Saturn Medium Gray (83B) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color arrived right at the finish line for the brand, appearing almost exclusively on the redesigned 2008 Vue. It provides a technical, industrial aesthetic that leans more toward a charcoal tone than a light silver. Since your Vue has likely been navigating the world for well over a decade, the original finish has probably weathered a bit, making this one of the more forgiving shades for a home repair. It is a workhorse color that does a fine job of hiding road grime and salt between washes.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with tiny silver flakes. While these flakes give the car its depth, they can be tricky during application. If you apply the paint too heavily, the metallic particles will clump together and create dark, blotchy areas known as mottling. You want a light touch here. The goal is to let the flakes settle evenly across the surface so they catch the light the same way the factory finish does.

Best Practices

You will usually find the silver identification sticker inside your glove box, though you should also check the driver side door jamb if it is not there. Before you spray or dab Saturn Medium Gray (check for code 83B), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Test the color on the included card to ensure the metallic density looks right before you move to the car. When you begin the repair in the shade or a garage, keep the container moving to ensure an even distribution of flakes. Use thin layers and allow for plenty of drying time between passes to build the color without the paint pooling.