2019 Chevrolet Malibu — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Summit White	GAZ	Solid
Mosaic Black Metallic	GB8	Metallic
Silver Ice Metallic	GAN	Metallic
Shadow Gray Metallic	GJI	Metallic
Satin Steel Metallic	G9K	Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat	GSK	Pearl (Tri‑coat)
Iridescent Pearl Tricoat	G1W	Pearl (Tri‑coat)

Note: Chevrolet uses three‑character RPO paint codes (e.g., GAZ) that suppliers can cross‑reference to a WA/GM code (e.g., GAZ → WA8624). If your Malibu’s color isn’t shown here, or if you’re unsure, confirm the exact code from your vehicle’s label or with a dealer using your VIN.

Where to find your paint code

On the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, the factory paint code is printed on GM’s Service Parts Identification (SPID) label. Common locations:

• Trunk/spare‑tire area: Lift the trunk floor panel. The SPID label is often on the spare‑tire well, under the cargo floor, or on the right side wall inside the trunk.
• Trunk lid or rear body panel: Some builds place the SPID on the inside of the trunk lid or on the rear body panel behind the carpet trim.
• If you can’t find it: A Chevrolet dealer or paint supplier can retrieve the paint code by VIN. Bring your registration or VIN, and they can verify the exact RPO (e.g., GAZ, GB8) and corresponding WA code.

What you’ll see: The label lists dozens of three‑character RPO codes. Look for the exterior color RPO (examples: GAZ, GB8, GAN, GJI, G9K, GSK, G1W). Some labels also show the longer WA code (e.g., WA8624 for Summit White, WA636R for Silver Ice Metallic, WA384A for Mosaic Black Metallic, WA140X for Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, WA434B for Cajun Red Tintcoat, WA624D for Satin Steel Metallic).

Best touch‑up paint sources

• Dupli‑Color: Widely available pen and aerosol formulas keyed to GM RPO/WA codes. Good for chips, small scratches, and quick repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Mix‑to‑code paints in pens, bottles, and aerosols, plus compatible primers and clears. Useful when you want a more controlled system.
• Local jobber/custom mix (e.g., Tcoat or a PBE store): A paint supplier can scan a fuel door or provide a variant mix for better blend‑ability, especially on metallics and pearls.
• Chevrolet dealer: Can order factory‑coded touch‑up pens or refer you to an OE‑approved supplier using your VIN.

How to use touch‑up paint

1. Clean and prep

• Wash the area and remove wax/grease with isopropyl alcohol or a wax‑and‑grease remover.
• Feather any lifted edges with 1500–2000 grit; use a plastic pick to remove rust in a chip, then apply a rust converter if needed.

2. Prime (if bare metal or plastic is exposed)

• Apply a thin etch or epoxy primer to metal; use adhesion promoter for raw plastic. Let it cure per instructions, then scuff lightly with 2000 grit.

3. Apply basecoat (color)

• Shake well. For pens, dab lightly; for bottles, use a fine brush; for aerosols, spray several light passes at 6–8 inches.
• Allow flash time between coats. Metallics (GB8, GAN, GJI, G9K) need light, even coats to keep flake orientation uniform.

4. Apply clearcoat

• After base flashes matte, apply 2–3 light coats of compatible clear. This restores gloss and UV protection—critical on tri‑coats and metallics.

5. Level and polish (optional after full cure)

• After 24–48 hours (longer in cool weather), wet‑sand lightly with 3000 grit and polish with a finishing compound to blend the repair.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri‑coats

• Know your system: "Tintcoat" and "Tricoat" colors like Cajun Red (GSK) and Iridescent Pearl (G1W) are multi‑stage finishes. They use a solid base, a translucent mid‑coat, then clear. The mid‑coat thickness strongly affects final shade—go slowly and test on a card first.
• Blend, don’t spot: Metallics (GB8, GAN, GJI, G9K) and pearls look different at angles. For scratches larger than a fingernail, blend color into the surrounding panel rather than trying to fill just the scratch line.
• Check variants: Production variation happens. A paint supplier can mix alternate variants for closer matches; bring your RPO code and a fuel door for scanning if possible.
• Mind lighting: Judge color in natural daylight. Shop LEDs can make grays like Shadow Gray Metallic (GJI) look cooler or warmer than they’ll appear outside.
• Temperature and technique: Warm the panel and the paint to room temperature. Mist light coats; heavy passes can darken metallics or cause mottling.

If your Malibu’s color isn’t listed above or you’re not sure which gray/pearl you have, verify the exact RPO/WA via your VIN before ordering.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.