Lexus SC300/SC400 Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
The Lexus SC was the ultimate 90s flex, and the paint department clearly got the memo. We've tracked 9 official colors for these grand tourers, ranging from the business-professional Black Onyx and Silver Metallic to the "I definitely have a yacht" vibes of Autumn Blaze Metallic and Rose Red Pearl. Whether you're driving a White Pearl Tri-coat or the deep Dark Green Pearl, Lexus didn't just give you a car; they gave you a mood.
What to Watch For
Before you pop that touch-up cap, you need to find your "C/TR" code. You'll find it on a sticker or metal plate inside the driver's side door jamb. Look for a three-digit code (like 051 or 202) following those letters. Now, here's the reality: 90s Lexus paint is famously "soft." It looks deep and expensive because it is, but it's prone to water spotting and "etching" if a bird decides your hood is a target. You might also notice the clear coat starting to flake or peel on the flat surfaces like the roof or the trunk-this is just the sun's way of saying it's been a long thirty years. Don't panic; it's a common quirk of the era that you can definitely tidy up.
Driveway Repair Tip
If you're working with one of the pearl or metallic colors-and let's be honest, almost all the cool SC colors are-you have to shake that bottle like you're making a martini. Those tiny metallic flakes love to settle at the bottom. Shake it for a full 60 seconds to wake up the sparkles. When you apply the paint, think "less is more." Use the tip of the brush to dab the color into the center of the chip and let it flow outward. If you're working with the White Pearl Tri-coat, it requires a little extra patience: apply your base color first, let it dry, and then add the pearl topcoat. It's like frosting a cake-rushing leads to lumps, but steady hands lead to a masterpiece.