KQS - Lustrous GrayLincoln Touch Up Paint

The Look

Lustrous Gray is the color of modern executive power. It arrived for the third-generation Nautilus as a mature alternative to the flat, primer-like grays of the past decade. On your SUV, this color works by highlighting the sculpted body lines and depth of the door panels. Because your vehicle is likely still quite new, the factory finish has a high level of depth and clarity. Your primary goal is to match that liquid-metal appearance without creating a dull spot that breaks the reflection of the panel.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes designed to catch the light. Metallic paints are sensitive because those flakes must lay flat to look right. If you apply too much paint in one spot, the flakes will sink or cluster, creating dark patches or stripes known as mottling. Before you spray or dab Lincoln Lustrous Gray (check for code KQS), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds. This agitation ensures the metallic particles are suspended so the repair matches the rest of the fender.

Best Practices

Your paint code is printed on the driver's side door jamb; find the manufacturer sticker and look for the characters next to EXT PNT. To get a great result, test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic flake reacts to your hand speed. When you move to the vehicle, work in light layers. Keep the container moving at a constant speed to prevent the paint from pooling or sagging. Allow enough drying time so the surface is no longer tacky before you add another layer or the final clear coat.