Lexus Salsa Red Metallic (3Q3) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your GX470 is likely one of the rarest versions on the road if it wears this finish. Lexus only offered this bold shade for the final two years of the first-generation GX, making it a standout choice among the sea of silvers and blacks usually found at the trailhead. Since your truck has likely spent over a decade navigating both parking lots and dirt paths, the finish probably shows some battle scars from road debris. This deep, earthy red was designed to bridge the gap between luxury and the rugged nature of a body-on-frame SUV.

Technical Details

This is a pearl metallic finish, which means the paint contains tiny flakes that give the color depth and change how it looks in the sun. These flakes are heavy and like to settle at the bottom of the container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, you will end up with dark and light patches, often called mottling or stripes, across your repair area. Because the metal particles catch the light, this finish is less forgiving than a flat solid color. It relies on those flakes being evenly distributed to create a uniform look that matches the rest of your door or fender.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the driver side door jamb sticker next to the letters C/TR. Before you spray or dab Lexus Salsa Red Metallic (check for code 3Q3), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to get the mica flakes suspended so the color looks right. Test the color on the included card before touching the vehicle to ensure the shade matches your current aging paint. When applying, keep the container moving to prevent the metallic particles from clumping in one spot. Give the area enough drying time between layers, and work in a cool garage or under the shade to prevent the paint from setting too fast.