Each General Motors (GM) vehicle has a paint code for its color. The paint code is in a reference computer database that tells a painter what quantity of each color to mix for the final product. Touch-up paints from dealerships have paint codes to match to the original color when a car owner is repairing a small area. Collision experts rely on the paint code to do body work and repaint large portions of vehicles so they will match in color.
Locate the service parts identification sticker on the GM vehicle. The majority of vehicles have this sticker mounted in the glove box.
Read the bottom line in the series of numbers on the sticker.
Write down BC and the number following it. This is the base coat or undercoat color of the vehicle. Some cars and trucks have a different undercoat or base coat with a different color of topcoat to achieve depth in the final color.
Write down CC on a piece of paper to note that the vehicle has a top layer of clear coat paint to add a mirror-like image.
Write down U and the number following it. This is either the upper color of a vehicle or the main color code for the vehicle. Some cars and trucks have a different paint code on the roof, hood and truck that varies from the side of the body.
Write down the U and L, each with their own paint code. This is the upper and lower colors on a two-tone truck or the body color and the bumper color on a car.
