Compatible with the following GMCs:

Models: Medium Duty
Years: 1980

To determine if Brown Metallic is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 81 (1980).

Paint Products in Brown Metallic 81 (1980)

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 GMC color code

How to Find Your GMC's Color Code

GMC placed paint codes in many different locations, making them difficult to find, and GM did not standardize the color plate location across makes and models. Codes are often found in the glove box or the spare tire well; otherwise they could be elsewhere. Typical format: 51/WA316N, usually preceded by BC/CC (e.g., BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N). Two-tone entries may use U or L for Upper or Lower (e.g., BC/CC U316N or BC/CC L316N).

More about GMC color codes
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Custom paint for your GMC

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 GMC in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Brown Metallic 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

Brown Metallic

The Look

This color belongs to the era of honest, hard-working trucks. While modern browns often lean toward a copper or bronze finish, this particular shade is deep, earthy, and grounded. Because it was primarily used on Medium Duty trucks, it was designed to hide the dust and grime of a construction site or a rural highway. Since your vehicle has likely been on the road since 1980, the original finish has probably mellowed into a warmer, flatter tone. This makes it an ideal candidate for touch-ups, as the deep pigments are forgiving and help new paint blend into the character of a seasoned workhorse.

Technical Details

You are working with a metallic finish, which means the paint is loaded with fine flakes that create its signature depth. These flakes are heavier than the paint itself and will naturally sink to the bottom of the container. If you apply the paint too heavily or unevenly, these particles can clump together and create a blotchy look known as mottling. This is why you must maintain a consistent flow and a steady rhythm. Metallic paints are less about the depth of the color and more about how those tiny flakes catch the light, so keeping the application light is the secret to a professional-looking repair.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab GMC Brown Metallic (check for code 81 (1980)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can verify your paint code by checking the Service Parts Identification label, which is usually found inside the glove box on these vintage GMC models. Always work in the shade and test the color on the included card before you touch the truck. This ensures the metallic flake density matches your current finish. Apply the paint in thin, light layers to prevent the flakes from swimming. Give each layer a few minutes of drying time so the finish sets properly, which prevents the paint from sagging or looking dark in some spots and light in others. Keep the container moving at all times to ensure the flakes lay down flat for a uniform glow.

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 GMC Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your GMC 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 GMC color code '81 (1980)' 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.