Paint code Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013): where to look, how to decipher and select an analogue

If you are the owner Nissan Qashqai first generation (J10, 2007–2013), then sooner or later you will be faced with the need to touch up chips, scratches or completely repaint the part. The main problem is to correctly determine original paint codeso that the new layer matches the factory shade perfectly. Even the smallest error in tone can make the repair noticeable, especially on dark or metallic colors.

In this article we will look at exactly where Qashqai J10 the paint code is hidden, how to decipher it, and what to do if the sign with the code is lost. You will also learn how to choose an analogue among popular brands of car enamels (Mobihel, Sikkens, DuPont) and avoid typical mistakes when tinting. The material will be useful to both beginners and experienced car owners who want to save on service costs.

Where to look for paint code on Nissan Qashqai J10

On Qashqai J10 The paint code is indicated on the nameplate (VIN plate), which is attached in several standard places. Main rule: you need to look not on the body, but on unpainted elements - doorways or under the hood, where the code is protected from corrosion and mechanical damage.

Typical locations for J10:

• 🚪 Left front door (driver's side) - on the rack, under the rubber seal. The plate is usually glued or screwed with self-tapping screws.
• 🔧 Engine compartment - on the front bulkhead (closer to the windshield) or on the inside of the wing.
• 🔍 trunk - on the back door, under the trim or next to the lock.
• 📄 Service book — sometimes the code is duplicated in the section with configuration data.

On the plate itself the paint code is indicated as COLOR or PAINT, followed by a combination of 2–4 characters (letters and numbers). For example, KAD, B54 or NIS. If you see only numbers without letters, this is not a paint code, but accessory code or body number.

⚠️ Attention: On some copies Qashqai J10, assembled for the European market, the paint code may be indicated on a separate sticker next to the main plate. If you do not find it in the standard places, check the inside of the glove compartment or the gas tank cap.

How to decipher the paint code of Nissan Qashqai J10

Paint codes Nissan consist of alphanumeric designations, where each position carries specific information. For example, in the code KAD:

• First letter (K) - means base shade (black, white, gray, etc.).
• Second letter (A) - points to saturation or effect (metallic, mother of pearl).
• Third letter/number (D) — tone variation for a specific model.

Below is a table with a breakdown of popular codes for Qashqai J10 (2007–2013):

Paint code	Color name (official)	Coverage type	Approximate analogue (RAL)
KAD	Blade Silver	Metallic	RAL 9006
B54	Nightshade	Deep black	RAL 9005
NIS	Ivory Pearl	Mother of pearl	RAL 1014
KH3	Titanium Olive	Metallic	RAL 6013
QR5	Arizona Beige	Mother of pearl	RAL 1015

If your code is not in the table, don't panic. Complete catalog of original paints Nissan can be found in electronic databases, for example, in the program Nissan Paint Codes or on the website Nissan TechInfo (registration required). An alternative is to contact an official dealership with the vehicle's VIN number.

What to do if the paint code is erased or missing

It is not uncommon for a paint code plate to be damaged or missing, especially on used cars. In this case, there are several ways to recover information:

1. Check by VIN number - the most reliable method. The VIN can be found on the windshield (driver's side) or on the registration documents. Next:
• 🔗 Use free services like VinDecoderz (enter VIN in the field and find the section Paint Code).
• 📧 Write to support Nissan with a request to provide VIN information (response comes within 1-3 days).
2. Visual selection — if the VIN method doesn’t work, you can try to match the paint to the sample:
• 🎨 Open the hood and find an unpainted area of metal (for example, under the battery mount). Take a photo of it in daylight and compare it with catalogues.
• 🔍 Contact a car service with a colorimeter - the device reads the shade and issues the exact code.

⚠️ Attention: Never rely on eyeballing for metallics or pearls! Even experienced painters make mistakes 30% of the time. For example, Blade Silver (KAD) And Platinum Silver (KV6) They look almost the same, but in bright light the first one has a bluish tint, and the second one has a green tint.

How to check the authenticity of a paint code?

If you find a code on the aftermarket (for example, at a disassembly site), make sure it matches the year of manufacture of your Qashqai J10. The fact is that Nissan sometimes changed shades mid-generation. For example, KAD for models 2007–2009 may differ from KAD for 2010–2013 by 5–10% in saturation.

How to choose an analog paint for Qashqai J10

Original paint Nissan is expensive (from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per 1 liter), so many owners choose analogues from third-party manufacturers. Main rule: Use only auto enamels marked "OEM compliant" (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Below are proven brands and their lines for Qashqai J10:

• 🎨 Mobihel - series Helios (the code is indicated with the prefix NH-, for example, NH-KAD). Suitable for local repairs.
• 🖌️ Sikkens - ruler Autocryl (codes start with U, for example, U3555 for B54). The best choice for complete painting.
• 🔴 DuPont - series Chromabase (use codes prefixed DB). Ideal for metallics.
• 💎 PPG — Deltacron (the codes are the same as the original ones, but a suffix is added, for example, KAD-PPG).

When ordering, check with the seller:

1. Is it required base + varnish (for metallics and pearls) or enough one-component enamel (for matte colors).
2. Is it necessary primer for a specific shade (for example, for Nightshade (B54) black primer is recommended).
3. Is it in stock small samples (50–100 ml) for test application.

Typical mistakes when choosing paint and how to avoid them

Even knowing the paint code, you can make mistakes that ruin the result. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

1. Ignoring the Burnout Effect:

Over the years the paint has Qashqai J10 fades, especially on the roof and hood. If you are only painting the bumper, the new coat will look brighter. Solution: before tinting, compare the color of the hood and trunk - if the difference is noticeable, order paint 5-10% darker.

2. Incorrect solvent:

For Nissan solvent recommended R12 (slow) or R5 (universal). The use of aggressive solvents (for example, 646) can lead to delamination or cloudiness paints

3. No test application:

Even if the code is the same, the shade may differ due to application. Always test the paint for invisible area (for example, under the hood) and wait until it dries completely (24 hours).

⚠️ Attention: If you are painting plastic parts (bumper, moldings), be sure to use plasticizer (For example, PPG DP401). Without it, the paint will crack in 1-2 years due to the difference in the expansion coefficient of plastic and metal.

Where to order paint by code for Qashqai J10

Depending on your budget and time frame, you have several options for purchasing paint:

Purchase method	Pros	Cons	Cost (per 1 l)
Official dealer Nissan	100% color match, guaranteed	Expensive, long (3–7 days)	5,000–8,000 rub.
Online stores (for example, AutoColor)	Fast delivery, wide range	Risk of counterfeit, difficult to check quality	2,500–4,500 rub.
Local coloring centers	They can choose a color based on a sample, cheaper than the original	Quality depends on the equipment	1,500–3,000 rub.
Disassembly (used parts)	Cheap, original color	Difficult to find an exact match, risk of corrosion	500–2,000 rub.

If you choose an online store, pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging - original paint Nissan comes in jars with a holographic sticker.
• 📄 Certificates — the seller must provide a document of compliance OEM.
• 📞 Reviews — check for complaints about delamination or color mismatch.

To save money you can order spray paint (for example, from Motip or Kudo), but remember: spray cans are only suitable for local repairs (chips, scratches). To paint the entire part, it is better to use a spray gun.

Do-it-yourself painting: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to paint Qashqai J10 do it yourself, follow this algorithm (using the example of a bumper):

1. Preparation:
• 🧽 Wash and degrease the part thoroughly (White spirit or Antisilicone).
• 🔨 Fill the dents and clean them with sandpaper (P800 for rough processing, P1200 for the finishing line).
• 🖌️ Apply 2 layers of primer (for plastic - with plasticizer).
2. Painting:
• 🎨 Dilute the paint with solvent (R12) in the proportion indicated on the can.
• 🔫 Apply 2-3 layers of base with an interval of 10-15 minutes (for metallics - 2 layers of base + 2 layers of varnish).
3. Drying:
• 🕒 Let the paint dry for 24 hours at +20°C (to speed up, use infrared lamp).
• 🔍 Polish the part after 3-5 days (use paste 3M or Farecla).

⚠️ Attention: When painting in the garage, make sure that the air temperature is not lower than +15°C and the humidity is not higher than 60%. Otherwise, the paint may lie unevenly or take a long time to dry, which will lead to the appearance of dust on the surface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the paint code of the Nissan Qashqai J10

Is it possible to use paint from Nissan Juke for Qashqai J10 if the codes match?

No, even if the codes are identical (for example, KAD), shades may vary due to different batches of pigments. Juke And Qashqai J10 were painted at different factories, so for an exact match, take the paint specifically for Qashqai.

What should I do if, after painting, the color differs in the sun?

This is a typical problem with metallics. The reason is a mismatch in the size of the aluminum flakes in the base. Solution: add 5-10% to paint thinner for metallic paints (For example, Sikkens Metal Conditioner) and repaint the part.

Which varnish is best to use for pearlescent colors (for example, Ivory Pearl)? summary>

Suitable for mother of pearl only acrylic varnish with UV filter (For example, PPG 2021 or Sikkens Autoclear Plus). Regular varnish without UV protection will turn yellow in 1–2 years.

Is it possible to mix paints from different manufacturers (for example, a base from Sikkens and a varnish from DuPont)?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Different brands use different chemical compositions, which may cause peeling or cloudiness varnish If mixing, be sure to do a test application.

How much paint does it take to paint the hood of a Qashqai J10?

To completely paint the hood you will need:

• Base: 200–250 ml (2–3 layers).
• Varnish: 150–200 ml (2 layers).
• Primer: 100–150 ml (1–2 layers).

If you are painting only part of the hood (for example, after an accident), 100 ml of base and 50 ml of varnish will be enough.