Compatible with the following Cadillacs:

Models: CTS, SRX, STS, CTS-V, STS-V
Years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012

To determine if Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 42/WA911L.

Color Match Guarantee

Color Match Guarantee

We guarantee a perfect match, or we'll replace your paint for free!

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

American-Owned Family Business

American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find Cadillac color code

How to Find Your Cadillac's Color Code

Cadillac used many locations for paint codes, making them hard to find, often impossible. GM (parent company of Cadillac) did not standardize the plate location. Usually the code is in the glove box or the spare tire well; otherwise it may be elsewhere. The typical format is 51/WA316N, usually preceded by BC/CC (e.g., BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N). There are two codes in one, and a U or L may precede for Upper or Lower. Two-tone examples: BC/CC U316N or BC/CC L316N.

More about Cadillac color codes
make her smiling and friendly

Custom paint for your Cadillac

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your Cadillac in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic

The Look

Industrial. Moody. This isn't your average rental car silver. It has a heavy, cold weight that defines the angular era of the CTS and STS. On a CTS-V, it looks like machined armor. It's a "grown-up" metallic. Subtle enough for a garage, sharp enough for the street. It hides road grime well. It also demands respect during the repair.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish. It's packed with fine aluminum flakes. That's the catch. Silver is the hardest color to match. If you go too heavy, it turns dark and muddy. Too light, and it looks like dry dust. Before you spray or dab Cadillac Dark Tarnished Silver Metallic (check for code 42/WA911L), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This isn't a suggestion. It's a requirement. Those flakes need to float.

Best Practices

Check the trunk. Pop the spare tire cover. Look for the white or silver sticker. To get a clean match, keep the container moving. Use light, even passes. Never "puddle" the paint, or the silver will look blotchy. Test the color on the included card before touching the car. Let each layer have its drying time. Patience prevents stripes.

Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

Return to search

A difference you can see

Drag the slider to compare before & after.

Before
Before
After
After

What Our Customers Are Saying

4.6 Stars (5,911 reviews)
Google Reviews
L
Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

J
Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

M
Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

Review photo

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our Cadillac Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Yes. If your Cadillac's color code is '42/WA911L', your paint is custom-mixed to factory specs and backed by our Color Match Guarantee. If the paint does not match your Cadillac, we will send you a replacement or refund.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.