Lexus Flint Mica (1E0) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the peak of the Japanese luxury era. If you drive an LS Series or a GS300 from the mid-2000s, you likely have this sophisticated, dark charcoal grey. It was the quintessential choice for the RX330 because it hides road grime and dust better than almost any other shade in the catalog. While it looks like a simple grey from across a parking lot, it reveals a deep, mineral complexity when the sun hits it. Since your Lexus has likely been on the road for nearly two decades, the original finish might have flattened slightly, so a fresh coat will immediately restore that heavy, expensive presence the car had on the showroom floor.

Technical Details

You are working with a Mica finish, which behaves differently than a standard metallic. Instead of just aluminum flakes, this paint uses silicate minerals to create a multi-dimensional glow. The challenge with a deep grey like this is mottling. If the paint pools too heavily in one spot, the minerals will settle unevenly and create dark patches or "tiger stripes." It is a forgiving color for hiding small scratches, but it demands respect during the application to keep the finish uniform. Before you spray or dab Lexus Flint Mica (check for code 1E0), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds to ensure those heavy minerals are fully suspended in the resin.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb. Look for a black or silver sticker with the letters "C/TR" followed by the three-digit code. When you are ready to work, make sure you are in a cool Garage or a spot with plenty of Shade, as direct heat will make the paint dry too fast and trap the minerals in a messy clump. Test the color on the included card first to get a feel for the Flow. Whether you are using a Pen or a Nozzle, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes. Use thin layers rather than one heavy coat. If you build the color slowly, the Mica will lay flat and catch the light exactly like the factory intended. Give it ample Drying time between layers to avoid dragging the previous coat.