COLOR CODE81/WA8774 - Flame RedGMC Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive face of GMC in the late eighties. If you are working on a 1989 Sierra, Jimmy, or a square-body Suburban, this shade defined that era's workhorse look. It is a bold, high-energy red that stays visible in any weather. Since your truck has likely spent three decades under the sun, the original paint might have lost some of its factory brightness. This red is prone to fading, so you are likely dealing with a surface that looks a bit flatter than it did when it first left the lot.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish. You will not find any metallic flakes or pearls hiding in the mixture. The lack of sparkle makes it much easier to touch up than a modern silver or gold because you do not have to worry about the direction of the flake. However, solid reds are unforgiving. They show every chip and every ridge in the repair. Before you apply GMC Flame Red (check for code 81/WA8774), you must ensure the surface is clean. Any leftover oxidation or "chalkiness" on the old paint will make your new application look darker than the original.

Best Practices

Start by looking for your paint code on the white Service Parts Identification sticker inside your glove box. To get a high-quality result, you need to mix those heavy red pigments thoroughly. Shake your container for at least sixty seconds before you start. Always test the color on the included card to confirm the match before you touch the vehicle. When you apply the paint in your garage, keep the container moving to get an even layer. Give it enough drying time between coats so the paint stays where you put it and does not sag.