500–$3,000
- Custom graphics or airbrushing: $3,000–$10,000+
- Show-quality builds (full strip, multiple layers, custom art): $15,000+
Tips for Getting the Match Right
- Always confirm year + color name before ordering paint.
- Pay attention to the finish (gloss, matte, denim, pearl, etc.).
- On older bikes, check hidden spots (under side covers, under the seat) for the truest original shade, sun fade changes everything.
- For touch-ups: prep matters. Clean, degrease, sand lightly if needed, use thin coats, then clear coat and polish once cured.
- For full paint jobs: ask the painter to spray a sample card before they hit your tank and fenders.
Keeping Harley Paint Looking Fresh
Once you’ve touched it up or laid down new paint, protect it:
- Wash with mild automotive soap (avoid dish soap and harsh cleaners).
- Matte/denim finishes need special pH-balanced cleaners, no wax.
- Glossy finishes look best with regular wax or ceramic coating.
- Keep it covered and out of direct sunlight when parked.
The Bottom Line
Harley doesn’t make paint matching easy, but it’s not impossible either. Riders just need to know the system:
- VIN + dealer = best way to confirm original color.
- ColorRite or TouchUpDirect = go-to touch-up suppliers.
- PPG cross-references = for body shops and full repaints.
Whether you’re fixing a chip or building a custom dream bike, having the right paint info keeps your Harley looking like it should, sharp, original, and ready to ride.