Nissan Red Pearl Tricoat (A41) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you are hunting for this specific red, you likely own a 2008 or 2009 350Z. This color was a late-run evolution for the Z33 generation, trading the flatter reds of earlier years for something with much more "pop" and depth. It is an aggressive, high-energy finish that makes the car look like it is glowing under direct sunlight. Because it was only available for a short window, it gives your Nissan a more exclusive feel than the standard colors found on every other commuter car in the parking lot.

Technical Details

This is a tricoat pearl finish. Unlike a standard paint that relies on a single color layer, this finish uses a solid base followed by a translucent mid-coat packed with pearl flakes. This layering is what creates that deep, liquid look, but it also makes the repair more sensitive. The number of coats you apply will change the final shade; more layers of the pearl mid-coat will make the red look darker and richer. You have to watch out for mottling, which is when the pearl flakes bunch up and create dark patches or "stripes" in the finish. This happens if the paint is applied too heavily in one spot.

Best Practices

On your Nissan, you will typically find the identification sticker on the driver side door jamb, though 350Z owners should also check the center of the firewall behind the engine. Before you spray or dab Nissan Red Pearl Tricoat (check for code A41), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to get those heavy pearl particles off the bottom of the container. Always test the color on the included card to see how many layers of pearl you need to match your car's current fade. When applying the paint, keep the container moving in steady passes to ensure the flakes land evenly. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the finish stays crisp and does not sag.