2020 Chevrolet Tahoe — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Note: GM lists paint as an RPO code (three letters, e.g., GBA) and a WA number (e.g., WA-8555). If your color isn’t shown, or for late/limited colors, confirm by VIN with a dealer or paint supplier before ordering.

Where to find your paint code

On the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, the factory paint code is on the GM Service Parts Identification (SPID) label:

• Primary location: Inside the glove box on a white SPID sticker listing dozens of three‑character RPO codes. Your exterior paint will appear as a code like GBA, GAZ, GAN, etc. Some labels also list the WA number (e.g., WA8555) or show “BC/CC U8555.”
• Secondary locations (less common): Cargo area side panel or under the center console lid on some builds. The driver‑side door/B‑pillar certification label usually does NOT list the paint code (it’s for tire and GVWR info).
• If you can’t find the SPID label: Your Chevrolet dealer can pull the paint code from the VIN, and most paint suppliers can decode the VIN as well.

Tip: Snap a photo of the entire SPID label. Suppliers often prefer both the RPO and the WA number to ensure the best formula match.

Best touch-up paint sources

• Dupli-Color: Widely available OEM‑match pens and aerosols for common GM codes like GBA, GAZ, and GAN. Convenient for small chips and scuffs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Offers primer, basecoat, mid‑coat (for tri‑coats), and clear in bottles, pens, and aerosols. Good color accuracy and complete systems.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Order by RPO/WA and they’ll mix base, mid‑coat (where applicable), and clear to your code; useful for spray‑gun or pro‑level aerosol touch‑ups.
• Chevrolet dealer: Can confirm your exact code by VIN and often supply factory‑spec bottles or pens for mainstream colors.

Always order using your exact code(s). For tri‑coats like Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (G1W) and Cajun Red Tintcoat (GSK), make sure you receive the separate mid‑coat along with primer, base, and clear.

How to use touch-up paint

1. Clean: Wash with soap, then wipe the repair area with wax/grease remover. Remove loose paint and light surface rust (320–600 grit).
2. Mask: Protect surrounding panels and trim. For chips, a steady hand with a fine brush may be enough; for larger spots, use masking tape/paper.
3. Prime: Apply a thin, compatible primer to bare metal or plastic. Let it flash and lightly scuff if needed.
4. Basecoat: Apply the color in light, even passes. Allow proper flash time between coats. Build coverage without flooding the area.
5. Mid‑coat (tri‑coats only): Apply the translucent pearl/tint layer in very light passes. The number of coats controls depth and hue—go slowly.
6. Clearcoat: Finish with clear to restore gloss and protection. Apply 2–3 light coats, allowing flash time.
7. Cure and refine: After curing, you can nib sand dust with 1500–3000 grit and polish to blend the gloss with the surrounding panel.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

• Confirm the exact code: GM uses both an RPO (e.g., G1W) and a WA number. Variants can exist; ask your supplier if there are multiple formulas for your code and which one matches your VIN build.
• Groundcoat matters: Many pearls require a specific base/ground color underneath. Using the recommended groundcoat is critical to reach the right brightness and flop.
• Control film build: Tri‑coats change dramatically with each mid‑coat pass. Do a spray‑out card first, comparing to the vehicle in sunlight and shade.
• Blend when possible: Even with a perfect formula, metallic/pearl orientation can differ slightly. Blend color into the adjacent panel and clear a larger area for the least visible repair.
• Temperature and technique: Keep temperatures in the recommended range and maintain consistent gun distance/angle so metallics and pearls lay uniformly.
• Lighting check: Evaluate your test panel in daylight and under LEDs. Reds and pearls especially can shift under different light.

If your Tahoe’s color isn’t listed above or you suspect a late‑availability hue (e.g., Shadow Gray Metallic variations), verify the exact RPO/WA by VIN before ordering.

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