GMC Light Blue Metallic (25 (1980)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you are working on a 1980 C10-C30 Series truck or one of the classic G-Series Vans, you are dealing with a color that defines the peak of the square-body era. This shade is a crisp, airy blue that feels lighter than the heavy navy tones of the late seventies. It gives your vehicle a clean, utilitarian aesthetic that looks just as good on a base-model work truck as it does on a fully loaded Sierra Classic. Because your GMC has likely been on the road for over four decades, the original finish has probably mellowed, making a fresh touch-up look surprisingly vibrant against the aged panels.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means the paint is loaded with tiny aluminum flakes designed to reflect the sun. Metallic paints are notorious for a phenomenon called mottling, where the silver flakes cluster together and create dark, cloudy spots or tiger stripes. This usually happens if the paint is applied too heavily or if the container is held too close to the surface. To avoid this, you need to be mindful of your spray distance and maintain a steady flow. If the flakes do not lay down flat and even, the repair will look like a different shade of blue entirely once it catches the light.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab GMC Light Blue Metallic (check for code 25 (1980) on the service sticker inside your glove box), you need to shake the container for at least two full minutes. The metallic particles in this specific 1980 blend are heavy and like to settle at the bottom; if you do not mix them thoroughly, the color will come out looking thin or translucent. Find a comfortable spot in your garage or a well-ventilated patch of shade to keep the drying time consistent. Always test the color on the included card to see how the metallic grain settles before you move to the actual vehicle. Keep the container moving in smooth, overlapping passes to ensure the flakes distribute naturally across the repair area.