Lexus NX300h Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Lexus decided to give the NX300h a palette of 9 distinct colors. While they definitely went for it with the Matador Red Tricoat and the earthy Sienna Brown Pearl, someone in the design room clearly had a favorite crayon. Between Mercury Gray Metallic, Platinum Silver Metallic, Meteor Metallic, and Sonic Titanium Metallic, we are looking at a very sophisticated gradient of "Cloudy Day." Whether you are driving the bold red or the elegant Sonic Quartz Tricoat, these colors are designed to catch the light-which, unfortunately, makes every little stone chip stand out like a sore thumb.
What to Watch For
To find your specific color match, open the driver's door and look at the jamb for a sticker. You're looking for a code next to the letters "C/TR" (Color/Trim). It will usually be a three-digit alphanumeric code like "1J7" or "085."
In the world of Lexus, the paint is known for being beautiful but a little bit "soft." The clear coat on the NX300h can be sensitive to environmental stress, particularly on the hood and roof. If a bird decides your car is a target, try to clean it off quickly; the acidity can etch into that shiny finish faster than you'd think. If you notice a tiny spot where the clear coat looks like it's lifting, don't panic-it just means it's time for a little driveway TLC before it spreads.
Driveway Repair Tip
Because many of these Lexus colors-like the Sienna Brown Pearl or the Sonic Titanium-are packed with metallic flakes and pearls, they require patience to get right. Before you start, shake your touch-up bottle for at least 60 seconds. You'll hear that little mixing ball rattling around; that's the sound of the sparkles waking up.
When you apply the paint, think "thin and light." If you're working with a Tricoat, the color is built through depth. Instead of trying to fill a chip with one giant drop of paint, apply two or three very thin layers, letting them dry for about 15 minutes in between. This prevents the metallic flakes from bunching up in a dark clump and helps the repair sit flush with the rest of your beautiful Lexus finish.