GMC Light Mesa Brown Metallic (38/WA9220) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is a true relic of 1988, a one-year-only shade that perfectly captures the aesthetic of late-eighties GM utility. Whether it is coating a boxy Suburban or a heavy-duty G30 van, this color was designed to bridge the gap between rugged workhorse and family cruiser. It is an earth tone that does not shout for attention, which is exactly why it looks so right on these vintage squares. Because your vehicle has likely seen over three decades of sun and road grit, the original finish might look a bit more matte than the fresh paint in your hand. This brown is practical because it hides road dust better than almost anything else from that era, but it requires a careful touch to get the depth back to factory standards.

Technical Details

You are dealing with a true metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with tiny flakes that catch the light. This creates a specific challenge: if the flakes clump together, you will see dark streaks or splotches that look like bruises on the finish. This "mottling" happens if the paint goes on too heavy or if the temperature in your garage is too cold. Metals are finicky, but they provide that classic shimmer that a solid tan just cannot replicate. Before you spray or dab GMC Light Mesa Brown Metallic (check for code 38/WA9220), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure those heavy metallic particles are suspended evenly in the liquid.

Best Practices

To find your verification tag, look inside your glove box for the Service Parts Identification sticker; it should be listed near the bottom. When you are ready to begin, find a spot in the shade and test the color on the included card to see how the metallic flakes settle. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, the secret is to apply several thin layers rather than one thick coat. Heavy coats cause the brown pigment to drown the metallic sparkle, leaving the repair looking flat and dull. Keep the container moving at all times to prevent pooling. Give it plenty of drying time between passes, and you will find that the new paint blends into the old panels without those tell-tale dark edges.