Chevrolet Dark Denim Grey Effect (88U/WA438N) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a moody, professional charcoal that defines the understated era of the 2007 to 2009 Captiva and Epica. It is not just a flat grey; the "Effect" in the name suggests a depth that keeps the car looking clean even when you have skipped a few washes. Because your Chevrolet has likely been on the road for over a decade, this shade is a practical ally that hides minor road grime and aging better than a bright silver. It is a workhorse color for a workhorse car, providing a sophisticated metallic sheen that makes the vehicle feel more substantial than its price tag suggests.

Technical Details

This finish relies on metallic particles to create its signature depth. When you use this paint, you are dealing with tiny flakes that need to lay flat to catch the light correctly. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will bunch together and cause mottling, which looks like dark, cloudy patches or uneven stripes. To avoid this, you must ensure the flakes are perfectly suspended. Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Dark Denim Grey Effect (check for code 88U/WA438N), you need to shake the container vigorously for at least a full minute. This ensures the metallic particles are not trapped at the bottom, which is the most common cause of a color that looks "off" once it dries.

Best Practices

Finding your paint code on a Chevrolet from this era can be a scavenger hunt, but you should start by checking the silver Service Parts Identification sticker inside the glove box or on the passenger side door jamb. Once you have the right match, move your project into a covered garage or a patch of shade to keep the surface cool. Test the color on the included card before touching the car to see how the fresh paint interacts with your specific level of fading. When you start the repair, keep the container moving at all times to prevent the paint from pooling. Use thin, light layers and allow plenty of drying time between each one. If you rush the process, the metallic flakes will sink and the repair will end up looking darker than the rest of the panel.