Pontiac Antique Bronze Metallic (53/WA317N) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color arrived during a transitional era for Pontiac. It gave the Grand Prix a sophisticated, executive look and made the Montana feel more upscale than your average minivan. Because it is a deep earth tone, it is a very forgiving color for daily drivers. It manages to hide a layer of road salt or dust better than almost any other finish from that decade. It does not scream for attention like a bright red, but it glows with a rich warmth when you get your G3 or G5 out from under the shade of your garage and into the direct sunlight.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny flakes to create its depth. These flakes can be temperamental. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallics will sink and create dark, blotchy patches. If you go too light, the texture might feel dry and rough. The goal is to achieve an even distribution so the light hits all the flakes at the same angle. Since your car has likely seen a few years of weather, the existing paint might have shifted slightly, but this bronze family is generally excellent at masking small transitions between the old finish and your new repair.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on the Service Parts Identification sticker inside your glove box or attached to the underside of the trunk lid. Before you start applying Pontiac Antique Bronze Metallic (check for code 53/WA317N), you must shake the container for at least a full minute to ensure the metallic particles are not sitting at the bottom. Test the color on the included card first to verify the match against your current bodywork. When you begin, keep the container moving at a steady pace to avoid any build-up that could cause the flakes to clump or the paint to sag. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets flat and smooth before you apply your final clear coat.