Nissan Qashqai paint code: where it is, how to decipher and choose a color

Every owner Nissan Qashqai Sooner or later, you are faced with the need to touch up the body - be it minor chips, scratches or serious damage after an accident. The main problem in this case: how to accurately select the color so that the repaired area does not stand out against the background of the rest of the body? The solution lies in the factory paint code, which the manufacturer assigns to each model.

But where can I find this code? Qashqai? How to decipher it correctly if you see a set of letters and numbers, and not the name of the color? And what to do if the code is erased or is not on the plate? In this article we will analyze all the nuances - from the location of codes on different generations Nissan Qashqai (J10, J11, J12) to practical advice on choosing paint and varnish. You will also find an up-to-date code table with color names and examples of VIN numbers for which they were used.

Where is the paint code on Nissan Qashqai?

On most Nissan Qashqai The paint code is indicated on the nameplate (nameplate), which is attached in one of the standard places. However, the location may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the market for which the car was produced. Here are the key places to look:

• 🚗 Driver's door left pillar (the most common place) - the sign is usually glued or screwed to the inside of the counter, visible when the door is open.
• 🔧 Under the hood — on some versions the nameplate is placed on the side member or partition between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment.
• 📄 In the trunk - less common, but found on models for the European market (for example, under the spare wheel or on the rear panel).
• 🔑 In the service book — if the car was bought new, the code may be indicated in the dealer’s documents.

On the plate itself the paint code is indicated as Color Code, Paint Code or just C/Tr. This is usually a combination of 2-4 characters (for example, KAD, B54, 315). If you can't find the nameplate, try using VIN decoder - some online services (for example, Nissan VIN Decoder) provide information about color by body number.

⚠️ Attention: On restyled versions Qashqai J11 (2017–2021) the plaque is sometimes moved to the right passenger door pillar. If you don't find the code on the left, check on the right!

How to decipher the paint code of Nissan Qashqai

Paint codes Nissan consist of letters and numbers, where each position carries certain information. For example, in the code KAD:

• First letter (K) — color series (group of shades).
• Second letter (A) — subgroup (variations within the series).
• Third letter/number (D) — specific shade and type of paint (metallic, pearl, etc.).

However, decoding on your own can be difficult, since Nissan uses an internal coding system. It is much easier to use official sources:

• 📖 Paint catalogs - for example, Nissan Paint Code Manual (available from dealers or car repair shops).
• 🌐 Online databases - sites like PaintRef.com or Autocolorlibrary.com, where you can enter a code and get the name of the color.
• 🎨 Selection programs - for example, DuPont ChromaVision or PPG MoonWalk, which use spectrophotometers for precise analysis.

It is important to consider that the same code can indicate different shades depending on the year of manufacture. For example, B54 on Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) is "Brilliant Silver", and on J11 (2014–2021) - already "Gun Metallic" with a different pigment composition.

Nissan Qashqai paint code table by generation

Below is an updated table of codes for Nissan Qashqai all generations (J10, J11, J12). Data based on official catalogs Nissan and may differ slightly for special editions (for example, N-Connecta or Tekna).

Paint code	Color name (English)	Color name (Russian)	Paint type	Generation
KAD	Blade Silver	Silver "Blade"	Metallic	J10, J11, J12
B54	Brilliant Silver / Gun Metallic	Diamond Silver	Metallic	J10 (Brilliant), J11 (Gun)
NV0	Pearl Black	Black mother of pearl	Mother of pearl	J10, J11
QR5	Vibrant Blue	Bright blue	Metallic	J11, J12
KH3	Storm White	White "Storm"	Hard	J10, J11, J12

If your code is not in the table, check it via PaintRef or contact your dealer Nissan with VIN number. Also note that some colors (eg. QR5 Vibrant Blue) may have different shades depending on the batch of paint, so for a perfect match it is better to use spectrophotometer.

⚠️ Attention: On Qashqai J12 (2021–present) new colors have appeared, such as G16 Intense Red And K26 Ceramic Grey, which have not yet been included in all databases. For them, it is recommended to order paint directly from the manufacturer.

How to choose paint by code: step-by-step instructions

Even knowing the paint code, it is easy to make mistakes when purchasing materials. Here is a step-by-step algorithm that will help you avoid mistakes:

1. Check the code on the plate - make sure you have written down the characters correctly (sometimes letters B And 8, D And 0 confused).
2. Determine the type of paint:
   • 🔲 Solid - single-layer, without metallic shine (for example, KH3 Storm White).
   • ✨ Metallic - with aluminum particles (for example, KAD Blade Silver).
   • 🌈 Mother of pearl - with a transfusion effect (for example, NV0 Pearl Black).

Select paint manufacturer — original materials Nissan They are expensive, but give a 100% match. Alternative: PPG, DuPont, Sikkens (they have analogues by codes Nissan).

Buy a sample — before full painting, order a small volume (50–100 ml) and apply to a test surface (for example, the inside of the hood).

Choose a varnish - for metallics and pearls needed two-component varnish (For example, Nissan Clear Coat K2).

Make sure that the code is copied correctly (without typos)

Determine paint type (solid/metallic/pearl)

Check compatibility with Qashqai year of manufacture

Buy a sample for test application

Choose a varnish of the same brand as the paint -->

If you paint the car yourself, please note that color may vary depending on application technology (air gun, spray can) and drying conditions (temperature, humidity). For a guaranteed result, it is better to contact the service where they use computer color matching.

Common mistakes when choosing paint and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to color mismatches. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔍 Ignoring the year of manufacture - the same code (for example, B54) can mean different shades on Qashqai J10 And J11.
• 🎨 Buying paint without varnish — metallics and mother-of-pearl require varnishing, otherwise the color will look dull.
• 🌡️ Incorrect drying conditions - If the paint dries at too high or low a temperature, it may change color.
• 🔄 Using paint from another manufacturer without adaptation - for example, PPG And DuPont have their own selection systems, and a direct analogue by code Nissan may not fit.

To avoid problems, follow these tips:

• 📌 Always check the code with VIN number — some colors are tied to specific batches of cars.
• 🔬 For complex shades (for example, QR5 Vibrant Blue) use spectrophotometer - a device that analyzes color with nanometer accuracy.
• 🛠️ If you paint the part yourself, apply 2–3 layers with intermediate drying - this will help achieve a uniform shade.

Where to buy original Nissan paint for Qashqai

Original paint Nissan guarantees a perfect color match, but its purchase has nuances. Here are the main options:

• 🏢 Official Nissan dealers - the most reliable method, but prices are higher than market prices (a 1 liter can of paint will cost 8-12 thousand rubles).
• 🛒 Specialty stores - for example, AutoAlliance, Exist.ru or Emgrand. You can find original materials for less here, but check the certificates of authenticity.
• 🌍 Foreign online stores — Amazon, eBay or JapaneseCarParts. Suitable if you are looking for a rare color (eg. G16 Intense Red for J12).
• 🔧 Car services with tinting — many workshops have access to databases Nissan and can tint the paint according to your code.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 📅 Expiration date — paint and varnish have a limited shelf life (usually 2–3 years).
• 🏷️ Marking — your code must be indicated on the bank (for example, Nissan KAD).
• 📦 Completeness — for metallic paints you need a thinner and a hardener, which are included in the kit.

⚠️ Attention: There are many fakes of original paint on the market. Nissan, especially for popular colors like KAD Blade Silver. Check holograms and certificates!

Alternative ways to select paint without a code

What to do if the paint code is erased or the plate is missing? There are several ways to choose a color without factory markings:

• 🔍 By VIN number - use services like VinDecoderz or Nissan VIN Lookup. Some of them provide color information.
• 📸 From photo — send high-quality photographs of the body (in daylight) to the tinting service. Companies like ColorNdrive can match color with up to 95% accuracy.
• 🎨 Using a spectrophotometer — the device reads the color from the surface of the car and gives a recipe for mixing paint. Cost of the service: 1–3 thousand rubles.
• 📊 According to catalogs of analogies — if you know the approximate color (for example, “dark blue metallic”), you can select a similar code from the table Nissan and order a sample.

If none of the methods help, contact car service with equipment for computer selection. Craftsmen will take measurements from the body and create a unique paint formula. This method is the most expensive (from 5 thousand rubles), but gives a guaranteed result.

What should I do if the color is different on different Qashqai parts?

This is a common problem, especially if the car has been painted before. In this case:

1. Select the largest part (for example, the hood) as a reference for selection.

2. If the differences are strong, you may have to repaint several elements to even out the color.

3. Use a “transition” (shading) when painting to smooth out the boundaries between the old and new coating.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Qashqai paint codes

Can I use paint from another manufacturer (such as PPG) instead of the original Nissan?

Yes, but only if you choose exact analogue by code. For example, for Nissan KAD fits PPG DBC 9700. However, even then there may be slight differences in shade, so always test the paint on a small area.

What is the best varnish to use for metallic Qashqai?

For original paints Nissan varnish recommended Nissan Clear Coat K2 or its analogues: PPG D8115, DuPont ChromaClear. There must be varnish two-component and apply in 2-3 layers.

What is the difference between Blade Silver (KAD) and Brilliant Silver (B54)?

KAD Blade Silver - a “cooler” shade with a bluish tint, whereas B54 Brilliant Silver has a warm gray undertone. In the sun KAD looks brighter and B54 - quieter. For an accurate comparison, view samples in daylight.

Is it possible to paint over chips with code spray paint?

Yes, but the result will be temporary. Spray cans (even with the original code) provide a less durable coating than professional painting. For best results:

1. Clean and degrease the chip.
2. Apply primer (eg Nissan Primer G).
3. Paint in 2-3 thin coats.
4. Apply varnish and polish.

For large damage, a spray can is not suitable - you need to paint with a gun.

Where can I check the authenticity of original Nissan paint?

Original paint Nissan has:

• Hologram on the can with logo Nissan Genuine Paint.
• Serial number, which can be verified by your dealer.
• Accompanying certificate (for paints purchased from official suppliers).

If at least one of these elements is missing, the likelihood of a fake is high.