Lexus Dark Red Mica Pearl (3N6) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color captures the specific era when Lexus shifted from being the quiet new kid to a serious performance contender. On the ES300, it provided a deep, executive gravity that felt more expensive than the standard silvers of the day. When it appeared on the IS200, it took on a different personality, highlighting the sharp lines of the sports sedan with a glow that only a true mica finish can provide. Since your car has been on the road for over twenty years, this red has likely developed a deep character, though it stays remarkably vibrant compared to the flat reds used by other brands at the turn of the millennium.

Technical Details

This is a Mica Pearl finish, which is more complex than a standard metallic. Instead of simple aluminum bits, this paint uses coated mineral flakes to reflect light. This gives the finish a liquid depth, but it creates a specific challenge for your repair. Because the mica flakes are heavier than the pigment, they want to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix the paint thoroughly, the repair will look like a dull maroon rather than a glowing red. The clear coat you apply afterward is not just for shine; it is the lens that allows those mica flakes to actually catch the sun and match the rest of your car.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Lexus Dark Red Mica Pearl (check for code 3N6), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find your official code on the driver's side door jamb sticker, usually listed next to the letters C/TR. Once the paint is mixed, test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current level of paint fade. When you begin the repair, keep the container moving at all times to ensure the mica flakes distribute evenly across the surface. If you are working in a garage or the shade, allow for plenty of drying time between thin layers. Building the color slowly is the only way to replicate the factory depth without creating dark, heavy patches.