COLOR CODE3K3 - Garnet PearlLexus Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color represents the peak of early nineties Japanese luxury. When the first ES300 and the sleek SC series arrived, this deep, wine-red hue helped establish the brand as a sophisticated alternative to the European old guard. It is a rich, moody red that can look almost black in the shade but wakes up with a vibrant glow under direct sunlight. Since your car has likely been on the road for three decades, the original finish might be slightly darker or flatter than when it left the factory, so keep that natural aging in mind as you begin your repair.

Technical Details

You are working with a true pearl finish. Unlike a standard metallic, the mica particles in this paint are translucent and reflect light in layers to create that signature depth. The risk here is mottling, where those tiny pearl flakes clump together and create dark splotches or uneven stripes in the finish. Pearl reds are a challenge because they require consistent, light layers to build the color. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the pearl will sink and look muddy rather than crisp.

Best Practices

You will find your identification sticker inside the driver side door jamb, near the latch. Before you spray or dab Lexus Garnet Pearl (check for code 3K3), you need to shake the container for at least two full minutes to ensure the heavy pearl sediment is fully mixed. Test the color on the included card and hold it against your car in the sunlight to check the match. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the mica from settling. Give each layer enough drying time to set before adding the next, which ensures the final result has the clarity your classic luxury car deserves.