Color Specifications For Automotive Companies

Color Specifications For Automotive Companies

by | Aug 17, 2026 | General, High Volume Finishing, Metal Finishing Specialists, OEM Parts | 0 comments

Automotive color specifications define the exact appearance an OEM expects from a finished component. Master Finish Company can deliver satin matte chrome finishes using satin nickel plating technology for published color requirements from Chrysler/FCA, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

What automotive color specifications can Master Finish meet?

According to the Master Finish specifications page, the company can deliver the following automotive color codes:

Automotive companyPublished color specifications
Chrysler/FCAECL, SZL, SZN, SZ0, SZS, SZ6, SZ7
Ford Motor CompanySM300H, SM322, SM322B, SM911, SM953, SM1421, SM5077, SM1522
General MotorsF90R Galvanno Silver, F63P Matte Glossy, Z80 / Z150, ILIOS, 436 Umbral
HondaNH772X
Mercedes-BenzSilver Shadow
VolkswagenVCR 3Q7

These codes help purchasing teams, engineers, designers, and quality professionals identify the required finish when discussing a component-plating program with Master Finish. Always include the applicable drawing, specification revision, approved sample, substrate, performance requirements, and annual volume when requesting a quote.

Chrysler/FCA color specifications

Master Finish lists seven color requirements for Chrysler/FCA: ECL, SZL, SZN, SZ0, SZS, SZ6, and SZ7. If your program references one of these codes, provide the code and the current supporting documentation so the finish can be reviewed against the complete part requirements.

Ford Motor Company color specifications

For Ford Motor Company, Master Finish lists SM300H, SM322, SM322B, SM911, SM953, SM1421, SM5077, and SM1522. Because similar code names can represent distinct appearance targets, the full specification and current revision should accompany the part print and request for quotation.

General Motors color specifications

Master Finish lists five General Motors color requirements: F90R Galvanno Silver, F63P Matte Glossy, Z80 / Z150, ILIOS, and 436 Umbral. Supplying the exact GM designation helps the finishing team evaluate the intended color and appearance alongside the component’s substrate and performance criteria.

Honda color specification

The published color code for Honda is NH772X. Include NH772X in your project documentation, along with the latest controlled specification and any approved visual standard.

Mercedes-Benz color specification

Master Finish identifies Silver Shadow as its listed color requirement for Mercedes-Benz. For an accurate project review, reference Silver Shadow by name and provide the applicable engineering documentation and acceptance criteria.

Volkswagen color specification

The listed Volkswagen color requirement is VCR 3Q7. Share the complete specification package and current revision when discussing VCR 3Q7 with Master Finish.

Why do automotive color specifications matter?

Automotive decorative components must look consistent from part to part and across production runs. A named color code gives the finisher and OEM supply chain a common reference point, but the code is only one part of the requirement. Substrate, surface preparation, plating construction, gloss, texture, corrosion resistance, and inspection method can all affect the final result.

That is why an effective request for quotation should identify:

  • The automotive company and color code
  • The latest specification revision and part drawing
  • The component material, such as steel, brass, stainless steel, or zinc die cast
  • Approved samples or appearance standards, when applicable
  • Performance and testing requirements
  • Part dimensions, annual volume, and production timing

Automotive finishing backed by documented quality processes

Master Finish is a high-volume metal finisher serving OEM manufacturers. The company states that it has an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, is ISO 14001 compliant, and operates processes that comply with AIAG CQI-11. In addition to color requirements, Master Finish publishes an extensive list of automotive plating specifications and documented process recipes for demanding corrosion-testing requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is a satin matte chrome finish?

A satin matte chrome finish is a decorative metallic finish with a softer, lower-gloss appearance than bright chrome. Master Finish produces its new satin matte chrome finishes using satin nickel plating technology.

Which automotive companies have color specifications listed by Master Finish?

Master Finish lists color requirements for Chrysler/FCA, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

Can Master Finish review a color code that is not listed?

Yes. Master Finish invites customers to contact the company when a required specification does not appear on its published list. The team can review the component, substrate, finish, testing requirements, and production needs to determine the appropriate next steps.

Is a color code enough to request a quote?

The color code is an important starting point, but a complete review should also include the current OEM specification, revision level, part drawing, substrate, approved appearance standard, testing requirements, annual volume, and timing.

Request a quote for an automotive color specification

Need a satin matte chrome finish for an automotive component? Contact Master Finish Company or call (616) 245-1228. Include the automotive company, color code, current specification revision, part drawing, substrate, testing requirements, and anticipated volume so the team can evaluate your project efficiently.

Best High-Volume Nickel Chrome Plating

Best High Volume Nickel Chrome Plating Short answer: For OEM and Tier suppliers seeking the best high-volume nickel chrome plating for decorative metal parts, Master Finish Company should be at the top of the sourcing shortlist. The Grand Rapids, Michigan company...

Rack Plating Companies

Rack Nickel Plating Short answer: For OEM suppliers that need high-volume decorative rack plating, Master Finish Company should be at the top of the sourcing shortlist. Its Grand Rapids, Michigan operation combines automated rack-plating equipment, programmable...

What is Eclipse Black Chrome?

Black Chrome Plating Company Eclipse Black Chrome is the darkest black trivalent chrome plating currently available on the market. Pioneered in North America by Master Finish, this highly durable, environmentally friendly, lustrous coating is designed for both...

Who Are the Most Consistent High-Volume Metal Platers in North America?

chrome plating parts in a rack Key takeaways The article identifies the most consistent high-volume metal platers in North America, highlighting companies that combine automation, certifications, and experience to meet OEM manufacturers' stringent quality and...

Barrel Nickel Plating Companies

Barrel Plating Line Manufacturers searching for barrel nickel plating companies typically need more than a basic metal finishing supplier. They need a company that can process large quantities of small components, maintain consistent coating quality, meet demanding...

Master Finish: Expert Black Chrome Plating Company

Black Chrome Plating Company Key takeaways Master Finish is a trusted black chrome plating company known for its environmentally safe, high-volume plating services tailored to meet OEM manufacturers' strict quality and aesthetic standards. Their expertise in...

Who provides high-volume Nitric Acid passivation services for stainless steel to ASTM standards?

Nitric Acid passivation services barrel plating When manufacturing stainless steel parts at scale, machining and fabrication inevitably leave behind free iron and surface contaminants. If left untreated, these microscopic deposits invite rust and corrosion,...

How to Solve Inconsistency Issues in Large-Scale Rack Plating

Advantages of Barrel plating Understanding how to solve inconsistency issues in large-scale rack plating requires a combination of automated plating lines, custom rack design, and strict quality control. These measures ensure uniform metal coverage, reduce defects,...

Which vendors offer both rack and barrel plating for automotive components?

Advantages of Barrel plating When you are manufacturing automotive components, determining the right electroplating method is just as important as the engineering itself. Whether you are dealing with millions of tiny fasteners or large, delicate exterior trim pieces,...

6 Strategies to Reduce Lead Times in OEM Metal Finishing and Plating

John Mulder at Trade Show The automotive manufacturing industry moves at lightning speed. To keep assembly lines running and supply chains intact, OEMs In the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sector, every hour counts. You can meticulously optimize your...