COLOR CODE8945 - Charcoal Effect (Wheel)Pontiac Touch-Up Paint

The Look

If you are driving a late-model Grand Prix, specifically the GXP, you know these wheels are what give the car its teeth. This isn't your standard grocery-getter silver. This color was a bold choice for 2007 and 2008, designed to look more like liquid metal than paint. It is a deep, moody gray that does a fantastic job of masking brake dust while maintaining a high-performance edge. Since your Pontiac has likely seen a decade or two of road salt and curb checks, this finish is the key to restoring that aggressive, factory-fresh stance that set the GXP apart from the base models.

Technical Details

This finish is a pearl, which means it behaves differently than a simple solid gray. The "Effect" in the name refers to tiny pearlescent flakes suspended in the pigment that catch the light and create depth. The benefit is a finish that looks expensive and multi-dimensional; the risk is that these heavy particles love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you don't get them moving, your repair will look like a flat, muddy gray instead of the shimmering charcoal it's supposed to be. Metallic and pearl finishes also show every imperfection, so the smoother you apply your layers, the better the light will dance off the wheel.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Pontiac Charcoal Effect (Wheel) (check for code 8945), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You should hear the mixing ball rattling vigorously to ensure the pearl flakes are evenly distributed. You can usually find your paint code sticker inside the glove box or on the underside of the trunk lid; look for a silver or white "Service Parts Identification" label. When you are ready to begin, test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current wheel aging. To avoid dark spots or "mottling," keep the container moving in steady, even passes and work in the shade to prevent the paint from drying too quickly.