Toyota Brick Red (3R8) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Since your FJ Cruiser has likely spent the last decade navigating trails or braving the sun, you probably appreciate that this isn't a bright, flashy red. It is a grounded, earthy shade that feels more like clay than a sports car. This color was a hallmark of the 2008 to 2012 era, offering a rugged alternative to the brighter palettes of the time. Because your vehicle has been on the road for a while, the original finish might have shifted slightly, so you are looking to restore that deep, brick-toned soul that makes the FJ look so iconic against a white roof.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means there are fine flakes suspended in the pigment to give the paint its characteristic depth. You have to be mindful of how these flakes land. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the metallics can clump together and create dark patches or "mottling." This happens because the heavy flakes sink or shift while the paint is still wet. By keeping your layers thin and even, you ensure the metal particles stay suspended exactly where they land, which prevents the finish from looking streaky or striped under direct sunlight.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Toyota Brick Red (check for code 3R8), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to thoroughly mix those metallic particles. You can verify your match by looking at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb; look for the "C/TR" line. Test the color on the included card first to see how the new paint sits next to your weathered original finish. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving and maintain a consistent flow. Work in a cool garage or the shade, and give each layer enough drying time so the paint sets flat and firm.