Compatible with the following Pontiacs:

Models: Trans Sport, Firebird, Vibe
Years: 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

To determine if Bright Red is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 81U/WA917K.

Paint Products in Bright Red 81U/WA917K

Whether you’re repairing tiny rock chips, medium scratches, or larger damaged areas, we have the right product for you:

Color Match Guarantee

Color Match Guarantee

We guarantee a perfect match, or we'll replace your paint for free!

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 Pontiac color code

How to Find Your Pontiac's Color Code

Pontiac placed paint code labels in many spots across years, so they can be hard to locate. Common locations include the glove box or the spare tire well; beyond that, placement can be anywhere. Codes appear like 51/WA316N, often shown as BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N, and may include U or L for two tone (U316N, L316N). Example names tied to codes include Slate Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Mist Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Clearcoat, Inca Metallic Clearcoat.

More about Pontiac color codes
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Custom paint for your Pontiac

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 Pontiac in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Bright Red 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

Bright Red

The Look

This is the quintessential "Hot Pontiac" red. It is a bold, primary shade that defined the final decade of the brand. On a fourth-generation Firebird, it looks aggressive and fast. On a Vibe or Trans Sport, it provides a much-needed punch of personality that stands out against the gray plastic cladding often found on those models. Because your car has likely spent years in the sun, this color may have shifted slightly toward a flatter, matte appearance over time. It is a high-energy choice that demands attention, making it one of the most recognizable colors in the General Motors catalog from this era.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it contains no metallic flakes or pearl additives. While this makes it easier to apply without worrying about the paint looking "splotchy" or tiger-striped, solid reds are notoriously difficult to maintain. Red pigments are sensitive to UV rays and prone to oxidation. Before you apply Pontiac Bright Red (check for code 81U/WA917K), look closely at your existing finish. If the surrounding paint looks chalky or pinkish, the new touch-up will likely appear darker and richer than the aged surface. A quick polish of the area before you begin will help the new paint blend in with the old.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the Service Parts Identification sticker. For a Vibe or Trans Sport, look inside the glove box. If you are driving a Firebird, check the driver-side door jamb or the underside of the spare tire cover in the trunk. Before you start, shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure the heavy red pigments are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card to confirm the match against your specific car. When applying, keep the container moving to ensure an even coat. Red requires several thin layers to build up proper depth, so be patient and allow for adequate drying time between each pass. If you are working in a garage or the shade, make sure you have plenty of light to see the edges of your repair.

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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 Pontiac Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Yes. If your Pontiac's color code is '81U/WA917K', your paint is custom-mixed to factory specs and backed by our Color Match Guarantee. If the paint does not match your Pontiac, we will send you a replacement or refund.

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.