Honda Element Paint Codes: Complete Color Guide By Year

A comprehensive reference for every factory exterior paint color offered on the Honda Element from 2003 through 2011, including paint codes, trim availability, color swatches, rarity notes, and touch-up paint guidance.

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1. Why Paint Codes Matter

When it comes to matching automotive paint, the color name printed on a brochure or listed on a dealer window sticker is almost never enough. Honda, like all major automakers, assigns a specific alphanumeric paint code to each factory color formulation. This code encodes the exact pigment ratios, metallic flake size, and pearl content required to reproduce the factory finish. Two colors that appear nearly identical under showroom lighting — such as Satin Silver Metallic (NH623M) and Alabaster Silver Metallic (NH700M) — will look noticeably different when placed side by side, and a touch-up repair made with the wrong code will stand out immediately.

The Honda Element’s nine-year production run (2003–2011) spanned 24 distinct factory exterior colors. Some colors carried over across multiple years; others appeared for a single model year and were never offered again. Trim availability further complicates the picture: certain colors were exclusive to the SC (Street Custom) trim, while others were never offered on the SC at all. Without the paint code, an owner ordering touch-up paint, a replacement door, or a full respray is essentially guessing.

Paint codes also matter for insurance claims, collision repair estimates, and resale documentation. A vehicle described accurately by its factory paint code commands more credibility in a private sale than one described only as “blue” or “silver.”

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2. Where to Find the Paint Code on a Honda Element

The Honda Element stores its paint code on a vehicle identification label affixed to the driver-side door jamb — the structural pillar visible when the driver’s door is open. The label is typically white or silver, rectangular in shape, and contains a barcode along with several codes printed in small text. The paint code appears below the barcode, usually in the middle section of the label.

Honda paint codes follow a consistent format: one or two letters indicating the color family, followed by three digits, and ending with a suffix letter that indicates the finish type. Common suffix letters include M (metallic), P (pearl), and no suffix for solid colors. Examples from the Element include NH-700M (Alabaster Silver Metallic), B-92P (Nighthawk Black Pearl), and YR-539P (Sunset Orange Pearl).

Important: The paint code is more reliable than the color name. Color names are sometimes reused across model years with different formulations, and aftermarket retailers occasionally use alternate names for the same code. Always verify the code on your specific vehicle’s door jamb sticker before ordering touch-up paint or matching paint for a repair.

Several practical cautions apply when reading the door jamb sticker on a used Element. First, doors may have been swapped during a prior collision repair; if the VIN printed on the door jamb sticker does not match the VIN visible through the lower-left corner of the windshield, the door is likely a replacement and the paint code on that sticker may not reflect the vehicle’s original color. Second, repainted doors are sometimes missing the sticker entirely. In these cases, the original color can sometimes be identified from the firewall or engine bay area, where Honda occasionally stamps or labels the paint code on the body structure itself.

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3. Master Paint Code Table

The following table lists all 24 factory exterior paint colors confirmed for the Honda Element (2003–2011), sorted alphabetically by color name. Hex and RGB values are approximations based on published color chip data and are intended as visual references only; they should not be used for paint mixing. 5 7

Color Name	Paint Code	Color Family	Years Available	Trims	Hex Approx.	RGB Approx.	Rarity
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	Silver	2006–2011	DX, LX, EX, SC	#CAC9C6	202, 201, 198	Very Common
Atomic Blue Metallic	B537M	Blue	2006–2008	LX, EX	#6E91AA	110, 145, 170	Uncommon
Cargo Khaki	YR547	Tan/Beige	2005	DX, LX, EX	#8B7355	139, 115, 85	Rare
Citrus Fire Metallic	YR579M	Orange	2009–2011	LX, EX	#C8600A	200, 96, 10	Common
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	Black	2009–2011	LX, EX	#1E1E1C	30, 30, 28	Common
Eternal Blue Pearl	B96P	Blue	2003	DX, LX, EX	#044996	4, 73, 150	Very Rare
Fiji Blue Pearl	B529P	Blue	2004–2005	DX, LX, EX	#2F3964	47, 57, 100	Uncommon
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	Green	2003–2005	DX, LX, EX	#99AC70	153, 172, 112	Common
Galaxy Gray Metallic	NH701M	Gray	2007–2008	LX, EX, SC	#A99D87	169, 157, 135	Uncommon
Kiwi Metallic	GY25M	Green	2006–2008	LX, EX	#738115	115, 129, 21	Uncommon
Magnesium Metallic	NH675M	Gray	2005	DX, LX, EX	#8C8C8C	140, 140, 140	Rare
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	Red	2009–2010	SC only	#5C1010	92, 16, 16	Very Rare
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	Black	2003–2008	DX, LX, EX, SC	#0A0A0A	10, 10, 10	Very Common
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	Blue	2009–2011	LX, EX	#7B8C7A	123, 140, 122	Common
Polished Metal Metallic	NH737M	Gray	2009–2011	LX, EX	#615F55	97, 95, 85	Common
Rallye Red	R513	Red	2005–2006	DX, LX, EX	#9C0C0C	156, 12, 12	Uncommon
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	Brown	2007–2008	SC only	#61481D	97, 72, 29	Very Rare
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	Blue	2008–2010	SC (2008); LX, EX, SC (2009–10)	#1F0F63	31, 15, 99	Rare
Satin Silver Metallic	NH623M	Silver	2003–2005	DX, LX, EX	#C0C0C0	192, 192, 192	Common
Shoreline Mist Metallic	YR528M	Tan/Beige	2003–2004	DX, LX, EX	#B8A898	184, 168, 152	Uncommon
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	Orange	2003–2005	DX, LX, EX	#D2691E	210, 105, 30	Common
Taffeta White	NH578	White	2010–2011	LX, EX	#F1F3DB	241, 243, 219	Uncommon
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	Red	2006–2011	LX, EX	#9E2222	158, 34, 34	Common
Tangerine Metallic	YR5863M	Orange	2006–2008	LX, EX	#E07B39	224, 123, 57	Uncommon

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4. Paint Codes by Year

2003 Honda Element

The first model year offered six exterior colors, all available on DX, LX, and EX trims. The EX trim used unpainted textured plastic cladding panels in one of three colors depending on the body color (see the Appendix for cladding details). The 2003-only Eternal Blue Pearl (B96P) makes this the rarest color in the entire Element lineup. 1

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Eternal Blue Pearl	B96P	DX, LX, EX	2003 only — never offered again
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	DX, LX, EX	Continued through 2005
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX	Continued through 2008
Satin Silver Metallic	NH623M	DX, LX, EX	Continued through 2005
Shoreline Mist Metallic	YR528M	DX, LX, EX	Continued through 2004
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	DX, LX, EX	Continued through 2005

2004 Honda Element

The 2004 model year dropped Eternal Blue Pearl and replaced it with Fiji Blue Pearl (B529P), a darker navy blue. All other 2003 colors carried over. Six colors were available.

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Fiji Blue Pearl	B529P	DX, LX, EX	New for 2004; replaced Eternal Blue Pearl
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	DX, LX, EX	Carried over from 2003
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX	Carried over from 2003
Satin Silver Metallic	NH623M	DX, LX, EX	Carried over from 2003
Shoreline Mist Metallic	YR528M	DX, LX, EX	Final year
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	DX, LX, EX	Carried over from 2003

2005 Honda Element

The 2005 model year was the most colorful of the early generation, offering eight colors. Two of the three single-year Element colors appeared in 2005: Cargo Khaki (YR547) and Magnesium Metallic (NH675M). Rallye Red (R513) was introduced for the first time. 1

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Cargo Khaki	YR547	DX, LX, EX	2005 only — single-year color
Fiji Blue Pearl	B529P	DX, LX, EX	Final year
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	DX, LX, EX	Final year
Magnesium Metallic	NH675M	DX, LX, EX	2005 only — single-year color
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX	Carried over
Rallye Red	R513	DX, LX, EX	New for 2005
Satin Silver Metallic	NH623M	DX, LX, EX	Final year
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	DX, LX, EX	Final year

2006 Honda Element

The 2006 model year marked a significant palette refresh. The early-generation colors (Satin Silver, Galapagos Green, Sunset Orange, Shoreline Mist) were retired, and several new colors were introduced. Alabaster Silver Metallic (NH700M) replaced Satin Silver and would remain in the lineup through 2011. Seven colors were available. 9

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX	New for 2006; ran through 2011
Atomic Blue Metallic	B537M	LX, EX	New for 2006
Kiwi Metallic	GY25M	LX, EX	New for 2006
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX	Carried over
Rallye Red	R513	DX, LX, EX	Final year
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	New for 2006; ran through 2011
Tangerine Metallic	YR5863M	LX, EX	New for 2006

2007 Honda Element

The 2007 model year introduced the SC (Street Custom) trim, which brought two SC-exclusive colors: Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) and Galaxy Gray Metallic (NH701M) — though Galaxy Gray was also available on LX and EX. Eight colors were available across all trims. 5

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX, SC	SC debut year
Atomic Blue Metallic	B537M	LX, EX	Carried over
Galaxy Gray Metallic	NH701M	LX, EX, SC	New for 2007
Kiwi Metallic	GY25M	LX, EX	Carried over
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX, SC	Carried over
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	SC only	New for 2007; SC-exclusive
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	Carried over
Tangerine Metallic	YR5863M	LX, EX	Carried over

2008 Honda Element

The 2008 model year was the most color-diverse in Element history, offering nine colors. Royal Blue Pearl (B536P) was introduced as an SC-exclusive color. This was also the final year for Nighthawk Black Pearl, Atomic Blue Metallic, Kiwi Metallic, Galaxy Gray Metallic, Root Beer Metallic, and Tangerine Metallic. 5

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX, SC	Carried over
Atomic Blue Metallic	B537M	LX, EX	Final year
Galaxy Gray Metallic	NH701M	LX, EX, SC	Final year
Kiwi Metallic	GY25M	LX, EX	Final year
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	DX, LX, EX, SC	Final year
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	SC only	Final year
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	SC only	New for 2008; SC-exclusive this year only
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	Carried over
Tangerine Metallic	YR5863M	LX, EX	Final year

2009 Honda Element

The 2009 model year brought a major palette refresh for the final generation. Crystal Black Pearl (NH731P) replaced Nighthawk Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic (NH737M) and Omni Blue Pearl (B562P) were introduced, and Citrus Fire Metallic (YR579M) replaced Tangerine Metallic. On the SC, Midnight Red Pearl (R538P) replaced Root Beer Metallic, and Royal Blue Pearl expanded to all trims. Eight colors were available. 9

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX, SC	Carried over
Citrus Fire Metallic	YR579M	LX, EX	New for 2009
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	LX, EX	New; replaced Nighthawk Black Pearl
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	SC only	New for 2009; SC-exclusive
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	LX, EX	New for 2009
Polished Metal Metallic	NH737M	LX, EX	New for 2009
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	LX, EX, SC	Expanded from SC-only to all trims
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	Carried over

2010 Honda Element

The 2010 model year was nearly identical to 2009, with one addition: Taffeta White (NH578) joined the lineup for the first time. Nine colors were available, making 2010 the most colorful of the final-generation years. 9

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX, SC	Carried over
Citrus Fire Metallic	YR579M	LX, EX	Carried over
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	LX, EX	Carried over
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	SC only	Final year
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	LX, EX	Carried over
Polished Metal Metallic	NH737M	LX, EX	Carried over
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	LX, EX, SC	Final year for SC; final year overall
Taffeta White	NH578	LX, EX	New for 2010
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	Carried over

2011 Honda Element

The final model year of the Honda Element offered seven colors. The SC trim was discontinued after 2010, so all 2011 colors were available on LX and EX only. Alabaster Silver Metallic remained the sole color available on the DX trim. 8

Color Name	Paint Code	Trims	Notes
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	DX, LX, EX	Final year; ran 2006–2011
Citrus Fire Metallic	YR579M	LX, EX	Final year
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	LX, EX	Final year
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	LX, EX	Final year
Polished Metal Metallic	NH737M	LX, EX	Final year
Taffeta White	NH578	LX, EX	Final year
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	LX, EX	Final year; ran 2006–2011

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5. Paint Codes by Color Family

Black

Two distinct blacks were offered across the Element’s production run. Nighthawk Black Pearl (B92P) served the first six years and is a very deep, slightly warm black with subtle pearl. Crystal Black Pearl (NH731P) took over for the final three years and has a cooler, blue-tinged depth. Both appear nearly identical in photographs but are noticeably different when matched side by side.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	2009–2011
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	2003–2008

Blue

The Element offered six distinct blue colors across its production run — more than any other color family. Blues ranged from the deep cobalt of Eternal Blue Pearl to the unusual color-shifting Omni Blue Pearl.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Atomic Blue Metallic	B537M	2006–2008
Eternal Blue Pearl	B96P	2003 only
Fiji Blue Pearl	B529P	2004–2005
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	2009–2011
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	2008–2010

Brown

Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) is the only brown offered on the Element, and it was exclusive to the SC trim.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	2007–2008 (SC only)

Gray

Three gray tones appeared across the Element’s run, progressing from the warm Magnesium Metallic of 2005 to the warm-brown Galaxy Gray of 2007–2008 to the darker, cooler Polished Metal Metallic of the final years.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Galaxy Gray Metallic	NH701M	2007–2008
Magnesium Metallic	NH675M	2005 only
Polished Metal Metallic	NH737M	2009–2011

Green

Two greens bookended the Element’s palette: the sage-toned Galapagos Green Metallic of the early years and the bold, yellow-green Kiwi Metallic of the middle years.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	2003–2005
Kiwi Metallic	GY25M	2006–2008

Orange

Orange was a signature color family for the Element throughout its entire production run, with a distinct orange offered in every year from 2003 to 2011.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Citrus Fire Metallic	YR579M	2009–2011
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	2003–2005
Tangerine Metallic	YR5863M	2006–2008

Red

The Element offered three distinct reds. Rallye Red is a classic, solid Honda red; Tango Red Pearl is a deeper, more sophisticated pearl red; and Midnight Red Pearl is a very dark, almost maroon SC-exclusive.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	2009–2010 (SC only)
Rallye Red	R513	2005–2006
Tango Red Pearl	R525P	2006–2011

Silver

Two silvers were offered, with Satin Silver Metallic serving the early years and Alabaster Silver Metallic — a slightly warmer, more complex metallic — taking over from 2006 onward.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	2006–2011
Satin Silver Metallic	NH623M	2003–2005

Tan/Beige

Two earth-toned colors appeared in the early years: Shoreline Mist Metallic (a warm taupe) and Cargo Khaki (a medium brown-tan). Neither was offered after 2005.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Cargo Khaki	YR547	2005 only
Shoreline Mist Metallic	YR528M	2003–2004

White

Taffeta White was the only white offered on the Element, and it was introduced only in the final two years of production.

Color Name	Paint Code	Years
Taffeta White	NH578	2010–2011

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6. Rarest Honda Element Colors

Rarity is determined by two factors: the number of model years a color was offered, and whether it was restricted to a specific trim. The following colors are the hardest to find in the used market.

Eternal Blue Pearl (B96P) — 2003 only. This is the single rarest non-SC color in the entire Element lineup. Offered only in the first model year, it is a rich cobalt blue with a warm pearl shimmer. Community discussions on the Honda Element Owners Club confirm it as one of the three single-year Element colors. 1

Midnight Red Pearl (R538P) — 2009–2010 SC only. The darkest red offered on the Element, this near-maroon SC-exclusive is widely considered the rarest color in the entire lineup when combined with its SC-only restriction. The SC itself was a low-volume trim, and Midnight Red Pearl was one of its most distinctive options. Community consensus identifies it as the rarest SC color. 2

Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) — 2007–2008 SC only. A warm, deep brown metallic exclusive to the SC trim. This color is beloved by SC enthusiasts and is extremely difficult to find in good condition. It was paired with the SC’s copper-accented interior option, making for a uniquely cohesive color story.

Cargo Khaki (YR547) — 2005 only. A medium brown-tan that appeared for a single year on all trims. While not as sought-after as the SC exclusives, it is genuinely rare due to its single-year availability. 1

Magnesium Metallic (NH675M) — 2005 only. A medium warm gray that appeared for a single year. Like Cargo Khaki, it is one of the three confirmed single-year Element colors. 1

Color Name	Paint Code	Year(s)	Trim Restriction	Rarity Level
Eternal Blue Pearl	B96P	2003	None	Very Rare
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	2009–2010	SC only	Very Rare
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	2007–2008	SC only	Very Rare
Cargo Khaki	YR547	2005	None	Rare
Magnesium Metallic	NH675M	2005	None	Rare
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	2008–2010	SC only in 2008	Rare

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7. Most Desirable Honda Element Colors

Desirability in the collector and enthusiast community is driven by a combination of visual uniqueness, rarity, and the color’s association with the Element’s identity as a rugged, personality-driven vehicle.

Omni Blue Pearl (B562P) consistently ranks among the most sought-after late-model Element colors. Its unusual chameleon-like quality — appearing blue in direct sunlight but shifting toward green or gray in overcast conditions — is unlike any other color in the Honda palette. Community members affectionately call it “Ghost Green.” 3 It was offered on LX and EX trims from 2009 to 2011.

Sunset Orange Pearl (YR539P) and Galapagos Green Metallic (G511M) are the two colors most closely associated with the Element’s original identity. Both were offered from 2003 to 2005 and appeared extensively in Honda’s early marketing for the vehicle. They remain the most recognizable Element colors and are highly desirable to collectors seeking an authentic early-generation example.

Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) and Midnight Red Pearl (R538P) are the two most desirable SC-specific colors. Their combination of rarity, SC-exclusivity, and visual distinctiveness makes them the most collectible colors in the entire Element lineup.

Crystal Black Pearl (NH731P) is the most-ordered Element touch-up color according to PaintScratch sales data 4, reflecting both its popularity and the large number of late-model Elements still on the road. It is a deep, blue-tinged black pearl that photographs exceptionally well.

Color Name	Paint Code	Why Desirable
Crystal Black Pearl	NH731P	Most popular late-model color; deep blue-black pearl
Galapagos Green Metallic	G511M	Iconic early Element color; collector favorite
Midnight Red Pearl	R538P	Rarest SC color; very dark maroon
Omni Blue Pearl	B562P	Unique color-shifting appearance; “Ghost Green”
Root Beer Metallic	YR569M	SC-exclusive; uniquely warm brown; highly collectible
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	Deep navy; SC-exclusive in 2008
Sunset Orange Pearl	YR539P	Iconic early Element color; original identity

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8. SC-Only and SC-Associated Colors

The Honda Element SC (Street Custom) was offered from 2007 through 2010. It featured a lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, body-color painted lower panels (eliminating the unpainted plastic cladding of standard trims), a unique front fascia, and a sport-tuned interior. The SC’s fully painted exterior meant that its colors had a fundamentally different visual character than the same color on a standard EX with unpainted cladding.

Three colors were exclusive to the SC trim:

Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) — 2007–2008 SC only. A warm, deep brown metallic with gold undertones. On the SC’s fully painted panels, it presents as a rich, jewel-like finish. It was paired with the SC’s optional Black/Copper interior (YR355L Copper Metallic upholstery), creating a uniquely cohesive color story. It was also used on the Honda Accord Hybrid in 2007–2008, making it one of the few Element colors shared with another Honda model. 4

Midnight Red Pearl (R538P) — 2009–2010 SC only. An extremely dark, near-maroon red pearl. On the SC’s painted panels, it reads as almost black in low light and reveals its deep red character in direct sunlight. It was paired with the SC’s Black/Red Metal interior option (R166L SC Red Metallic upholstery). 5

Royal Blue Pearl (B536P) — 2008 SC only (expanded to all trims in 2009–2010). A deep, saturated navy blue pearl. In its 2008 SC-only year, it was one of the most visually striking configurations available on any Honda vehicle of the era. When it expanded to LX and EX trims in 2009, it lost its SC-exclusive status but remained a popular choice. 6

Several other colors were available on the SC alongside standard trims:

Color Name	Paint Code	SC Years
Alabaster Silver Metallic	NH700M	2007–2010
Galaxy Gray Metallic	NH701M	2007–2008
Nighthawk Black Pearl	B92P	2007–2008
Royal Blue Pearl	B536P	2009–2010 (all trims)

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9. Touch-Up Paint Buying Guide

Understanding the Basecoat/Clearcoat System

All Honda Elements from 2003 to 2011 were painted at the factory using a basecoat/clearcoat system. The basecoat provides the color; the clearcoat provides gloss, depth, and UV protection. When purchasing touch-up paint, you need both components for a complete repair. Most reputable touch-up paint suppliers (PaintScratch, AutomotiveTouchup, ERA Paints, TouchUpDirect) sell kits that include both.

Step 1: Identify Your Paint Code

Always use the paint code from your door jamb sticker. Never order by color name alone. If your sticker is missing or illegible, cross-reference your VIN with a Honda dealer or use the year-by-year tables in this guide to narrow down the possibilities.

Step 2: Understand Code Suffixes

Some Honda paint codes include a numeric suffix (e.g., NH700M-4). This suffix indicates a factory reformulation — typically a slight adjustment to the metallic flake or pigment ratio made during the production run. For touch-up purposes, the base code (e.g., NH700M) is usually sufficient for a good match, but providing the full code including the suffix to your paint supplier will yield the most accurate result.

Step 3: Choose the Right Product Format

Touch-up paint is available in several formats, each suited to different repair sizes:

Format	Best For	Skill Level
Paint pen	Chips up to pencil-eraser size	Beginner
Bottle with brush	Chips up to dime size	Beginner–Intermediate
Aerosol spray can	Single-panel repairs	Intermediate–Advanced
Professional spray gun	Full repaints	Professional

Step 4: Special Considerations for Plastic Cladding

If your Element has unpainted textured plastic cladding panels (standard on EX trim 2003–2006), do not apply standard body paint directly to the plastic. The plastic requires an adhesion promoter, a flexible bumper primer, the color basecoat matched to the cladding code (NH533, B535M, or NH661), and a flexible clearcoat. If you are converting unpainted panels to body-color painted panels (a popular modification), the same process applies but uses the body paint code instead of the cladding code.

Touch-Up Paint Suppliers

The following suppliers are known to carry Honda Element colors with verified OEM color matching:

Supplier	URL	Notes
PaintScratch	paintscratch.com	Custom-mixed; 30 Element colors listed 4
AutomotiveTouchup	automotivetouchup.com	Year-specific color selection 8
ERA Paints	erapaints.com	Aerosol and spray gun sizes
TouchUpDirect	touchupdirect.com	OEM-matched formulations
The Touch Up Shop	thetouchupshop.com	Year/code-specific ordering

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10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common Honda Element color?

Alabaster Silver Metallic (NH700M) was offered for six consecutive years (2006–2011) across all trims including the SC, making it statistically the most common color in the used Element market. Nighthawk Black Pearl (B92P) was offered for six years as well (2003–2008) and is equally common in early-generation examples.

Q: What is the rarest Honda Element color?

Eternal Blue Pearl (B96P) is the rarest non-SC color, having been offered only in 2003. Among all colors including SC-exclusives, Midnight Red Pearl (R538P) and Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) are considered the rarest due to their combination of SC-only restriction and two-year availability. Community discussions confirm this consensus. 1

Q: What is the difference between Nighthawk Black Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl?

Both appear very dark, but they are distinct formulations. Nighthawk Black Pearl (B92P) has a warmer, slightly less blue character and was used across the Honda lineup from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s. Crystal Black Pearl (NH731P) has a cooler, deeper blue-black character with more pronounced pearl shimmer. They are not interchangeable for touch-up purposes.

Q: Why does my Omni Blue Pearl look green?

Omni Blue Pearl (B562P) is a color-shifting paint that appears blue in direct sunlight and shifts toward green or gray in overcast or indirect lighting. This is an intentional characteristic of the formulation, not a defect. The community nickname “Ghost Green” reflects this behavior. 3

Q: Can I use touch-up paint on the plastic cladding panels?

Standard body touch-up paint will not adhere properly to the unpainted textured plastic cladding without an adhesion promoter. See Section 9 for the correct preparation process. If your cladding has faded (a common issue on 2003–2006 models), plastic restoration products such as trim restorers can revive the appearance without painting.

Q: My Element has a color not listed here. What should I do?

Verify the paint code on your door jamb sticker and cross-reference it with the year-by-year tables in this guide. Some Elements were sold with dealer-applied paint or were repainted by a prior owner. If the code on your sticker does not match any color in this guide, the vehicle may have been repainted. You can also contact a Honda dealer with your VIN to request the original factory color.

Q: Are Honda Element paint codes shared with other Honda models?

Yes. Several Element paint codes were used across the broader Honda lineup. Nighthawk Black Pearl (B92P) was used on CR-V, Pilot, Accord, Civic, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, among others. 4 Alabaster Silver Metallic (NH700M) was used on CR-V, Pilot, and Accord. Root Beer Metallic (YR569M) was shared with the Accord Hybrid in 2007–2008. 4 This means touch-up paint for these codes is widely available and often less expensive than codes specific to the Element.

Q: Where else might the paint code appear on my Element?

In addition to the driver-side door jamb sticker, Honda sometimes stamps or labels the paint code on the firewall inside the engine bay. This is not universal across all model years, but it can be a useful backup if the door jamb sticker is missing or illegible.

Q: What is the difference between the EX and EX-P trim regarding paint?

The standard EX trim (primarily 2003–2006) used unpainted textured composite exterior panels molded in one of three cladding colors (NH533, B535M, or NH661). The EX-P package replaced these with body-color painted composite panels using the same paint code as the steel body panels. The EX-P provides a more conventional, monochromatic appearance but is more susceptible to scratches and clear-coat aging than the textured unpainted panels.

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Appendix A: Exterior Plastic Panel (Cladding) Color Codes

Early Honda Element models (primarily 2003–2006 EX trim) used unpainted textured composite exterior panels. These panels were molded in color and used separate codes from the body paint. The EX-P package (available in later years) replaced these with body-color painted panels using the same code as the steel body panels. 5

Code	Name	Description	Paired With
NH533	Bumper Dark Gray	Charcoal (often described as black, but actually dark charcoal)	Atomic Blue Metallic, Kiwi Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Rallye Red
B535M	Blue Metallic	Subtle blue-tinted textured plastic	Alabaster Silver Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic
NH661	EX Warm Gray	Warm gray; default for all other colors	All other 2003–2006 colors with unpainted panels

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Appendix B: Interior Color Codes by Year

Honda Element interior color codes are also found on the door jamb sticker, typically adjacent to the exterior paint code. 5

Year/Trim	Code	Interior Color	Upholstery Code	Upholstery Color
2003–2005 all	A	Black/Gray	NH361L	CF Gray
2003–2005 all	B	Gray/Blue	B137L	Surf Blue
2003–2005 all	C	Gray/Green	G60L	Field Green
2006 all	A	Black/Gray	NH361L	CF Gray
2006 all	B	Gray/Blue	B137L	Surf Blue
2007–2008 LX, EX	A	Black/Gray	NH361L	CF Gray
2007–2008 LX, EX	B	Black/Titanium	YR233L	Titanium
2007–2008 SC	C	Black/Titanium	YR233L	Titanium
2007–2008 SC	D	Black/Copper	YR355L	Copper Metallic
2009–2010 LX, EX	A	Black/Gray	NH598L	Atlas Gray
2009–2010 LX, EX	B	Black/Titanium	YR233L	Titanium
2009–2010 SC	C	Black/Titanium	YR233L	Titanium
2009–2010 SC	D	Black/Red Metal	R166L	SC Red Metallic
2010–2011 all	A	Black/Gray	NH598L	Atlas Gray
2010–2011 all	B	Black/Titanium	YR233L	Titanium

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References

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This guide was compiled from multiple authoritative sources including the Honda Element Owners Club 1, RamblerDan’s Element color reference 5, ElementDIY 6, ImportArchive 7, PaintScratch 4, AutomotiveTouchup 8, and CarsDirect 9. All paint codes are for U.S. market vehicles. Always verify your specific paint code on the driver-side door jamb sticker before ordering touch-up paint or matching paint for a repair.