2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Paint Color Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, the paint code is typically located on a sticker in the glove compartment or on the service parts identification label usually affixed to the inside of the glove box door. Failing that, check the driver's side door jamb. This sticker will contain various vehicle information, including a "BC/CC" (Basecoat/Clearcoat) designation followed by the paint code itself. It's usually a two- or three-digit alphanumeric code. Sometimes it is represented with a "WA" prefix, but this "WA" is typically dropped when ordering touch-up paint.

Best touch-up paint sources

When you need to fix a minor scratch or chip on your Silverado 3500HD, several reputable sources can provide a good color match:

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at automotive parts stores, Dupli-Color offers aerosol sprays and touch-up pens for many common colors. They are a good option for small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in factory-matched touch-up paint. They can mix custom colors based on your paint code and offer various application types, including pens, brush bottles, and aerosol cans. Their paints are often a closer match due to their custom-mix capabilities.
• Tcoat custom-mix: For those seeking a professional-grade repair or a perfect match for complex colors, Tcoat offers custom-mixed paint solutions that often require professional application.
• Dealership: Your local Chevrolet dealership parts department can order touch-up paint directly from the manufacturer, ensuring an exact match. This is often the most expensive option but guarantees authenticity.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless repair with touch-up paint requires a few steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the damaged area with soap and water, then an automotive degreaser to remove any wax, grease, or dirt.
2. Primer: For deeper scratches that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This promotes adhesion and prevents rust.
3. Basecoat: Apply thin, even coats of your color-matched basecoat. Allow each coat to dry according to the product instructions before applying the next. Build up the color gradually until it matches the surrounding paint.
4. Clearcoat: Once the basecoat is dry, apply several thin coats of clearcoat. This protects the basecoat and provides a glossy finish that blends with your vehicle's original paint. Many touch-up kits include a clearcoat.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Radiant Red Tintcoat are more complex than solid colors. They consist of multiple layers – typically a base color, a pearl or tint mid-coat, and a clearcoat. This layering gives them their unique depth and shimmer.

• Layering is key: When touching up these colors, it is crucial to apply each layer (base, pearl/tint, clear) separately and allow adequate drying time between coats. Rushing the process can result in an uneven or mismatched finish.
• Practice makes perfect: If you're new to tri-coat touch-ups, consider practicing on a discreet area or a test panel to get a feel for the application and layering.
• Professional help: For larger repairs or if you're aiming for a flawless finish on a pearl or tri-coat, professional body shop expertise is highly recommended, as these paints are challenging to match perfectly by hand.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.