2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Keeping your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 looking pristine starts with knowing its exact factory paint color. Whether you are dealing with a minor rock chip from a gravel road, a parking lot scratch, or planning larger cosmetic upgrades, getting the right color match is critical.

Below is the complete reference guide for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, including factory color codes, where to locate your vehicle's specific code, and expert tips for applying touch-up paint.

Quick reference

General Motors typically uses two types of codes for a single color: a three-character RPO (Regular Production Option) code and a four-character "WA" paint code. Both are listed below for your convenience.

Color Name	Paint Code (RPO / WA)	Type
Summit White	GAZ / WA8624	Solid
Onyx Black	GBA / WA8555	Solid
Cardinal Red	G7C / WA130X	Solid
Volcanic Red Tintcoat	GNT / WA170H	Tintcoat / Metallic
Dynamic Blue Metallic	GLH / WA454G	Metallic
Sterling Metallic	GXD / WA130H	Metallic
Titanium Rush Metallic	G6M / WA141X	Metallic
Deep Bronze Metallic	GXN / WA135H	Metallic
Desert Sand Metallic	GTL / WA152H	Metallic
White Frost Tricoat	G1W / WA140X	Pearl / Tri-coat

Note: If you are uncertain about your specific color, always confirm your paint code via your VIN at a local GM dealer or through a trusted automotive paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

General Motors has transitioned its paint code locations over the years. For a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, finding your exact paint code is straightforward:

1. The Driver’s Side B-Pillar / Door Jamb: Open the driver's side front door. Look for the tire pressure and vehicle certification label on the B-pillar. Newer GM vehicles feature a QR code on this sticker. The paint code is often printed at the bottom of this label, preceded by the letters "U" (Upper) or "WA" (e.g., U8555 or WA8555).
2. The Glove Box (SPID Label): Historically, GM placed the Service Parts Identification (SPID) sticker inside the glove compartment. If it is still present on your specific trim, look for a silver or white sticker loaded with three-digit RPO codes. Your paint code will be at the bottom, usually starting with "BC/CC" (Basecoat/Clearcoat) followed by "U" and the four-digit code.
3. VIN Decode: If the stickers are damaged or missing, any GM dealership can pull your exact paint code by looking up your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best touch-up paint sources

Getting a high-quality paint match is essential for a seamless repair. Here are the most reliable sources for 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 touch-up paint:

• AutomotiveTouchup: Highly recommended for precise OEM color matching. They offer custom-mixed paint in bottles, paint pens, and aerosol spray cans based on your exact WA code.
• Dupli-Color: A highly accessible option available at most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O'Reilly). Dupli-Color makes Scratch Fix All-in-1 paint pens that are great for minor rock chips.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Excellent for professional-grade basecoat and clearcoat touch-ups. They mix the paint to order, ensuring it accounts for factory variations.
• Your Local GMC Dealership: OEM AC Delco touch-up paint pens and small brush bottles can be ordered directly from your local GMC parts department. This is a very safe bet for standard colors like Summit White or Onyx Black.

How to use touch-up paint

For the best results, patience and proper preparation are key. Follow these steps when repairing minor chips or scratches:

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the damaged area. Use a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, oil, or old wax. The surface must be completely bare.
2. Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a light dab of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 30 minutes to an hour).
3. Base Coat: Shake your touch-up paint vigorously. Apply the color basecoat in light, thin layers using a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick for tiny chips. Wait 15-20 minutes between coats until the color covers the primer and is flush with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: Most modern automotive paints, including the Sierra's, require a clear coat to protect the paint and match the factory gloss. Once the basecoat is fully dry, apply a thin layer of clear coat. Allow it to cure for a few days before lightly polishing the area to blend it.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

If your Sierra is painted in a complex color like White Frost Tricoat (G1W) or Volcanic Red Tintcoat (GNT), touch-up repairs require extra care.

Tri-coats consist of three layers: a solid base color, a translucent pearl/metallic mid-coat, and a protective clear coat.

• Always practice on a piece of scrap metal or cardboard first.
• The final color shifts depending on how many layers of the pearl mid-coat you apply. Apply the mid-coat very sparingly; one or two thin layers are usually enough to match the surrounding factory shimmer.
• If you apply too much mid-coat, the repaired spot will look darker or yellower than the rest of the truck.

For large scratches or extensive damage involving complex tri-coats, touch-up pens often fall short, and professional blending is required.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius to restore your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 to its showroom glory!