2017 Chevrolet Silverado Colors – A Professional Guide

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado features a wide range of exterior finishes designed to handle everything from job site debris to highway commutes. Identifying your specific paint code is the first step toward performing accurate touch-up repairs or matching aftermarket accessories to your truck’s factory look.

Choosing the right hue for your truck often involves more than just aesthetics. Whether you are a weekend DIYer looking to fix a rock chip or an off-road enthusiast planning a custom build, understanding the nuances of the 2017 chevrolet silverado colors ensures your vehicle maintains its professional appearance and resale value. In this guide, we will break down every available shade, explain how to find your paint code, and provide expert tips for maintaining that showroom shine.

You probably take great pride in the way your truck looks when it is cleaned up and parked in the driveway. It is frustrating when you notice a scratch or need to replace a mirror cap and realize there are three different shades of white available for that year. We promise to simplify this process by giving you the exact codes and locations you need to find your match. We will preview the full color palette, show you how to read the Service Parts Identification Label, and discuss the best practices for paint maintenance.

The Complete List of 2017 chevrolet silverado colors

The 2017 model year offered a balanced mix of work-ready neutrals and high-end metallic finishes. Chevrolet categorized these into standard base coats, metallic options, and premium tricoats. Each finish requires a slightly different approach when it comes to repair and detailing.

The most common option you will see on the road is Summit White. This is a classic, non-metallic white that is favored by fleet owners for its ease of maintenance. If you are looking for something with more depth, the Iridescent Pearl Tricoat offers a multi-layered finish that shimmers under direct sunlight but requires a more complex three-step painting process for repairs.

For those who prefer darker tones, Black remains a staple. However, Chevrolet also offered Black Metallic (often referred to as Graphite Metallic in some contexts) which contains small flakes to help hide light dust and swirl marks better than a flat black. Other notable mentions include Deep Ocean Blue Metallic and Red Hot, which provide a bold look for those who want their truck to stand out.

Standard and Metallic Paint Options

Standard colors are generally easier to match because they do not contain metallic flakes that need to be oriented in a specific direction during spraying. Summit White (RPO Code GAZ, WA8624) is the gold standard for simplicity. If you have this color, you can often use a simple touch-up pen with great success.

Metallic paints, such as Silver Ice Metallic (RPO Code GAN, WA17) or Tungsten Metallic (RPO Code GXG, WA121V), contain aluminum or mica flakes. These flakes reflect light at different angles, giving the truck a “sparkle.” When repairing these 2017 chevrolet silverado colors, you must be careful with your spray technique to ensure the flakes lay down flat and match the surrounding panels.

Premium Tintcoat and Tricoat Finishes

Tintcoats and Tricoats are the most expensive options from the factory. Siren Red Tintcoat uses a tinted clear coat to give the red paint an incredible depth that a standard base coat cannot achieve. Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (RPO Code G1W, WA140X) is even more complex, consisting of a base color, a mid-coat pearl layer, and a final clear coat.

If you own a truck with these finishes, be aware that DIY repairs are significantly more difficult. A simple brush-on touch-up often looks darker than the original paint because you cannot easily replicate the layering process by hand. For large repairs on these specific 2017 chevrolet silverado colors, seeking a professional body shop is usually the safest bet.

How to Locate Your Paint Code and RPO Codes

To ensure you get the right paint for your truck, you cannot rely on visual guessing. You must locate the Service Parts Identification Label. This sticker contains all the Regular Production Option (RPO) codes that tell you exactly how your truck was built at the factory, including the engine, transmission, and paint.

On the 2017 Silverado, this label is typically located inside the glove box. Open the glove box and look for a silver or white sticker with a long list of three-character codes. At the very bottom of this sticker, you will see a code preceded by “BC/CC” (Base Coat/Clear Coat) and “U” (Upper Color). For example, it might say “U 8624,” which identifies the paint as Summit White.

Understanding the VIN Plate Identification

While the glove box is the primary location, some owners find that the label has peeled off or become illegible over time. In these cases, you can use your VIN Plate Identification to get the information. The VIN is located on the driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield, and also on the driver-side door jamb sticker.

You can take this VIN to any local Chevrolet dealership parts counter. They can run the number through their system and provide you with the exact paint code and name. This is the most foolproof way to identify 2017 chevrolet silverado colors if your physical labels are missing or damaged.

Common RPO Codes for 2017 Silverado Paint

• GBA: Black (WA8555)
• GAZ: Summit White (WA8624)
• GAN: Silver Ice Metallic (WA636R)
• G1W: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (WA140X)
• G1E: Siren Red Tintcoat (WA405Y)
• G2X: Deep Ocean Blue Metallic (WA122V)

Maintenance Tips for Protecting Your Truck’s Finish

Once you have identified your color, the goal is to keep it looking new. Modern GM paint is durable, but it is susceptible to environmental damage like UV rays, bird droppings, and road salt. Maintaining the Clear Coat Mil Specification is vital for preventing oxidation and paint failure.

We recommend a regular washing schedule using the two-bucket method to prevent swirl marks. If you are a serious enthusiast, investing in a Paint Thickness Gauge can help you determine how much clear coat you have left before you attempt to polish out scratches. This is especially important on the 2017 models, which may have seen some wear over the last several years.

Using a Paint Thickness Gauge

A Paint Thickness Gauge measures the distance between the sensor tip and the metal body panel. A typical factory paint job on a Silverado is between 4 and 6 mils thick. If your readings are below 3 mils, you should avoid heavy machine polishing, as you risk burning through the clear coat and ruining the base color.

If you notice that your paint feels “rough” even after a wash, it is likely contaminated with industrial fallout or rail dust. Using a clay bar or a synthetic clay mitt will remove these bonded contaminants. This process is essential before applying any wax or ceramic coating to ensure a smooth, reflective surface.

Diagnostic Table: Common Paint Issues and Solutions

Symptom	Likely Cause	Recommended Fix
Small white “pock” marks on hood	Rock chips from highway driving	Clean with alcohol and use a touch-up pen
Circular “spiderweb” scratches	Improper washing or automatic car washes	Light machine polish with a dual-action polisher
Dull, chalky appearance on roof	UV oxidation and clear coat failure	If severe, requires professional sanding and re-clearing
Orange or rust-colored specks on white paint	Brake dust or iron particles (Rail Dust)	Apply an iron-remover spray followed by a clay bar

DIY Repairs and Electronic Considerations

When you decide to repair a scratched bumper or a chipped fender, there is more to consider than just the paint. Many 2017 Silverados are equipped with advanced safety features. If you are painting a bumper, you must be aware of the Ultrasonic Parking Sensor Calibration requirements.

Applying too much paint or clear coat over these sensors can interfere with their ability to “see” obstacles. If you remove the sensors for painting, you may trigger a fault code in the Body Control Module Configuration. Always mark the orientation of your sensors before removal to ensure they go back in the exact same position.

Tips for Accurate Paint Matching

Even with the correct code, like WA8624 for Summit White, the paint on your truck may have faded slightly due to sun exposure. When performing a DIY repair, it is often helpful to “blend” the new paint into the old. This involves lightly spraying the new color over the damaged area and then tapering it out into the original paint.

Before you commit to spraying your truck, always perform a test spray on a piece of scrap metal or a hidden area. Compare the test piece to your truck in both direct sunlight and shade. This ensures that the 2017 chevrolet silverado colors you purchased are a true match for your vehicle’s current state.

For those interested in the mechanical side of their truck while waiting for paint to dry, you might find our guide on Silverado mechanical specifications helpful for your next maintenance weekend. If you are driving a heavier model, checking the 2500HD performance details can help you understand the total build of your truck.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 chevrolet silverado colors

What is the most popular color for the 2017 Silverado?

Summit White and Silver Ice Metallic were the most popular choices. These colors are favored because they stay cooler in the sun and do a better job of hiding dust and minor scratches compared to darker colors like Black or Deep Ocean Blue.

Where is the paint code located on a 2017 Silverado?

The paint code is located on the Service Parts Identification Label, which is found inside the glove box. Look for the “BC/CC” code at the bottom of the sticker. If the sticker is missing, a dealership can find the code using your VIN.

Can I use a paint pen for Iridescent Pearl Tricoat?

You can, but it is difficult to get a perfect match. Tricoat paints rely on the thickness and uniformity of the middle “pearl” layer. A paint pen usually applies the paint too thickly, which can make the touch-up look like a different shade than the rest of the truck.

Does the color of my truck affect its resale value?

Generally, neutral colors like white, silver, and black have the highest resale value because they appeal to the widest range of buyers. Unique colors like Red Hot or Deep Ocean Blue may take longer to sell but can command a premium from the right enthusiast.

How do I fix a deep scratch that goes down to the metal?

Scratches that reach the metal require an automotive primer before you apply the base color. Without primer, the paint will not adhere properly, and the exposed metal will eventually begin to rust. Use a small brush to apply primer, let it dry, then apply your factory-matched paint.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your Silverado’s Legacy

The exterior of your truck is its first line of defense against the elements and its most visible feature. By accurately identifying your 2017 chevrolet silverado colors and using the correct RPO codes, you can perform professional-grade repairs that keep your truck looking its best for years to come.

Remember to always check your glove box for that Service Parts Identification Label before ordering supplies. Whether you are optimizing your Silverado’s fuel efficiency or just keeping the bodywork clean, taking a proactive approach to maintenance pays off in the long run. Stay safe, take your time with those touch-ups, and enjoy the pride of a well-maintained truck!