Car owners Nissan Often faced with the need to restore paintwork after minor accidents or corrosion. One of the most common problems is accurately determining the color code, especially if the factory marking sticker has worn off or worn out over time. For many models such as Qashqai, X-Trail or Teana, the current code is BW9.
This code designates a specific shade of gray, which can range from a light metallic to a deeper, almost silver tone depending on the batch and year of manufacture. Understanding how to correctly identify this color and what to do when selecting paint will save you significant money and stress. In this article we will analyze in detail the characteristics of the shade, the location of the code plate and the nuances of professional restoration of the coating.
What does paint code BW9 mean in Nissan catalogs?
Code BW9 in the manufacturer's palette Nissan corresponds to the shade that is officially called Gun Metallic (Gun Metal) or similar variations depending on the market. This is a classic metallic gray color that has enjoyed enduring popularity due to its practicality and ability to hide minor scratches and dust.
It is important to understand that color codes can have slight variations even within the same marking. The manufacturer uses a base pigment, but the shade may depend on the year of manufacture of the body and the batch of paint. Therefore, just knowing the code BW9, you won't always get the perfect result when mixing paint without taking your car's specific sample into account.
- 🔍 Official name: Typically Gun Metallic, but may have additional specifications in some regions.
- 🎨 Cover type: Metallic, requiring varnish to create depth and protection.
- 📅 Relevance period: Widely used on models X-Trail (T32), Qashqai (J11) and Teana (L33) between 2013 and 2020.
When ordering paint from a specialty store, always specify that you need a color with an index BW9. However, remember that factory paint fades over time under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, so the fresh shade will be different from what is currently on the body of yours. Nissan.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to select a color visually from a catalog on your monitor screen or from a photograph on the Internet. Screen resolution and color profile settings distort the real picture, which will lead to a color mismatch.
Where to find a color code plate on a car
To accurately determine what color your car is painted BW9, you need to find the nameplate (nameplate). In cars Nissan The location of this label may vary slightly depending on the model and year of manufacture. Most often it is located in the driver's door opening.
Open the driver's side door and look at the B-pillar or the inside of the door frame. There you will find a rectangular sticker with a lot of technical data. Look for the column PAINT or COLOR. Next to these inscriptions there will be a three-character code, for example, BW9 or BA3 (if it is a different shade).
- 🚗 Search location: Driver's side B-pillar or interior door surface.
- 🔢 Code format: This is usually a combination of letters and numbers, e.g.
BW9orBA3. - 📝 Additional information: The same sticker contains the VIN number, production date and tire information.
If the sticker is damaged or missing, you can try to find the code in the vehicle documents, but this is not always reliable. In some cases, the code may be duplicated in the dealer's database using the VIN number. Enter VIN your Nissan in a dedicated online parts catalog or contact an authorized dealer to request a color specification.
What should I do if the color code plate has worn off?
If the nameplate is completely erased, the only reliable way to find out the color is a computer match. The technician will take a paint sample from the body in an inconspicuous place (for example, under the gas cap or on a pillar) and use a spectrophotometer to determine the exact color coordinates.
Features of Painting in Gun Metallic (BW9)
Hue BW9 belongs to the category metallic, which imposes special requirements on application technology. Unlike simple enamel colors, it uses a three-layer system: a base with aluminum flakes, an overlay layer and a protective varnish. It is the aluminum particles that create that “metallic” shine and depth characteristic of Gun Metallic color.
When painting parts in this color, it is critical to follow the application technology. If the base coat is too thin, the aluminum flakes will not adhere properly and the color will appear dull or patchy. If the layer is too thick, a “shagreen” effect or smudges may occur. It is also important to consider the direction of air flow when spraying so that the flakes spread evenly.
⚠️ Attention: When mixing paint for color BW9 Be sure to use a scale that is accurate to the nearest 0.1 gram. Even a slight deviation in the proportion of black or silver pigment will make the color too dark or, conversely, too light.
Another feature is that the color BW9 May vary depending on lighting angle and weather. On a cloudy day it looks like a strict gray, and in the bright sun it reveals a metallic sheen. This property requires high qualifications from the painter, who must ensure a perfectly smooth transition between new and old paint.
The base application technology for BW9 color requires strict control of the layer thickness and uniform distribution of aluminum flakes to achieve the correct visual effect.
The process of selecting and mixing paint
Color restoration process BW9 starts with computer selection. Modern tinting stations use databases that store mixing formulas for all shades Nissan. However, the factory formula is just a starting point. The technician must adjust the paint composition taking into account the fading of your car.
To do this, a specialist takes a small sample of paint from the body (usually from the inside of the trunk lid or under the hood) and compares it with sprayed test strips. Then correctors are added to the paint: black, white, gray or specific pigments to match the tone as accurately as possible. This stage takes from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Computer selection by code
- Visual selection by a master
- Computer selection with burnout correction
- Mixing according to factory formula
Once the color has been selected, it is necessary to carry out a test application on a test panel. It is important to let the paint dry and varnish, as wet paint always appears darker and richer. Only after comparing the dried sample with the car body in different lighting conditions can you start painting the part.
- 💻 Computer selection: Accurate calculation of proportions based on the manufacturer's database.
- 🖌 Manual correction: Making changes to the formula to take into account the age of the paint.
- ☀️ Sun check: A mandatory step for assessing the match of shade in different conditions.
Shade matching table and recommendations
Below is a table that will help you navigate the color characteristics BW9 and its analogues. Please note that the codes may vary slightly in different regions, but the visual result should be identical.
| Color code | Shade name | Coverage type | Recommended varnish | Difficulty of selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BW9 | Gun Metallic | Metallic | 2K Urethane | Average |
| BA3 | Dark Grey Metallic | Metallic | 2K Urethane | Low |
| KB4 | Black | Enamel | 2K Polyurethane | Low |
| KV4 | Brilliant Silver | Metallic | 2K Urethane | Average |
Using the right type of varnish is just as important as choosing the right paint. For color BW9 It is recommended to use two-component urethane varnishes, which provide high resistance to chemical attack and ultraviolet radiation. The wrong choice of varnish can lead to clouding or yellowing after a few months.
☑️ Preparation for painting in BW9 color
Body care after painting
After the car part Nissan painted in color BW9 and the varnish has completely polymerized (usually this takes from 7 to 14 days), the stage of proper care begins. Fresh paint and varnish require delicate handling so as not to damage their structure and maintain shine.
In the first two weeks after painting, it is not recommended to wash the car using aggressive chemicals or wax polishes. The water should be soft and the rags should be soft microfiber. This will allow the varnish to completely harden and avoid the appearance of microcracks.
- 🚿 First wash: Carry out no earlier than 14 days after painting.
- 🛡 Protection: After a month, it is recommended to apply ceramics or liquid glass to protect the color.
- ❄️ Winter care: Avoid using icebreakers and hard brushes, which can damage fresh varnish.
Regular polishing also helps maintain color BW9 in perfect condition, but must be done with caution. Use only soft abrasives and low density polishing pads. Excessive rubbing can remove the protective layer of varnish and expose the base, resulting in loss of shine.
To protect fresh varnish from an aggressive environment, you can use special hydrophobic sprays that create a protective film that repels water and dirt.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use self-service car washes with rotating hard brushes to wash freshly painted parts. They are guaranteed to leave deep scratches in the varnish, which will be especially noticeable on the metallic shade of BW9.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Can I mix BW9 color myself at home?
This is theoretically possible if you have access to a professional paint database and accurate scales. However, without experience and a spectrophotometer, achieving a perfect match with a burnt-out body is almost impossible. An error of even 1% of the pigment will be noticeable in the sun.
How much does it cost to paint a part in BW9 color?
The cost depends on the region and complexity of the work. Typically, the price for painting one part (for example, a bumper or wing) varies from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. This amount includes preparation, materials, work of the master and polishing.
Where can I buy paint with code BW9?
The paint can be purchased in specialized auto enamels stores and from official dealers Nissan or in large online spare parts stores. Be sure to request a quality certificate for the product.
How to distinguish the original color of BW9 from a fake?
The original color has depth and a characteristic metallic sheen. Counterfeits often look flat, without the “lively” shine of aluminum flakes. Also, the original paint retains its color longer and does not fade as quickly.
What happens if you use varnish from another manufacturer?
Using an incompatible varnish may result in a chemical reaction with the base, causing the finish to swell, cloud, or peel within a short time. Always use varnish from the same series as the base.
Color BW9 - This is an excellent choice for those who value restraint and practicality. When properly selected and applied, it can return the car Nissan its original appearance, making it virtually indistinguishable from new. The main thing is to trust professionals and not skimp on the quality of materials.
Remember that every car is unique, and even the same paint codes can look different on different cars. Therefore, always carry out a test application and compare the result with your body before full painting. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary costs.