Lexus Silver Metallic (Cladding) (UC178) Touch Up Paint

The Look

The 1997 Lexus ES300 comes from a golden era where two-tone styling defined the luxury market. This specific silver was never meant to steal the spotlight from the primary body color, but rather to frame it. Since your Lexus has been navigating the world for nearly thirty years, this lower body trim has likely taken a beating from road gravel and sun exposure. It is a practical, resilient shade that does a fantastic job of hiding dust, making it the perfect utilitarian companion to the more delicate pearl finishes often found on the upper panels.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on a precise suspension of tiny flakes to catch the light. Metallic paints carry a specific risk: if the paint is applied too thick or too fast, those flakes will settle unevenly. This creates a blotchy effect called mottling, where the silver looks darker in some spots and lighter in others. To get that uniform factory look, you need to focus on thin, even layers rather than trying to cover the damage in one heavy pass.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb sticker, usually listed right after the "C/TR" text. Before you spray or dab Lexus Silver Metallic (Cladding) (check for code UC178), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Those metallic flakes are heavy and sink to the bottom of the container quickly. If they aren't fully mixed, your repair will look like a flat, dull gray instead of a vibrant metallic. Always test the color on the included card to verify the flake density. Whether you are using a brush or a nozzle, keep the container moving to ensure a steady flow and wait for the proper drying time between each thin coat.