COLOR CODE180 - Flint Grey PearlLexus Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule of the early nineties when the LS400 first shook the world. It is the definition of quiet confidence. Because your car has likely been on the road for three decades, the original finish has probably mellowed, but the deep charcoal tones still carry that executive weight. It is not a flashy silver or a boring flat grey; it is a sophisticated shade that looks expensive under a streetlamp.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which is significantly more complex than a standard metallic. Instead of simple metal flakes, it uses translucent mica particles that catch light from different angles to create depth. The challenge here is mottling. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the pearl particles will clump together and create a dark, blotchy appearance that looks like a bruise on the panel. You want to maintain a steady flow to ensure the particles lay flat and uniform.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on the manufacturer's sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, listed next to the "C/TR" text. Before you spray or dab Lexus Flint Grey Pearl (check for code 180), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Those pearl particles are heavy and love to settle at the bottom, so keep the container moving throughout the entire application. Test the color on the included card before touching the car to ensure the shade matches your weathered finish. Always work in the shade so the drying time remains consistent, preventing the paint from grabbing too quickly.