2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD — Paint Color Codes and Touch-Up Guide

If you are looking to fix a rock chip, touch up a bumper scrape, or do some custom bodywork on your 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD, getting the exact paint match is the most critical first step. Modern heavy-duty trucks feature complex metallic and tri-coat finishes that require precise color codes to blend seamlessly.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the factory paint colors offered for the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD, where to locate your specific code, and the best ways to execute a flawless touch-up repair.

Quick reference

Here are the factory exterior paint colors available for the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD. Note that General Motors often uses both a three-letter RPO code (e.g., GAZ) and a multi-digit WA code (e.g., WA8624). The WA code is the most reliable identifier for mixing touch-up paint.

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

Where to find your paint code

For older General Motors vehicles, the paint code was traditionally found on the Service Parts Identification (SPID) sticker in the glove box. However, for a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD, locating your paint code is much easier:

1. Driver’s Side Door Jamb (B-Pillar): Open the driver’s side door and look at the B-pillar (the vertical post where the door latches).
2. The Certification Label: You will see a black and silver sticker that contains a QR code, the VIN, and tire pressure information.
3. Finding the Code: Look toward the bottom of this sticker. You will see a code starting with BC/CC (Basecoat/Clearcoat), followed by a "U" (Upper body color) and the WA code. For example, if your truck is Summit White, it will read U8624.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your WA code, you need high-quality paint. Here are the most reliable sources:

• AutomotiveTouchup: Excellent for exact OEM color matching. They offer custom-mixed paint in pens, half-ounce brush bottles, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints/quarts.
• Dupli-Color: A highly accessible option found in most local auto parts stores. Dupli-Color offers exact-match aerosol cans and the popular "Scratch Fix All-in-1" pens, which are perfect for tiny rock chips on the highway.
• Tcoat (Custom-Mix): Specialized online retailers that provide professional-grade, custom-mixed batches based on your exact WA code to ensure a factory-fresh look.
• GMC Dealerships: Your local parts department will sell official GM AC Delco touch-up pens. These are affordable and guaranteed to match, though they are usually only available in small quantities.

How to use touch-up paint

For a durable, invisible repair, do not just dab paint into a scratch. Follow this professional process:

1. Clean the Area: Wash the scratch or chip thoroughly. Use wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to strip away any residual dirt, road grime, or old wax.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a light coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 30 minutes).
3. Apply the Basecoat: Shake your touch-up pen or bottle vigorously. Apply the color in very light, thin layers. Allow 15 to 20 minutes of drying time between each coat. Build the color up until it is flush with the surrounding paint.
4. Apply Clearcoat: Modern GMC trucks use a basecoat/clearcoat system. Once the base color is dry, apply a layer of clearcoat to protect the paint and restore the glossy factory finish.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

If your 2023 Sierra features a complex color like White Frost Tricoat or Volcanic Red Tintcoat, touch-up requires a bit more care. Tri-coats consist of a solid base color, a translucent pearl/mica mid-coat, and a clearcoat.

• Test First: Always practice on a piece of scrap metal or heavy cardboard first. The final color of a tri-coat depends heavily on how many mid-coat layers you apply.
• Layer Carefully: Apply the base color, then add the pearl mid-coat one thin layer at a time. Compare the test card to your truck until the depth and sparkle match exactly.
• Patience is Key: Because of the multi-step process, tri-coat repairs are very easy to make too dark. Go slow and allow proper flash times between layers.

Need professional help for a larger dent, deep scratch, or full panel respray? Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.