Chevrolet Silver Blue (83C) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you drive an Impala, Malibu, Traverse, or Silverado from the late 2000s, you are likely looking at one of the most practical shades Chevrolet ever produced. This color is a master of disguise, sitting right on the fence between a light sky blue and a classic sterling silver. It became a staple because it hides road grime and light salt better than almost any other finish in the lineup. Since your vehicle has probably been on the road for at least a decade, you will notice that this shade has a subtle, sophisticated character that feels more premium than a basic silver but less loud than a true blue.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it relies on a heavy load of fine aluminum flakes to give the paint its shimmer and depth. Metallic paints are prone to mottling, which is a fancy way of saying the flakes can bunch up and create dark, cloudy patches or stripes if you are not careful. Because the base color is so light, any unevenness in how those flakes lay down will stand out as a shadow. The goal is to keep the metallic particles suspended evenly so the blue tint looks consistent across the entire repair area rather than looking patchy or splotchy.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Silver Blue (check for code 83C), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to ensure the heavy metallic flakes at the bottom of the container mix thoroughly with the blue pigment. You can find your paint code on the Service Parts Identification sticker, which is almost always located inside your glove box or tucked under the spare tire cover in the trunk. Always test the color on the included card before you touch the car to see how the flakes settle. When you are working in your garage or in the shade, apply several thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Keeping the container moving at a steady pace will prevent the paint from pooling and help those metallic flakes lay flat for a clean, factory-style finish. Make sure to allow plenty of drying time between each layer to avoid dragging the previous coat.