2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, the paint code is typically located on a sticker in the glove compartment or on the service parts identification (SPID) label. This label is usually a white sticker with black text, found on the inside of the glove compartment door or sometimes on the driver's side door jamb (B-pillar). The paint code will be listed under "EXTERIOR COLOR" and will usually be a three-character code, sometimes followed by a four-digit comprehensive code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When you need to touch up scratches or chips on your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers various touch-up paints in pens, bottles, and aerosol cans. They are a good option for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed aerosol cans, paint pens, and brush bottles formulated to match your vehicle's specific paint code. They are known for their accurate color matching.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat provides custom-mixed touch-up paint tailored to your vehicle's exact specifications, often for more complex or older paint formulations.
• Dealer: Your local Chevrolet dealership parts department can also supply OEM touch-up paint, which ensures the highest level of color accuracy.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless touch-up requires a few steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area to be touched up with soap and water, then degrease it with rubbing alcohol or a prep solvent. This removes any dirt, wax, or contaminants.
2. Primer: For deeper scratches or areas where bare metal is exposed, apply a thin coat of automotive primer. This helps the paint adhere better and prevents rust.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin layers of the base coat paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the paint until it's level with the surrounding area.
4. Clear Coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat. This protects the paint, provides a glossy finish, and helps blend the repair with the original paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearl and tri-coat finishes, such as Siren Red Tintcoat or Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, are more complex than solid colors. They involve multiple layers to achieve their unique depth and shimmer. When touching up these colors:

• Layering is Key: These paints typically consist of a base color, a mid-coat containing the pearl or metallic flakes, and a final clear coat. Ensure you apply all layers as instructed by the paint manufacturer.
• Practice: If possible, practice on a scrap piece of metal or an inconspicuous area to get a feel for how the different layers interact and how much to apply.
• Lighting: Observe the repair in various lighting conditions to ensure the color match is accurate. Pearl and tri-coat paints can look different depending on the light.
• Professional Help: For larger repairs involving pearl or tri-coat finishes, or if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, it's often best to consult a professional body shop. They have specialized equipment and expertise to blend these complex colors seamlessly.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.