GMC Dark Red (48/WA9096) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive workhorse shade for a generation of trucks. If you own an S-Series or a classic Full Size Pick-Up from the early nineties, you know this color as the backbone of the GMC lineup. It provided a professional, heavy-duty look for the Suburban that skipped the flash of the era for something more substantial. Because your vehicle has likely seen decades of sun and work, this red has probably matured. Solid reds from this period tend to lose their luster and shift toward a flatter maroon if they haven't been kept under cover, so your repair will likely be the brightest spot on the panel.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is a relief for anyone working in a driveway or a garage. You do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or creating dark stripes. However, solid colors are honest. They show every bit of texture and every ripple in your prep work because there is no metallic sparkle to distract the eye. Before you spray or dab GMC Dark Red (check for code 48/WA9096), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. The pigments in a deep red like this are heavy and like to settle at the bottom. If you do not mix it thoroughly, the color will look thin and translucent rather than deep and rich.

Best Practices

You can find your confirmation sticker inside the glove box on the Service Parts Identification label. Look for the "WA" prefix followed by the four-digit sequence. When you are ready to begin, test the color on the included card to ensure it matches the current state of your faded paint. To get the best result, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes. If you are using a brush or a pen, use light coats to build the color up. Applying a thick blob of red will result in a dark spot that takes a long drying time to harden. Work in the shade to prevent the metal from getting too hot, which can cause the paint to dry before it has a chance to lay flat.