Lexus Wine Red Pearl (3J8) Touch Up Paint

The Look

The first-generation GS300 arrived on the scene with an air of European luxury, and this deep hue was its most executive outfit. It is more than a simple red; it is a moody, dark berry that looks almost black in the shade but glows like a glass of cabernet when the sun hits it. Since your Lexus has been on the road for nearly thirty years, the original finish has likely darkened or shifted slightly from decades of exposure. You should pay close attention to the depth of the repair, as a fresh application may appear brighter than the matured paint on your panels.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which uses mica flakes rather than standard metallic glitter to catch the light. Because it relies on these translucent particles, the final appearance depends entirely on how the paint settles. If you apply it too thick in one spot, the mica will cluster together and make the patch look muddier and darker than the surrounding door or hood. Before you spray or dab Lexus Wine Red Pearl (check for code 3J8), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This mixing is the only way to get those mica flakes floating properly so you do not end up with a flat, dark blotch on your car.

Best Practices

Open your driver's side door and look at the VIN sticker on the door jamb to find your code listed next to the C/TR heading. Once you are ready to work in your garage or a shaded area, test the color on the included card to see how the pearl effect reacts to the light. When you move to the car, keep the container moving at all times to ensure an even distribution of the mica particles. Build the finish using thin layers rather than one heavy application. Give the repair plenty of drying time between each pass so the paint can settle flat and smooth for a level finish.