COLOR CODELXT0/3303 - Deep Claret PearlVolkswagen Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is the hallmark of the later model years for the Routan, offering a level of sophistication you don't typically see on a family hauler. It is a moody, midnight wine that behaves like a chameleon. Under the flat gray of a cloudy day, your car might pass for black or a very dark chocolate. Once the sun hits the panels, the red undertones wake up and give the finish a rich, glowing depth. Because your Routan has likely been the family workhorse for over a decade, this dark pigment is actually your best friend as it does a fantastic job of hiding road film and light dust between washes.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means it contains microscopic mica flakes rather than the larger glitter found in standard metallics. These flakes are designed to reflect light in layers, but they are heavy and love to settle at the bottom of the container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, you will end up with a finish that looks patchy or too dark. Because of the high pigment load in this dark red, you should be careful with how much paint you apply at once. If you go too heavy, the color can "pool" and look like a bruise rather than a clean repair.

Best Practices

Since your car was built on a unique platform, you can usually find your paint code on a sticker in the trunk area near the spare tire or occasionally on the driver's side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Volkswagen Deep Claret Pearl (check for code LXT0/3303), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to ensure those pearl particles are suspended evenly. Test the color on the included card to see how the light hits the flakes before you touch the car. When you are ready to work, apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. Keep the container moving to prevent the paint from bunching up, and allow plenty of drying time between layers to let the depth of the red develop.