Chevrolet Crystal Silver Metallic (18J/13 WA8905) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Back in the mid-eighties, this color was a staple for the small-but-mighty Chevrolet Spectrum and Sprint. These cars were all about efficiency and nimble city driving, and choosing a silver finish gave these budget-friendly imports a sharper, more technical appearance than the flat solids of the era. Since your car has likely spent nearly forty years facing the elements, the original finish might have a slight patina, but this specific silver has a clean, bright character that helps it blend far better than darker, more complex shades.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with tiny flakes that catch the light to create depth. Because those flakes are heavier than the paint itself, they like to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix it thoroughly, the color will look dull or patchy. Metallics are also prone to a phenomenon called mottling, where the flakes group together and look like dark clouds or stripes. To avoid this, you need to ensure an even flow and avoid letting the paint pool in one spot.

Best Practices

Before you start layering Chevrolet Crystal Silver Metallic (usually found near code 18J/13 WA8905), make sure you shake the container for a full minute to get those flakes moving. On these older imports, you can usually find your identification sticker inside the glove box or on the firewall under the hood. Once you have cleaned the area, test the color on the included card to check the match against your aged paint. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and keep the container moving at a steady pace to ensure the metallic particles lay down flat. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets properly without sagging.