Compatible with the following GMCs:

Models: M Van, Med. Duty Truck, Safari, Suburban
Years: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

To determine if Gunmetal Metallic is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 83/WA8915.

Paint Products in Gunmetal Metallic 83/WA8915

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 Gunmetal 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

Gunmetal Metallic

The Look

This is the quintessential professional shade from the late-eighties GMC lineup. Whether it was cladding a Suburban hauling a family to the lake or a Safari van serving as a mobile office, this color provided an industrial, heavy-duty aesthetic that suited the boxy lines of the era. It is a deep, serious grey that feels grounded and purposeful. Since your vehicle has likely been on the road for over thirty years, the original finish has probably matured into a flatter, more matte version of itself. This color is a champion at hiding road grime and minor surface dust, making it one of the most practical choices of its generation.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on a high concentration of tiny flakes to create its depth and character. The primary challenge with a metallic like this is avoiding mottling, which looks like dark, cloudy streaks or "tiger stripes" in the finish. This happens when the metallic flakes aren't distributed evenly, causing them to bunch up and reflect light poorly. Because the flakes are heavier than the paint itself, they want to settle. If the paint is applied too heavily in one spot, the flakes will swim and pool together, ruining the uniform look of your repair.

Best Practices

You will usually find your paint code on the silver Service Parts Identification sticker located inside the glove box. Before you spray or dab GMC Gunmetal Metallic (check for code 83/WA8915), you need to shake the container vigorously for at least one full minute. This ensures the metallic particles are fully suspended in the mix. Test the color on the included card to see how well it matches your current paint, as decades of sun exposure can shift the original shade. Always work in your garage or the shade to keep the metal cool and extend your drying time. To get the best result, apply several thin layers rather than one heavy coat, and keep the container moving at a steady pace to ensure those flakes lay down flat and even.

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Need a different color?

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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 '83/WA8915' 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.