Lexus RX450h Touch Up Paint (21 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

Lexus clearly decided that "choice" was the theme for the RX450h, offering a staggering 21 different colors. They really went for it with the naming, too-we've got everything from the regal Lapis Lazuli Metallic to the high-energy Matador Red Tricoat. If you find yourself staring at five different versions of silver, like Platinum Silver Metallic and Tungsten Pearl, don't worry. You aren't seeing double; Lexus just really appreciates the subtle differences between "expensive-looking grey" and "slightly more expensive-looking grey."

What to Watch For

Before you start, you need your secret handshake: the paint code. On the RX450h, pop the driver's side door and look at the jamb for a printed sticker. You're looking for the letters "C/TR" followed by a three-digit code (like 077 or 1J1). While Lexus paint is famously deep and lustrous, it is also known for being a bit "soft." Think of it like a designer silk tie-it looks incredible, but it's prone to catching little nicks and chips on the hood and mirror caps. You might also notice some light scuffing around the door handles, but don't sweat it; these are exactly the kind of battle scars a DIYer can handle with a steady hand.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many of these Lexus shades are Pearls or Tricoats (like Starfire Pearl), they have a lot of "flop"-that's the way the sparkles dance when the sun hits them. To get that look right in your driveway, shake your touch-up bottle for a full two minutes. Most people stop after ten seconds, but you need to wake up those heavy metallic flakes sitting at the bottom. When applying, think "whisper-thin layers." Instead of trying to fill a chip with one big glob, dab a tiny amount, let it dry for twenty minutes, and repeat. It requires a little more patience, but that's how you get a finish that looks like it came from the factory and not from a craft project.