SMART car paint 

Manufacturers of automotive paint use colour matching software. Behind this technical term lies a vast database containing thousands of colour formulas. Often, customers wish to order SMART paint without having the relevant German car colour code - in this case, the Smart colour code. Unfortunately, the answer is always the same: it is not possible to look up a Smart paint formula without the corresponding Smart colour code, as there are dozens, even hundreds of references, and sorting by model is not feasible. The same colour may appear on multiple models, across several years.

We therefore encourage Smart owners to check the vehicle's identification plate, where the colour information can usually be found. Unlike other fields of application, in the automotive sector this information is made readily accessible (see the next paragraph on how to locate the code on the vehicle).

If you are unable to find this information, you can consult your local dealership, which will almost certainly be able to provide it. Alternatively, you may refer to online forums dedicated to the SMART brand, where enthusiasts share a wealth of helpful information.

The SMART car colour codes

The bodywork – or rather the fairings – of Smart vehicles are relatively small, making paint application easier, whether with a spray gun or aerosols.

Many owners are eager to try their hand at bodywork paint, and rightly so. With a little daring and, above all, meticulous preparation, it is entirely possible to achieve professional-quality results at home.

This is not an exaggeration: a professional paint booth is not essential. With your Smart colour code, you can order paint online from a professional supplier, who can also offer guidance on the procedure and flag up potential difficulties.

In short, whether using a spray gun and compressor or aerosol cans, the process involves first applying a primer. If the surface is damaged (e.g. scratched), it must be sanded before painting and varnishing.

Smart colour codes generally correspond to opaque or pearlescent paints. These are relatively easy to apply, provided you follow the technical instructions. Dust trapped in the lower coats is not an issue, as each coat can be finely sanded before applying the next.

Finally, the topcoat – the glossy transparent layer that provides both protection and aesthetic finish – may retain dust or small particles. In such cases, a quick polish will perfect the surface appearance.

In the end, you will save a great deal of money simply by purchasing a few cans of paint.

The history of the manufacturer SMART

While the oldest car manufacturers were founded in the late 19th century, SMART is a brand of much more recent origin. It was established in 1994 by the Mercedes group.

Do you know the origin of the name Smart? Although it suggests cleverness, it actually comes from the acronym "Swatch Mercedes ART". The project began as a concept car, one of the first ever to be mass-produced. In 1982, the founder of the Swatch watch brand designed the outline of a mini car, quickly dubbed the Swatchmobile.

Between 1990 and 2020, SMART experienced constant growth and global success.

Today, the brand is owned by a joint venture between Mercedes (Germany) and a Chinese company. Large-scale production in China began in 2019, with the headquarters now located in Ningbo.

Where to find the colour code on your SMART car ?

Refer to the images below to help you locate the colour code.

For SMART vehicles, the colour code plate (VIN plate) can be found in two locations:

- On the passenger-side front door frame

- On the tailgate

The colour code is typically composed of three or four characters (letters and/or numbers). Examples include:

Smart colour code / Smart colour name

9987 SILBER / COOL SILVER
A50 PURE SILVER
C02L TRIDION SILVER

The formatting of Smart colour codes varies and can be difficult to identify at first glance.

The iconic colours of SMART cars

SMART has produced some striking colours, especially on BRABUS models, including a pearlescent orange tri-coat finish.

What is a three-coat paint? It is more complex and less common than standard paint, involving several layers of colour, pearlescent medium or clearcoat, designed to play with light through reflection and transparency.

StardustColours solvent-based paints offer many advantages over new water-based products, which are often prone to ageing, flaking and slow drying.

Once you have your Smart colour code, ordering a made-to-measure paint is quick and simple. The cost of producing custom paint mainly stems from labour. Thus, an aerosol costs nearly the same as half a litre of carefully prepared paint. As there is no room for error in colour matching, the minimum cost is around €30 per item.

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