COLOR CODELC3L/E1 - Hot Chili Red PearlVolkswagen Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color appeared on some of the most reliable Volkswagen models, from the rugged Eurovan to the nimble Polo and Golf. It represents a more sophisticated era of design where the brand moved away from basic solid colors toward finishes with more personality. Unlike the flatter reds you might see on an older GTI, this shade has a deeper character that shifts when the sun hits the body lines of your car. Since many of these vehicles have been on the road for a decade or more, you will likely notice that your original paint has a slight depth that standard red just cannot replicate.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which is a different beast than a standard metallic. While metallic paint uses tiny bits of aluminum to reflect light, a pearl finish uses mica particles to create a sense of depth and a slight color shift. The benefit is a finish that looks expensive and hides minor surface dust better than a flat red. However, those pearl particles are heavy and love to settle at the bottom of your container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, the color will look thin or uneven. Before you spray or dab Volkswagen Hot Chili Red Pearl (check for code LC3L/E1), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those pearls are suspended evenly in the liquid.

Best Practices

You will usually find your paint code on a white paper sticker located in the trunk, often tucked away near the spare tire well or under the carpet mat. Once you have confirmed the match, find a spot in your garage or a patch of shade to work. Heat is the enemy of a smooth finish, so keep the surface of the car cool to the touch. Test the color on the included card before you touch the car to make sure the pigment and pearl levels look right. When applying, use thin layers rather than one heavy coat. If you are using a spray, keep the container moving to avoid puddles. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the pearl particles can set properly without shifting.