Compatible with the following Cadillacs:

Models: Catera
Years: 1997

To determine if Slate Pearl is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 86U/WA171D.

Paint Products in Slate Pearl 86U/WA171D

Whether you’re repairing tiny rock chips, medium scratches, or larger damaged areas, we have the right product for you:

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 Slate Pearl 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

Slate Pearl

The Look

This color is a ghost from 1997. It was a one-year-only special for the Catera-the "Caddy that zigs." It isn't just a standard grey. It's a moody, shape-shifting slate that carries a heavy secret of purple and blue undertones. In the shade, it looks professional and muted. Once you get it out of the garage and into the sun, the pearl wakes up and gives the car a deep, liquid metallic glow. It hides road dust better than almost any other shade from that era.

Technical Details

This is a true pearl finish, not a basic metallic. That means it uses translucent mica flakes rather than just aluminum bits. It creates a lot of depth, but it's sensitive. If you apply it too heavy in one spot, the pearl will "flop," making that area look darker or muddy compared to the rest of the panel. The goal is thin, even layers. You want the light to bounce off those flakes at the same angle across the whole repair.

Best Practices

On the Catera, you'll usually find the silver Service Parts Identification sticker on the right side of the trunk compartment or inside the glove box. Before you spray or dab Cadillac Slate Pearl (check for code 86U/WA171D), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The heavy pearl pigments settle quickly and will stay at the bottom if you don't mix them thoroughly. Test the color on the included card to see how the mica lays down. Keep the container moving to prevent pooling. Always watch your drying time between coats so the pearl stays suspended exactly where you want it.

get rid of the toolbelts and aprons.

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
View the Before & After Gallery >

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
Read more reviews on Google >

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?

Because your Cadillac is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching Cadillac color code '86U/WA171D' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

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.