Toyota Matador Red Tricoat (3R1) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is not a shy color. Whether it is hugging the curves of an 86 or giving the C-HR a bit of attitude, this red carries a deep, sophisticated presence. On larger vehicles like the 4Runner or Avalon, it moves away from sportiness and feels more like a premium luxury finish. It has a life to it that changes depending on how the sun hits the panels, shifting from a bright cherry to a dark, moody crimson.

Technical Details

You are dealing with a pearl tricoat. This means the finish is built in three layers: a solid base, a translucent middle layer filled with mica, and a top clear coat. Before you spray or dab Toyota Matador Red Tricoat (check for code 3R1), you need to understand that the depth of the color depends on the thickness of that middle layer. If you apply too much paint, the red will look dark and lose its glow. If you apply too little, the repair will look like a different shade.

Best Practices

Open your driver's side door and look for the VIN sticker on the jamb to confirm your code. Once you are ready to work in your garage or the shade, shake your container for at least a full minute. The mica particles in a pearl finish settle at the bottom, and poor mixing leads to a blotchy look. Always test the color on the included card to see how many layers of the mid-coat you need to reach a match. Between coats, allow for plenty of drying time so you do not disturb the previous layer. Keep the container moving to ensure the metallic flakes land in a uniform layer across the surface.