2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Paint Color Codes

Quick Reference: 2018 Silverado 2500HD Colors

Where To Find Your Paint Code

Finding the exact paint code for your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is straightforward. Unlike many other manufacturers that place the information sticker on the driver's side door jamb, General Motors puts it inside the glove box.

Open your glove box and look for a silver sticker labeled "Service Parts Identification." This label contains a wealth of information about your truck, including its VIN, options, and, most importantly, the paint code. On this sticker, look for a code that starts with "BC/CC," which stands for Base Coat/Clear Coat. The code you need is the one that follows, often beginning with a "U" (for Upper Body Color). For example, Summit White will be listed as WA8624 or GAZ. The three-letter code (GAZ) is the most commonly used code for ordering paint.

Always use this code to ensure a perfect match, as color names can be similar across different model years while the paint formula is slightly different.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several options for sourcing touch-up paint to fix rock chips, scratches, and other minor blemishes.

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, Dupli-Color offers a range of paint pens, brush-in-bottle applicators, and aerosol sprays. Their "Perfect Match" series is designed to match factory finishes, but check their product finder with your specific code (e.g., GAZ/WA8624) to confirm availability.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in providing exact-match factory colors in a variety of formats, from small ½ oz. bottles for tiny chips to professional-sized spray cans and quarts for larger jobs. They are an excellent source for precision-matched colors, including the more complex tri-coats.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a guaranteed match, especially for older or faded vehicles, a custom-mixed paint from a specialist like Tcoat can be a great option. They can mix paint to your specific code and provide it in aerosol cans or ready-to-spray pints and quarts.
• Chevrolet Dealership: Your local Chevy dealer's parts department can order touch-up pens and bottles directly from GM. This is often the most reliable way to get the exact OEM paint, though it may be a more expensive option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

A professional-looking repair is possible with patience and the right technique. For minor chips and scratches, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash the damaged area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol to ensure the surface is perfectly clean.
2. Primer: For deep scratches that go down to the bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This helps the base coat adhere properly and prevents rust. Use a fine-tipped brush for best results.
3. Base Coat: Shake the paint bottle or pen thoroughly. Apply several thin coats of the color base coat, allowing each coat to dry for at least 20-30 minutes. Building up the color slowly is key to a smooth, even finish. Avoid applying one thick coat, as it will be prone to running and will not dry properly.
4. Clear Coat: After the final base coat has dried completely (as per the manufacturer's instructions), apply one or two thin layers of clear coat. The clear coat protects the base coat, provides a glossy finish, and helps the repair blend in with the surrounding paint.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

The 2018 Silverado HD was offered in two premium tri-coat pearl colors: Cajun Red Tintcoat (GPJ) and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (GP4). These finishes have a unique depth and shimmer that makes them more challenging to match.

A tri-coat paint consists of three stages: a solid base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and the final clear coat. The pearl mid-coat is what creates the dramatic color shift and depth.

When touching up these colors, it is crucial to purchase a three-stage touch-up kit that includes all necessary components. The final appearance is highly dependent on the thickness of the pearl mid-coat. Always use a test card included with your paint kit to practice your application and confirm your technique produces a color that matches your truck before applying it to the vehicle itself. For anything larger than a small stone chip, we strongly recommend seeking a professional painter, as blending a tri-coat pearl is an advanced skill.

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