COLOR CODENAE - Dark Red PearlInfiniti Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the aggressive, avant-garde era of the Infiniti crossover line. Whether it is draped over the muscular curves of an FX35 or the powerhouse FX50, this shade is built to look different depending on the sun. In the shade, it sits back as a deep, nearly black cherry, but direct light pulls out a vibrant garnet glow. Since your car has likely been on the road for over a decade, you will notice that this pigment holds its depth well, though it can show fine road rash more clearly than a standard silver or grey.

Technical Details

Because this is a pearl finish rather than a simple solid red, it relies on tiny mica flakes to catch and reflect light. This creates a rich, three-dimensional effect, but it also means the application needs a steady hand. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and the color will appear darker or muddier than the rest of the panel. The goal is to build the color with thin, even layers rather than trying to hide the damage in one heavy pass.

Best Practices

You can usually find your factory identification label on the driver's side door jamb or attached to the firewall at the back of the engine compartment. Before you spray or dab Infiniti Dark Red Pearl (check for code NAE), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is vital to wake up those pearl flakes that settle at the bottom of the container. Test the color on the included card in the shade to see how the flakes settle before you move to the vehicle. When you begin the repair, keep the container moving to ensure the flakes distribute evenly across the surface. Give the area enough drying time between coats so the paint can settle flat and provide a level base for your clearcoat.