Owners Nissan Almera sooner or later they are faced with the need to touch up chips, scratches or completely repaint the body. The main problem is to correctly determine the shade of the factory paint, because even the slightest discrepancy is striking. Fortunately, the manufacturer applies paint code for every car, but finding it is not always easy: the location depends on the year of manufacture and generation of the model.
In this article we will take a closer look at where to look for the paint code on Almera G15 (2012–2019), N18 (2019–present) and older versions (B10, N16), how to decipher type designations KAD or B54, and what to do if the code is erased or missing. You will also find a table of original colors with names and codes, tips on choosing paint and answers to frequently asked questions.
Where to look for the paint code on Nissan Almera: all possible places
The manufacturer applies the paint code to special plates (nameplates) that are attached to different parts of the body. Their location depends on the generation Almera:
- 🚗 Almera G15 (2012–2019) — the paint code is indicated on a plate under the hood (on the A-pillar on the driver’s side) or on a sticker in the driver’s door opening.
- 🚗 Almera N18 (2019–present) — look for the nameplate on the inside of the trunk lid (left) or on the driver's door pillar.
- 🚗 Almera Classic (B10, N16) — the code may be on a plate under the hood (closer to the windshield) or on a sticker in the glove compartment.
On the plate 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, QM1). If the nameplate is missing or the code is unreadable, check service book — there is sometimes duplicate information there.
⚠️ Attention: On some Almera after 2020, the paint code can only be indicated electronically - in the system Nissan Connect. To find it out, contact an authorized dealer with the VIN number.
- Under the hood
- In the doorway
- On the trunk lid
- In the service book
- I couldn’t find it, I’m looking for information
How to decipher a Nissan Almera paint code: examples and meanings
Paint codes Nissan consist of letters and numbers, where each position carries a semantic load. For example, in the code KAD:
- 🔤 First letter (
K) - a series of paints (a group of shades). - 🔤 Second letter (
A) — subgroup (saturation, effects). - 🔤 Third letter/number (
D) - a specific shade.
Some codes contain additional characters, for example, QM1/B92, where QM1 - the main color, and B92 - mother-of-pearl or metallic code. Decoding popular codes for Almera:
| Paint code | Color name | Type (metallic/pearl) | Generation Almera |
|---|---|---|---|
KAD |
Silver metallic | Metallic | G15, N18 |
B54 |
Pacific Blue | Mother of pearl | G15 |
QM1 |
White "Alpine" | Regular | N18 |
KH3 |
Dark gray "Graphite" | Metallic | G15, N18 |
JR4 |
Red "Cupid" | Mother of pearl | B10 |
Important: on Almera N18 after 2021, paint codes may differ from older versions - even if the color is visually identical. Always check official catalogs Nissan.
How to choose paint by code: original vs analogues
When the paint code is known, all that remains is to choose which enamel to buy:
- 🔧 Original paint Nissan — sold in 1 liter cans or aerosols (code indicated on the package). Guarantees 100% match, but is more expensive than analogues.
- 🔧 Analogues from Mobihel, DuPont, PPG - cheaper, but require tinting according to the code. The quality depends on the workshop.
- 🔧 Aerosol cans — convenient for local repairs (for example,
KADfrom Motip or App).
When purchasing, please check if you need base layer (for metallic/pearl) or one-component enamel (for regular colors). For example, for the code B54 you will need:
- Base paint
B54. - Pearl varnish (usually
Nissan Clear Coat). - Primer (if painting bare metal).
☑️ What to check before buying paint
⚠️ Attention: If you are painting a full part (such as a bumper), order 20-30% more paint - shade may vary between batches. For small chips, an aerosol with a volume of 150–200 ml is enough.
What to do if the paint code is erased or missing
If the paint code label is lost or unreadable, there are several ways to determine the shade:
- By VIN number. Official dealers Nissan can provide information about the paint using the VIN (located on the windshield or in the vehicle title). The service is paid (about 500–1000 ₽).
- Spectrophotometer. Car service centers have devices that scan body color and select paint with an accuracy of 95%. Cost - from 1500 ₽.
- According to the interior color. Some body shades match the interior plastic (for example, gray
KH3on Almera G15). Compare with the catalogue.
If the car has already been painted before, the original code may not be suitable - the previous owners may have used a different shade. In this case:
- 🔍 Inspect hidden places (for example, under the hood or in the trunk) - there could be a factory layer left there.
- 🔍 Compare the color with official photos Nissan in the catalog (for example, on the website Nissan Russia).
How to recognize a repainted car?
Pay attention to the difference in shades between parts (for example, a door and a wing). Repainting also results in uneven shine, varnish runs, or traces of sanding under the seals.
Nissan Almera color chart by generation (2000–2026)
Below are the current paint codes for different generations. Almera. Please note that some colors (QM1, KAD) are repeated in different versions, but their shades may differ slightly.
| Generation | Paint code | Color name | Years of manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almera G15 | KAD |
Silver metallic | 2012–2019 |
| Almera G15 | B54 |
Blue "Pacific" mother of pearl | 2013–2018 |
| Almera N18 | QM1 |
White "Alpine" | 2019–present |
| Almera N18 | KH3 |
Dark gray "Graphite" metallic | 2020–present |
| Almera Classic (B10) | JR4 |
Red "Cupid" mother of pearl | 2005–2012 |
For an accurate selection, use catalogs Nissan Paint Codes, which are available from official dealers or specialized stores (for example, AutoAlliance, Lada-Image). Don't just rely on visual matches - shades may look different in different lighting.
If you are painting plastic parts (bumpers, moldings), add a plasticizer (5-10%) to the paint - this will prevent cracks after drying.
Common mistakes when selecting and painting
Even knowing the paint code, it is easy to make mistakes that will ruin the result. Here are the most common:
- 🎨 Ignoring paint type. For example, for
B54(mother of pearl) needs varnish, but forQM1(regular white) - no. If you skip this step, the color will be dull. - 🎨 Improper surface preparation. Rust or old paint under a new coat will cause blistering. Always sand and prime the metal.
- 🎨 Saving on materials. Cheap solvents or varnishes may become cloudy after a year. For Nissan original materials or proven brands are recommended (Sikkens, Spies Hecker).
Another typical problem is mismatch of shades on different parts. This happens if:
- 🔦 The paint was applied at different times (for example, the bumper was painted separately from the body).
- 🔦 Different batches of paint were used (even with the same code).
- 🔦 The effect of burnout was not taken into account (old paint is lighter than new).
⚠️ Attention: If you paint Almera in garage conditions, avoid working at temperatures below +15°C - the paint will lie unevenly and the varnish may crack.
For an ideal result, apply the paint in 2-3 layers with intermediate drying for 15-20 minutes. The last coat of varnish must dry for at least 24 hours.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Almera paint codes
Can I use paint from another Nissan model (eg Qashqai) for Almera?
Yes, if the paint code matches. For example, KAD also used on Qashqai, and on Almera G15. However, shades may vary slightly due to different batches. Test the color on a small area before painting completely.
What solvent is suitable for Nissan paints?
For original paints Nissan solvent recommended Nissan Thinner No.2 (for acrylic enamels) or No.5 (for metallics). Analogues: Mobihel 646 or DuPont 3814S.
How much does it cost to paint a part from an official dealer?
The cost depends on the part:
- 🚪 Door - from 8,000 ₽ (with material).
- 🚗 Bumper - from 12,000 ₽ (including removal/installation).
- 🚗 Hood - from 15,000 ₽.
In unofficial services, prices are 30–50% lower, but there is no guarantee of color matching.
Can I order paint by code online?
Yes, on the sites AutoAlliance, PaintScratch or eBay original paints for sale Nissan in cans and aerosols. Specify the code (for example, KAD) and generation Almera. Delivery takes 2-4 weeks.
What should I do if the color doesn’t match after painting?
If the difference is noticeable, there are two options:
- Repaint the part with the addition of color (in the salon they will select a shade to match your car).
- Tint the entire car in a new color (expensive, but it will get rid of the “patchwork” effect).
Most often the problem is the wrong varnish or base - contact another specialist.