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General Motors runs one of the industry's largest shared paint code systems, spanning Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac, with codes like Summit White among the most widely referenced across the entire GM family of brands.
Below you will find the GM factory colors we have on record, organised by model and model year, with the OEM paint code for each, plus guidance on finding the exact code on your vehicle, which remains the only fully reliable source for any specific repair or paint order.
Find your GM model
Most widely used GM factory colors
These colors appear across the most models. Codes in the last column are the main factory code; alternates for the same color are listed on each model page.
| Color | Paint code | Model years | Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 40 |
1980–2015 | 1 |
| Black | 41 |
1980–2009 | 1 |
| Bright Red | 81 |
1982–2006 | 1 |
| Dark Blue | 29 |
1970–1999 | 1 |
| Dark Green | 46 |
1970–2002 | 1 |
| Medium Green | 47 |
1970–2013 | 1 |
| Medium Blue | 23 |
1970–2010 | 1 |
| Arctic White | 10 |
1992–2009 | 1 |
| Bright Blue | 25 |
1974–2005 | 1 |
| Olympic White | 50 |
1993–2012 | 1 |
| Silver | 13 |
1972–1989 | 1 |
| Arctic White | G8G |
2010–2025 | 1 |
| Classic White | 10 |
1970–1984 | 1 |
| Light Driftwood | 33 |
1987–2006 | 1 |
| Red | 86 |
1990–2009 | 1 |
| Red Hot | G7C |
2010–2025 | 1 |
Swatches are approximate screen colors picked from the color name. The paint code is the real identifier.
GM's Color History
General Motors' shared paint code system across Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac reflects the practical efficiency of a large multi-brand manufacturer, allowing common colors to be produced at scale while still permitting brand-specific or model-specific distinctive options.
Each GM brand has, at various points, developed its own color identity within the shared system — Cadillac historically leaning toward more premium, distinctive metallics, while Chevrolet and GMC have offered a broader mix of practical and bold options across their truck and car lineups.
Digital VIN decoding tools have made cross-referencing GM's shared brand system considerably more reliable than in past decades, when paper reference guides sometimes lagged behind mid-year running changes to color availability.
Where to Find Your GM Paint Code
GM vehicles typically list the paint code on a certification label in the driver's-side door jamb, often alongside the VIN and other build information, consistent across most GM brands and models.
If the label is missing or illegible, a GM dealer's parts department (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac depending on your specific vehicle) can decode the VIN to recover the original factory paint code.
On some older GM vehicles, the label format has changed across the decades, and certain classic models used a separate build sheet found inside the seats or trunk area rather than a simple door jamb sticker — GM enthusiast communities are often a good resource for identifying these older formats.
How GM's Color Program Has Changed
Because GM's paint code system spans multiple brands, some colors and codes are shared across Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models, while others are brand- or model-specific. This shared system can make sourcing common colors like Summit White straightforward, while brand-specific or limited-run colors require more targeted confirmation.
GM periodically refreshes its color lineup alongside model generation changes, so a code from an older model year isn't guaranteed to still be current, even under a similar-sounding color name.
One more practical note: if your vehicle has ever had prior body work, don't assume the existing paint on every panel is necessarily the original factory code — a previous repair may have used a close but not identical match. If you're planning a larger project, it's worth checking a panel you're confident is original (often the roof or an inner door jamb, areas less likely to have been repainted) against the code before assuming the whole vehicle is consistent.
Model-Specific Notes
Truck lines (Silverado, Sierra) have historically offered a somewhat different color mix than GM's car and crossover lineup, often leaning toward practical, work-oriented tones alongside bolder special edition options on higher trims.
Ordering Touch-Up Paint or a Repair for Your GM
Always provide your full paint code along with your VIN and specific GM brand (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac) when ordering touch-up paint or requesting a repair quote, since the shared GM system means specifying the brand helps avoid confusion between similarly-coded but formulation-different options.
For a repair beyond a small touch-up, ask your shop to test-spray and compare against your actual panel in daylight, particularly for metallic GM colors where flake matching matters as much as base hue.
If you're ordering for a DIY touch-up rather than a professional repair, spray cans and touch-up pens are suitable for small chips but won't achieve the blend quality of a professionally sprayed and cleared panel, worth keeping in mind for larger areas.
Given the shared GM system, most automotive paint suppliers stock common colors across Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac without difficulty. Specify your exact brand and model when ordering to avoid any cross-brand confusion.
Common Mistakes When Matching GM Paint
A common mistake is assuming a code is identical across all GM brands just because the numbering system is shared — always confirm against your specific vehicle's own label or VIN rather than assuming cross-brand compatibility. Another common mistake is not specifying which GM brand you're ordering for, since some paint suppliers organize their systems by brand even within the shared GM code framework.
It's also worth remembering that even a perfectly correct code produces a freshly-mixed paint that may look slightly different from years-old, sun-faded factory paint on the rest of the vehicle — an experienced painter will typically blend the edges of a repair into adjacent panels specifically to smooth over that natural aging gap, rather than relying on the code alone to guarantee an invisible repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac all use the same paint codes?
They share a common underlying paint code system, but specific color availability and exact formulations can vary by brand and model — always confirm using your specific vehicle's own label or VIN.
Is Summit White a common GM color?
Yes, it's one of the most widely recognized and requested codes across the GM family of brands, reflecting white's broad popularity generally.
Can any GM dealer look up my paint code, or only my specific brand's dealer?
Any GM-affiliated dealer parts department can typically decode a GM VIN, though your specific brand's dealer (Chevrolet, GMC, etc.) may have the most direct access to your model's exact records.
Does GM reuse paint codes across different colors over time?
It's uncommon but not impossible for the specific formulation tied to a code to shift across many years, so confirming your specific model year adds accuracy.
Does Cadillac use different paint codes than Chevrolet?
Cadillac shares the underlying GM system but has historically offered its own more premium-positioned color selection — always confirm using your specific vehicle's own label or VIN.
Are GM truck colors different from GM car colors?
Often yes — truck lines tend to offer a different mix of colors than GM's car and crossover lineup, though some common colors are shared.
Does paint color affect the resale value of a GM vehicle?
Common, broadly appealing colors (white, black, gray, silver) generally support resale value slightly better than very bold or unusual colors, though this effect is typically modest compared to the vehicle's overall condition and history.
Can I request a custom, non-factory color for my GM?
Yes, most body shops can custom-mix a color outside the factory palette, though it will need to be treated and documented as a custom color for any future matching rather than pulled from a standard factory code.
Are electric GM vehicles offered in different colors than gas models?
Some GM electric vehicles have introduced colors specific to those model lines, so confirm availability for your exact vehicle rather than assuming full overlap with gas-powered equivalents.
Will a repaired panel on my GM ever look 100% identical to the original?
With the correct code, quality materials, and a skilled painter blending the edges, a repair can look extremely close to invisible, though factors like the original paint's age and fading mean a truly perfect, undetectable match isn't always guaranteed on an older vehicle.
Does the color of my GM affect its insurance cost?
No, paint color has no bearing on insurance premiums for any vehicle, GM included — rates are based on the vehicle's make, model, and risk profile.
Does location affect the price?
Yes — labor rates and material costs vary meaningfully by region, so the same job can price differently between a major metro area and a smaller local market. Get quotes locally rather than relying on a national average.
Is GM's paint code system used the same way for older and newer vehicles?
The core door-jamb-label and VIN-decode approach has remained fairly consistent, though label format and exact placement have evolved somewhat across many decades of GM production.
Other makes
Color names, codes and model-year ranges come from public reference listings (chiefly ChipFixx) and may contain gaps or errors. Always verify against your vehicle's label or VIN before ordering paint. Spot a mistake? Let us know.