2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

For your 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, the paint code is typically located on a sticker in the glove box or on the service parts identification (SPID) label. This label is usually 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 after the "BC/CC" (Basecoat/Clearcoat) designation. It will be a series of letters and numbers, often starting with a "WA" followed by four digits, or a three-character code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, several reputable sources offer quality paint:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers aerosol spray cans and paint pens. They provide a good match for many factory colors and are an excellent option for DIY touch-ups.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint for all makes and models. They offer paint in pens, bottles, and aerosol cans, and are known for their precise color matching capabilities, especially for more complex colors.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For those seeking the absolute best match, a custom-mix paint supplier like Tcoat can create paint specifically for your vehicle using your exact paint code. This is often the preferred choice for pearlescent or tri-coat finishes.
• Your GMC Dealership: While often more expensive, your local GMC dealership can provide OEM-specific touch-up paint directly from the manufacturer, ensuring the best possible match.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a seamless touch-up requires a bit of patience and the right technique:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then dry it completely. Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any wax or polish residue.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): For deeper chips that have exposed bare metal, apply a thin layer of primer and allow it to dry according to the product instructions.
3. Apply basecoat: Shake the touch-up paint well. Apply thin, even coats of the base color, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Build up the paint until it's level with the surrounding surface. For paint pens, dab the paint onto the chip; for aerosol cans, use light, sweeping motions.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the basecoat is dry, apply several thin layers of clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. This step is crucial for durability and matching the factory shine.
5. Wet sand and polish (optional): For a truly professional finish, you can carefully wet sand the touched-up area with very fine-grit sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) and then polish it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Pearlescent and tri-coat paints, like Crimson Red Tintcoat, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, and White Frost Tricoat, consist of multiple layers to achieve their unique depth and shimmer. Matching these colors perfectly can be challenging:

• Layering is key: These paints are applied as a base color, followed by a translucent mid-coat (the pearl layer), and then a clear coat. When touching up, it's essential to replicate this layering process accurately.
• Test on a discreet area: Before applying to the visible damaged area, always test your touch-up paint on a hidden spot or a paint test card to ensure the color and pearl effect match.
• Build up slowly: Apply very thin coats of the pearl mid-coat, allowing each to dry fully. The number of mid-coats will determine the intensity of the pearl effect. Too much, and the color will be off; too little, and it won't have the desired shimmer.
• Consider professional help: For larger repairs or if you're uncomfortable tackling these complex colors yourself, a professional body shop will have the expertise and equipment to achieve an excellent match.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.