There’s nothing quite like the sting of that first deep scratch on your RZR’s pristine plastic. Whether it’s from a tight trail, an overeager tree branch, or a garage mishap, that blemish just stares back at you. You know you need to fix it, but finding the right paint feels like a black-ops mission.
We promise this guide will end your frustration. We’re going to pull back the curtain on the often-confusing world of 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes, giving you the exact process the pros use to find the right color and achieve a factory-quality finish right in your own garage.
In this article, you’ll discover why these codes are so tricky to find, a step-by-step method to identify your exact color, a list of common 2016 colors, and a complete DIYer’s guide to prepping and painting for a flawless repair. Let’s get that rig looking new again.
Why Your 2016 Polaris RZR Paint Codes Are So Elusive (And Why They Matter)
The first thing you need to understand is that Polaris doesn’t operate like the automotive industry. You won’t find a convenient sticker in the door jamb with a simple paint code like “WA8555” for GM’s Summit White.
Instead, Polaris primarily deals in part numbers for pre-painted plastic body panels. This is great for them, but a major headache for us DIYers who just want to touch up a small area. This is one of the most common problems with 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes—they don’t really exist in the traditional sense.
But finding the perfect color match is crucial. The key benefits of 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes (or rather, color names) are:
- Maintaining Resale Value: A clean, well-maintained RZR with no ugly scratches or mismatched panels will always command a higher price.
- Professional-Looking Repairs: The difference between a glaringly obvious touch-up and an invisible repair is an exact color match.
- Customization Foundation: If you’re planning a custom wrap or paint job, knowing your base color is essential for a cohesive look.
The secret isn’t finding a “code” but identifying the official color name Polaris used for your specific model and then using that to order from a specialized paint supplier.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Color Match
Ready to become a paint-matching detective? This simple, four-step process will help you pinpoint your exact color. This is the definitive how to 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes process.
Step 1: Identify Your Exact 2016 RZR Model
First, you need to know precisely what you’re working with. Colors were often exclusive to certain models and trims in 2016. Is it an XP 1000, a 900 S, a Turbo EPS, or a 570 Trail?
Check your ownership documents or decals on the machine itself. Knowing the exact sub-model is the critical first step, as a Havasu Red Pearl on an XP 1000 is different from the Indy Red on an S 900.
Step 2: Use Your VIN to Your Advantage
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is your RZR’s unique fingerprint. You can find it stamped on the frame, typically on the front left lower frame rail.
Head over to the official Polaris Parts catalog online. By entering your VIN, you can pull up the exact diagrams and part numbers for your machine, including the body panels. The description of the part will often include the color name.
Step 3: Consult a 2016 Polaris RZR Color Chart
Once you have a potential color name, you can cross-reference it with known colors for that model year. This helps confirm you’re on the right track. We’ve compiled a list of the most common colors in the next section to make this easy for you.
Step 4: Contact a Powersports Paint Specialist
With your model and color name in hand, it’s time to get the paint. Companies like ColorRite and TouchUpDirect are experts in matching powersports colors. You provide them with the year, make, model, and color name, and they will mix a batch of paint specifically for you.
You can typically order it in aerosol cans, touch-up pens, or quarts for use in a professional spray gun.
The Complete List of 2016 Polaris RZR Paint Codes & Colors
To give you a head start, here is a list of the popular factory colors offered on the 2016 Polaris RZR lineup. Use this as a reference after you’ve identified your specific model. This is your essential 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes guide.
-
RZR XP 1000 EPS / XP 4 1000 EPS:
- Havasu Red Pearl
- Titanium Matte Metallic
- Velocity Blue
- Sunset Red (High Lifter Edition)
- Graphite Crystal (Desert Edition)
-
RZR XP Turbo EPS / XP 4 Turbo EPS:
- Graphite Crystal
- Spectra Orange
- Matte Sunset Red
-
RZR S 1000 EPS:
- Black Pearl
- Blue Fire Metallic
-
RZR S 900 / S 900 EPS:
- White Lightning
- Indy Red
- Blue Fire Metallic (EPS Model)
- Stealth Black (EPS Model)
-
RZR 900 Trail / 900 XC Edition:
- Indy Red
- Black Pearl
- Voodoo Blue (XC Edition)
- Stealth Black (XC Edition)
-
RZR 570 Trail:
- White Lightning
- Indy Red
Disclaimer: This list is for reference. Always confirm your specific color using your VIN, as special editions or mid-year changes can occur.
How to Use Your Paint: A DIYer’s Best Practices Guide
You’ve got the right paint. Now what? A great paint job is 90% preparation. Rushing this stage is the most common mistake DIYers make. Follow these 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes best practices for a finish that will make you proud.
H3: Gathering Your Tools & Materials
Before you start, assemble your arsenal. Having everything ready prevents delays and mistakes.
- Safety Gear: ALWAYS wear a respirator rated for paint fumes, nitrile gloves, and safety glasses.
- Cleaning: A good degreaser or wax and grease remover, plus isopropyl alcohol.
- Sanding: A selection of wet/dry sandpaper (400, 600, and 1000 grit) and a sanding block.
- Masking: High-quality automotive masking tape and masking paper.
- Application: A tack cloth, adhesion promoter for plastics, primer, your color-matched base coat, and a quality clear coat (make sure it’s matte or gloss to match the original finish!).
H3: The Prep Work is Everything
Do not skip these steps. Seriously.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the panel with soap and water, then wipe it down with the degreaser. Finish with an isopropyl alcohol wipe to ensure it’s perfectly clean.
- Sand the Damage: For deep scratches, start with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth the area. Feather the edges into the surrounding paint. Gradually move to 600-grit to refine the surface. The goal is a perfectly smooth, dull surface with no shiny spots.
- Mask Off the Area: Carefully mask the surrounding area, giving yourself a few inches of buffer around the repair. This prevents overspray.
H3: Applying the Paint: Pro Tips for a Factory Finish
Patience is key. Follow the instructions on your paint cans, especially regarding drying times between coats.
- Adhesion Promoter: This is non-negotiable for plastic. Apply one or two light coats. It acts as the “glue” that helps the primer stick to the flexible plastic.
- Primer: Apply two to three light coats of primer, waiting 5-10 minutes between each. This fills in any minor sanding scratches and creates a uniform base.
- Base Coat (Color): Shake the can for at least two minutes. Apply several very light mist coats, waiting 10-15 minutes between each. Build the color up slowly to avoid runs. Stop when you have even coverage.
- Clear Coat: This protects the color and provides the final sheen (gloss or matte). Apply two to three medium “wet” coats, waiting 10-15 minutes between each. A wet coat looks glossy as you apply it.
Let the panel cure for at least 24 hours before handling it and a full week before washing or waxing it.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly RZR Paint Care
Being an off-roader means respecting the outdoors. Your repair work can be responsible, too. Here are some tips for more sustainable 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes practices.
When possible, look for low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and cleaners. These release fewer harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. More importantly, never dispose of leftover paint or solvents by pouring them down the drain or on the ground. Contact your local waste management facility for instructions on hazardous material disposal.
To extend the life of your new paint job, follow a good 2016 Polaris RZR paint codes care guide. Protecting the finish means you’ll have to repaint less often. Apply a quality wax or a modern ceramic coating designed for plastics. This adds a sacrificial layer that protects the clear coat from UV rays and light scratches, keeping that color vibrant for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 Polaris RZR Paint Codes
Can I just get the paint code from my Polaris dealer?
Unfortunately, it’s usually not that simple. Most dealers are set up to sell you a complete, pre-painted plastic part, not the paint itself. However, a helpful parts department employee can use your VIN to look up the part and confirm the official color name, which is the key piece of information you need.
What’s the difference between a paint code and a color name?
In the automotive world, a paint code (e.g., “UA” for Ford’s Tuxedo Black) is a specific formula a body shop uses to mix the paint. For Polaris RZRs, the color name (e.g., “Havasu Red Pearl”) is the identifier you’ll give to a specialty supplier like ColorRite, who has already done the work of creating a matching formula for that specific color.
Is it better to repaint or buy a new plastic panel?
This depends on the damage and your budget. For light to moderate scratches and scuffs, repainting is far more cost-effective. If the panel is severely cracked, broken, or has extensive “road rash,” it’s often easier and provides a better result to simply replace the entire piece.
Will automotive touch-up paint work on my RZR?
We strongly advise against it. Automotive paint is formulated for metal, not the flexible TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) plastic used on your RZR. Without the proper flex agents and, most importantly, a plastic adhesion promoter, the paint will quickly flake and peel off.
Tackling a paint repair on your RZR can seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you can do. By following this guide, you have all the knowledge needed to find the right color and apply it like a pro.
You’ll not only save money but also gain a valuable skill and the satisfaction of a job well done. Now get out there, get that RZR looking factory-fresh, and hit the trails. Ride safe!
- Getting Polaris 570 Error Codes – Your Ultimate DIY Diagnostic Guide - November 20, 2025
- All Polaris Error Codes – The Ultimate Guide To Diagnostics & Fixes - November 20, 2025
- Polaris Red Paint Code – Your Ultimate Guide To Flawless Touch-Ups - November 20, 2025