GMC Merlot Jewel Metallic (79/WA517Q) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color was the premium choice for the GMC Canyon and Terrain between 2010 and 2012. It is a deep, wine-inspired red that shifts its personality depending on the light. In the garage or under a shade tree, it looks like a dark, sophisticated maroon, but once the sun hits it, the jewel-like sparkle really comes alive. Since your truck has been on the road for over a decade, the original finish might have darkened or faded slightly compared to the factory-fresh pigment in your hand, so pay close attention to the blend during application.

Technical Details

This is a complex metallic finish, which means it requires more focus than a standard solid color. The depth comes from tiny flakes suspended in the paint, but those flakes are heavy and prone to clumping. If you apply the paint too thick or hold your hand still for too long, you will end up with dark, muddy spots known as mottling. This happens because the metallic particles don't have enough room to lay flat. To get the sparkle to stay even, you need to rely on light, patient layers. Because this is a basecoat, it will look dull until you apply the clear coat to lock in the shine.

Best Practices

You can find the confirmation sticker for your paint code inside the glove box on the Service Parts Identification label. Before you spray or dab GMC Merlot Jewel Metallic (check for code 79/WA517Q), you need to shake the container for a full sixty seconds. The heavy metallic flakes in this specific red love to settle at the bottom, and if they are not fully mixed, your repair will look like a completely different shade. Test the color on the included card to see how the flake settles before you touch the vehicle. When you begin, keep the container moving to maintain a consistent flow and allow for plenty of drying time between layers to prevent the paint from pooling.