Choose your car leather color or have it made to order according to a sample.
The correct leather color for your car can be determined using the interior trim or leather code, depending on the vehicle. If the code is unknown, ambiguous, or if the leather has visibly changed, a custom VILOU color formula can be created based on a suitable original sample.
Select car leather color according to vehicle manufacturer
Select your vehicle make. For makes with an existing VILOU category, you will be taken directly to the available leather colors and can place your order. For other makes, please open the sample color request form. We recommend that you first obtain the interior trim or leather color code from the vehicle manufacturer or an authorized dealership.
Is your vehicle brand not listed?
Please tell us the make, model, year of manufacture and – if known – the interior trim or leather color code.
Inquire about other vehicle brands →Why the right color shade is important for car leather
Even slight differences in brightness, color nuance, or gloss level can be visible on a car seat or steering wheel. At the same time, automotive leather changes over time due to UV radiation, heat, skin contact, cleaning, care, and mechanical stress.
Therefore, before ordering, it should first be clarified whether an existing manufacturer's color is sufficient or whether the current color condition needs to be individually adjusted based on a leather sample.
Interior trim code available
The equipment code can narrow down the originally installed leather color. It is not the same as the paint code of the vehicle body.
Color unknown
If neither the color name nor the equipment code is available, the make, model, year of manufacture, photos and, if necessary, a suitable leather sample will help.
Leather visibly aged
For older vehicles, the current leather color may differ from the original manufacturer's color. In such cases, a sample is often more practical.
Determine car leather color in five steps
Gather vehicle data
Note the vehicle make, model, series, year of manufacture and – if available – the vehicle identification number (VIN). This information will make it easier to identify the correct interior fittings.
Check documents and equipment
Check the purchase contract, invoice, equipment list, service documents and available vehicle data for a description or code of the leather interior.
Ask the manufacturer or a brand-name workshop
A brand-name workshop can often check the original interior fittings using the vehicle data. If possible, ask them to provide both the equipment code and the color name.
Compare existing VILOU vehicle colors
Next, check the appropriate vehicle category. Many popular colors for BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and VW are already available as VILOU leather colors.
If unsure, request a color sample.
If the match is unclear or the aged leather visibly differs from the original color, please use the detailed sample color form. The vehicle fields will open automatically.
When is the equipment code sufficient – when is a sample required?
| situation | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The color name and interior trim code are unique. | Check existing VILOU vehicle color | The original color tone can usually be easily identified. |
| Only the exterior paint code is known. | Interior fittings can be determined separately. | Exterior paint and leather color codes are different. |
| Several similar color names are possible. | Check vehicle data and request it before ordering. | Beige, grey, brown and black tones can differ. |
| The vehicle is older or the leather is badly faded. | Consider color matching to the original sample. | The current color may differ from the new condition. |
| Rare individual or special equipment | Submit original sample and existing equipment codes | Special colors cannot always be clearly determined using standard lists. |
| Only a small section needs to be repaired. | Match the color tone with particular care | Differences are more easily visible at a direct transition. |
Find a suitable leather sample in the vehicle
Possible sampling points
- Concealed leather overhang under the seat
- Invisible allowance at a seat seam
- Original replacement or remnant piece of the upholstery leather
- Separate sample from the vehicle or leather supplier
Before taking, please note
- Do not damage any visible seating areas.
- Do not cut any load-bearing seams or fastenings.
- Choose a sample that is at least 2 × 2 cm in size.
- Use only a clean sample with the top side intact.
If a sample cannot be taken without damage, the sampling should be checked by a saddler or a suitably experienced company.
Photos help – but they don't replace a color sample
Well-exposed, unedited photos can help with initial assessment. However, they are not sufficient for a precise color formula because camera, white balance, lighting, and screen display all affect the color tone.
Therefore, we need a suitable physical leather sample to create a custom color formula.
Individual VILOU automotive leather formula
If the correct color cannot be reliably selected from an existing vehicle category, a custom color formula will be created based on the submitted original sample. This formula is developed by a German partner laboratory specializing in leather dyes.
Development can take approximately 14 days. Processing may take longer for complex color shades or during periods of high lab workload. The estimated processing time will be communicated transparently as part of the inquiry.
VILOU gains access to the created formula and saves it with a unique identifier in its own database. This ensures that the color shade remains retrievable for future reorders.
What quantity of product is needed?
| Application | guideline value | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| steering wheel or small repair area | approximately 30 ml | Plan for several thin layers. |
| Seat cheek or individual part of the surface | approximately 50 ml | Depending on the damage and the substrate |
| Complete car seat | approximately 100–150 ml | More may be required if there is a strong color change. |
| Multiple seats or entire interior | approximately 250–500 ml or more | Assess the area and color changes in advance. |
The quantities given are guidelines only. Absorbency, substrate color, extent of repair, and number of coats affect actual consumption.
Color alone or complete leather repair?
Color abrasion
In cases of superficial color loss without deep penetration, after careful preparation, the appropriate leather dye followed by protection is often sufficient.
Dyeing and refreshing car leather →crack or depression
Damaged areas must be filled and smoothed before painting. Paint alone cannot replace missing material.
View liquid leather →Damage still unclear
The leather repair assistant guides the user to the appropriate procedure based on the vehicle area and type of damage.
Start the repair assistant →Frequently asked questions about determining car leather color
Is the vehicle paint code also the leather color code?
No. The paint code refers to the vehicle's exterior color. For the leather, the interior trim code or equipment code is needed.
Can the leather color be determined via the chassis number?
A brand-name workshop or the vehicle manufacturer can often determine the originally installed interior trim using the vehicle data. The decisive factor is the resulting leather or interior trim designation.
Is a photo of the car seat sufficient?
Photos help with initial assessment, but are not sufficient for a precise color formula. For a custom match, we need a suitable physical leather sample.
How large does the leather sample need to be?
The sample should ideally be at least approximately 2 × 2 cm in size and have a clean, intact top surface.
How long does it take to create a custom car leather recipe?
Formulating a prescription can take approximately 14 days. Processing may take longer for complex color shades or during periods of high laboratory workload.
Can the car leather color be reordered later?
Yes. The approved recipe is uniquely assigned and stored in the VILOU database. This ensures it remains accessible for future reorders.
Is a pattern color automatically completely invisible?
A custom formula significantly improves color matching. However, aging, gloss level, substrate, application, and lighting still affect the visible result. With partial repairs, transitions may remain noticeable.
For which materials is VILOU car leather paint suitable?
It is intended for use on suitable pigmented smooth leather and many synthetic leather surfaces. Alcantara, suede, nubuck, and open-pore aniline leather are not suitable without further testing.
Finding the right car leather color
Use our detailed sample color form. The "Car Leather" selection and the corresponding vehicle fields will open automatically. Enter the vehicle make, model, year of manufacture, known equipment details, and the affected interior area.
We first check whether a suitable VILOU vehicle color already exists. If a reliable match is not possible, we will discuss color matching with you using a suitable original sample.