<em>Nissan Terrano</em> paint code: where it is, how to decipher it and where to buy original enamel

Owners Nissan Terrano sooner or later you have to deal with the selection of paint - be it local repairs after chips, full body painting or restoration after an accident. The original color of the car is determined by the factory paint code, which hides not only the shade, but also the type of coating, the enamel manufacturer and even the year of manufacture of the model. Without this code, choosing the perfect tone is almost impossible: even visually identical colors can differ in the sun or from different angles.

In this article we will look at exactly where Terrano different generations to look for the paint code, how to decipher it correctly, and where to buy original enamel from Nissan or high-quality analogues. You will also learn why factory colors Terrano may differ depending on the market (for example, European and Asian versions), and how to avoid mistakes when tinting. For convenience, we have collected current table of popular colors with codes and names.

Where is the paint code on Nissan Terrano?

On Nissan Terrano (including restyled versions and models for different markets) the paint code is indicated in several standard places. The main rule: look for it on non-removable metal parts of the body, where the nameplate is protected from corrosion and mechanical damage.

Main locations:

• 🚗 Driver's door left pillar (sticker on the end, next to information about the VIN and weight of the car). Most often the paint code is indicated as Color Code or Paint.
• 🔧 Under the hood - on the spar or inner side of the wing (usually on the right). The sticker may be hidden under a layer of dirt, so clean the surface.
• 📄 In the service book (if the car is new or has undergone official maintenance). The code is sometimes duplicated in the technical data section.
• 🔍 On the trunk — under the spare wheel or on the inside of the cover (valid for models after 2015).

On Terrano older than 2010, the code can be applied directly to the body with paint (for example, on a side member) or stamped on a metal plate. If the sticker is damaged, try to find a duplicate in another place - the manufacturer usually places them in 2-3 points.

⚠️ Attention: On some Asian versions Terrano (for example, for the Indian or Southeast Asian market) the paint code may be indicated as Colour No. instead of the usual Color Code. Do not confuse this with the upholstery code (Trim Code)!

What does a paint code look like and what do its symbols mean?

Paint code Nissan Terrano is a combination of 2–4 characters, which may include letters, numbers, or a combination of both. For example, KAD, B54 or QM1. Deciphering the code provides information about:

• 🎨 Base color (first letter or number). For example, K - black, B - blue, Q - silver.
• 🔢 Hue and Saturation (second and third positions). The numbers indicate the depth of tone or special effects (such as metallic).
• 🏭 Manufacturer of enamel (sometimes encrypted in the last character). For example, codes with the letter D at the end can mean paint from DuPont.

In practice the code KAD stands for "black metallic" (where K - black, A - metallic, D - manufacturer). And the code B54 - this is "blue mother of pearl" medium saturation. The full transcript can be found in table below or on the website of the official dealer Nissan.

It is important to consider that the same code can indicate different shades depending on year of manufacture Terrano. For example, QM1 on models 2014–2016 it is “silver metallic”, and on restyled versions after 2018 it is a cooler shade with a bluish tint. Therefore, when ordering paint, always check Vehicle VIN or year of production.

Table of original Nissan Terrano colors with codes

Below are the most common colors for Nissan Terrano (including European, Asian and Russian versions). If your code is not listed, check it on the website Nissan Russia or in the database PaintCodes.

Paint code	Color name (official)	Coverage type	Years of manufacture	Notes
KAD	Super Black	Metallic	2014–2020	The most popular color for the European market. Has a slight bluish tint.
QM1	Brilliant Silver	Metallic	2013–2019	Silver with warm undertones. In the sun it may appear golden.
B54	Blue Metallic	Metallic	2015–2020	Deep blue with a purple tint. Often used on top trim levels.
PX8	Pearl White	Mother of pearl	2016–2021	Three-layer coating. Requires special equipment for painting.
J11	Red Metallic	Metallic	2017–2020	Bright red with aluminum particles. Popular in Asia.

If your code does not match the table, it may be a limited edition or special order. In this case, contact your dealer Nissan and provide Vehicle VIN — it can be used to accurately identify the original paint.

What to do if the paint code is erased?

If the code sticker is damaged, try:

1. Find a duplicate elsewhere (see section above).

2. Contact an authorized dealer with the VIN number.

3. Use a spectrophotometer to analyze color (the service is available in professional car repair shops).

4. Take a photo of the car in daylight and send the photo to a painting workshop (for example, Mobihel or Sikkens).

Where to buy original paint by code for Terrano

original paint for Nissan Terrano can be purchased in several places, but it is important to note product quality and compliance with factory standards. Here are the tested options:

• 🏢 Official Nissan dealers. They sell paint in 1 liter cans or aerosols (for example, Nissan Touch-Up Paint). The downside is the high price (from 3,000 rubles per liter).
• 🛒 Specialty stores (For example, AutoAlliance, AvtoKraska). Here you can find analogues from PPG, DuPont or Sikkens, which are 20–40% cheaper than the original.
• 🌍 Foreign online stores (For example, AutomotiveTouchup). The paint is delivered according to the code in small containers (from 50 ml). Suitable for local repairs.
• 🔧 Car services with tinting. They can select the color according to the code and mix the paint on site (the service costs from 1,500 rubles).

When purchasing, pay attention to type of paint:

• For metallics (codes with letter A, M) you need a base + varnish.
• For mother of pearl (codes with letter P) - 3-layer system (base + mother of pearl + varnish).
• For matte colors (rare, but found on Terrano after 2019) - special matte enamel.

⚠️ Attention: Don't buy paint based on the color name (such as "Super Black") without checking the code! The same color can have different shades. For example, KAD And KH3 - both are “black”, but the first one has a blue tint, and the second one has a green tint.

How to properly prepare a car for painting

Even the highest quality paint can be ruined by improper body preparation. For Nissan Terrano (especially with metallic or mother-of-pearl) it is important to follow several rules:

1. Cleaning and degreasing. Remove dirt, wax and silicone polishes with white spirit or a special degreaser (for example, APP W700). Do not use gasoline or acetone - they may damage the factory finish.

2. Sanding. For local repairs (chips, scratches), it is enough to treat the area with sandpaper P800–P1200. When completely painting a part (for example, a bumper), rough sanding will be required P320–P400 for better adhesion.

3. Primer. Apply to bare metal acid soil (For example, Reoflex Acid Primer), then - acrylic primer-filler. For plastic parts (bumper, moldings), use a special primer for plastic (PPG DP40).

4. Painting. Apply paint in 2-3 layers, drying between layers for 10-15 minutes. For metallics and pearlescents, a final layer of varnish is required (for example, Sikkens Autoclear). The room temperature should be 18–22°C - at a lower level, the paint may lie unevenly.

Common mistakes when selecting and painting Terrano

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that spoil the result. Here are the most common:

• 🔴 Ignoring the manufacturer's code. Some paints (eg. KAD) are produced by different companies for Nissan. Code KAD/D - this is enamel from DuPont, and KAD/S - from Sikkens. They may differ in composition!
• 🌡️ Painting at the wrong temperature. At +10°C, the paint takes longer to dry and may run, and at +30°C, it dries too quickly, forming an “orange peel”.
• 🎨 Incorrect solvent. For Nissan original paints are diluted with solvent Nissan Paint Thinner or universal PPG DX330. The use of cheap solvents leads to clouding of the varnish.
• 🔍 Skipping the priming step. Without primer, paint doesn't last as well and fades faster. This is especially critical for plastic parts.

Another typical problem is mismatch of shades after painting. This happens if:

• The paint is applied too thickly (the color becomes darker).
• A varnish with a yellow tint was used (for example, HS Clear instead of MS Clear).
• The car was painted in a garage without professional lighting (the color appears different in daylight).

⚠️ Attention: If you're only painting one part (like a fender) and the rest of the body is sun-faded, the new color will look brighter. In this case, it is recommended to polish the adjacent panels or make transition over varnish (shading).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Terrano paint code

Is it possible to paint Terrano with paint from another manufacturer if the original is too expensive?

Yes, but only if you choose analogue by code from trusted brands (for example, PPG, Mobihel, Spies Hecker). Cheap paints (for example, Bosny or Kudo) often do not match in shade and quickly fade. Compare samples from different lighting angles before purchasing.

What is the difference between paints for European and Asian Terrano?

European versions Terrano often painted with enamels with more durable pigments (for example, KAD has enhanced protection against UV rays). Asian models (especially for the Indian market) may use paints with less metallic particles, which makes them less shiny. Mother-of-pearl coatings also differ: brighter shades are popular in Asia (for example, PX8 with a pinkish tint).

How to check whether the purchased paint is suitable without applying it to the car?

Apply a test coat to metal plate (you can use a jar lid) and wait until it dries completely (24 hours). Then compare the color with the original under different light sources: daylight, incandescent and LED. If the shades match, the paint is suitable.

How much paint does it take to paint a Terrano bumper?

To completely paint the bumper you will need:

• 🔘 Base paint: 150–200 ml (2–3 layers).
• 🔘 Varnish: 200–250 ml (2 layers).
• 🔘 Primer: 100–150 ml (if the bumper is plastic).

When purchasing, take a margin of 20–30%, since some of the paint will remain in the spray gun and on the samples.

Is it possible to order paint by VIN if the code on the car is not readable?

Yes, official dealers Nissan and some tinting centers (for example, Mobihel) can determine the paint code by VIN number. To do this:

1. Find the VIN on your windshield or title.
2. Contact your dealer or website VIN decoder from Nissan.
3. Check the year of manufacture - this will help avoid mistakes with shades.

The service is paid (from 500 rubles), but it is more reliable than selection “by eye”.