Compatible with the following GMCs:

Models: C10-C30 Series, G10-G30-P Series, Medium Duty
Years: 1981

To determine if White is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 12 (1981).

Paint Products in White 12 (1981)

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 White 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

White

The Look

This shade defined the functional aesthetic of the 1981 GMC fleet, dressing everything from the C10-C30 work trucks to the long-haul G-Series vans and heavy-duty rigs. It is an honest, no-nonsense white that prioritizes visibility and utility over flashy trends. Since your vehicle has been on the road for over forty years, this color has likely matured into a slightly chalky, vintage character that owners of classic square-bodies appreciate. It does not hide the body lines; it highlights them with a clean, industrial purity that feels right at home in a garage or at a weekend meet.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning it contains no metallic flakes or iridescent pearl particles to complicate your repair. The advantage is that you do not have to worry about the color shifting or looking "tiger-striped" when viewed from different angles. The challenge, however, is that solid white is a magnet for road grime and iron fallout. Because this paint is often used on large, flat panels, any uneven application will be obvious. You are working with a pure pigment that demands a clean surface, as even a tiny speck of dust will stand out against the bright background.

Best Practices

You will usually find the identification sticker inside your glove box or on the driver-side door pillar. Before you apply GMC White (verify code 12 (1981) on your tag), you need to shake the container for a full minute to ensure the heavy white pigments are distributed. Test the color on the included card to see how it compares to your current finish, as four decades of sun might have shifted the original shade. Whether you use a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent heavy buildup and ensure a consistent drying time across the repair area.

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Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

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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 '12 (1981)' 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.