Buick Opel Touch Up Paint (38 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

The Buick Opel line didn't just show up to the party; it arrived in a Technicolor dreamcoat. With 38 recorded colors, Buick really went for it, offering everything from the earthy Antique Bronze Iridescent to the "look at me" Signal Green and the sunshine-soaked Rallye Gold. Whether you're rocking Jade Mist or the fiery Flame Glow, these names tell you one thing: this car was designed to be noticed in a parking lot full of brown sedans.

What to Watch For

Because these cars come from an era of transition-part German engineering, part Japanese manufacturing, and all Buick branding-finding your paint code is a bit of a treasure hunt. Start your search under the hood; look for a metal plate riveted to the radiator core support (the metal bar right in front of the radiator) or the firewall.

As for the paint itself, these vintage finishes are prone to "chalking," where the top layer of color gets a dull, cloudy look from years of sun. You might also notice small, brittle chips on the leading edge of the hood. Don't worry, though-the metal on these old beauties is sturdy, and as long as you catch those chips before the "orange freckles" (rust) set in, you're in good shape.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since many of these Buick Opel colors are "Iridescent" or "Poly," they contain tiny metallic flakes that love to settle at the bottom of the bottle. If you're using a touch-up pen or brush, shake that bottle for a full two minutes-long after you think you're done, keep shaking. This ensures the "Poly" sparkles are actually on your brush and not stuck to the glass.

When applying, remember that these classic colors require patience. Instead of trying to fill a chip with one big glob, dab a tiny amount into the center of the chip and let it flow to the edges. If the paint looks a little dull after it dries, a quick hand-wax with a soft cloth will help your new spot find its shine and play nice with the original finish.