Chevrolet Rust Metallic (80 (1980)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from an era when earth tones and copper shades ruled the road. Since your vehicle has been around since the turn of the eighties, you are dealing with a finish that has likely matured and shifted under the sun. It carries a deep, burnt-orange depth that defines the look of classic Malibus and El Caminos. Because this shade relies on a heavy metallic presence to catch the light, it looks different at every angle. Your goal is to restore that coppery glow without making the repair look like a dark patch against the original panels.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with tiny flakes that provide its signature shimmer. These flakes are your best friend for depth but your worst enemy during application. If the paint goes on too heavy, the flakes will sink and cluster, creating dark streaks or blotches known as mottling. To keep the finish uniform, you must maintain a steady flow and a consistent distance from the surface. Metallic paints are less forgiving than solid colors, so thin layers are the only way to ensure the flakes lay down flat and reflect light evenly.

Best Practices

Locating your verification is the first step; look for the service parts identification sticker inside your glovebox or on the underside of the trunk lid. Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Rust Metallic (check for code 80 (1980)), you must shake the container for at least two minutes to fully distribute those heavy metallic particles. Do not start on the car itself. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle. Work in the shade or a cool garage, and always keep the container moving across the repair area. Give each layer ample drying time before adding the next to prevent the paint from sagging or shifting.