Lexus Dark Mauve Pearl Metallic (3K1) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your ES300 is a rolling time capsule of early 1990s Japanese luxury. This specific shade belongs to a generation where Lexus wasn't afraid to experiment with moody, complex tones that shifted under different lights. In the shade, it looks like a deep charcoal or a heavy storm cloud, but once you pull out into the sun, those violet and amethyst undertones wake up. Because your car has likely been on the road for three decades, the original finish might have softened or faded slightly, which is why a careful touch-up is the best way to keep that vintage curb appeal intact.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means it relies on microscopic mica flakes to catch the light. These flakes are heavier than the paint itself and love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, the repair will look like a flat, muddy purple rather than a metallic shimmer. You also need to be careful about mottling. If the paint is applied too heavily in one spot, those flakes will bunch up and create dark, uneven splotches that ruin the factory look.

Best Practices

You can find your color information on the driver's side door jamb; look for the "C/TR" line on the VIN sticker. Before you spray or dab Lexus Dark Mauve Pearl Metallic (check for code 3K1), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the pearl particles are fully suspended. Always work in a cool garage or the shade, as hot metal will cause the paint to clump before it can level out. To get the best results, test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic grain looks once it dries. When you are ready for the real thing, keep the container moving to ensure the mica lays down in an even, shimmering blanket. Give each thin layer plenty of drying time before deciding if you need another pass.