Owners of Japanese cars are often faced with the need to restore paintwork after minor accidents or natural aging of the body. For model Nissan Note this is especially true, since body parts have complex geometry, and even a slight difference in shade will be noticeable. Choosing the right color is not just about buying a can of paint, but accurately identifying the factory code, which could vary depending on the year of manufacture and the country of destination of the car.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to tell the store manager the name of the color, for example, “black” or “gray”, to get the perfect result. In practice factory palette has hundreds of shades with similar names, but different chemical formulas. An incorrectly selected paint code will lead to the fact that after painting the part will be contrastingly different from neighboring panels, which will spoil the appearance of the car and reduce its market value.
In this article we will look in detail at where exactly the code plate is located on different generations Nissan Note, how to decipher this data and what nuances exist when independently selecting enamel. You will learn why color can vary even within the same model and how to avoid common mistakes when ordering paint for Nissan Note.
Location of the paint code plate on Nissan Note
The first and most important step is to look for the identification plate that indicates color number. For the first generation Nissan Note (E11 body), produced from 2005 to 2013, manufacturers placed the nameplate in the engine compartment. You'll need to open the hood and take a close look at the passenger side pillar or front cross member where the screw-on VIN plate is typically attached.
On the second generation (E12 body, 2013–2021), the location of the label remained similar, but the design of the plate has changed. In some cases, especially on vehicles assembled for the European market, the information is duplicated on the driver's door or in the door opening. Look for a rectangular sticker with a set of numbers and letters, where the key element is the line "Paint" or "Color".
For the third generation (E13 body, from 2021), the search procedure is similar, but it is worth considering that modern cars often have additional protective films that can hide part of the markings. Inspect the area carefully B-pillars on the driver's side, where the plate with the VIN code and tire pressure parameters is usually located.
- 🔍 Carefully check the engine compartment for the presence of factory stickers, do not confuse them with stickers from a service station.
- 🔧 Use a flashlight, as the sign is often located in a shady area of the frame or stand.
- 📝 Write down all data from the plate, including the VIN, to avoid confusion in the future.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to peel off the sign or scrape off dirt with a knife, as this may damage the protective layer and the marking itself, which will make the code unreadable. Use a soft, damp cloth.
The paint code plate on a Nissan Note is always located in the engine compartment or in the driver's doorway, never on body panels that are painted separately.
Structure and decoding of the color code
Paint code on Japanese cars including Nissan Note, is a combination of numbers and letters that is not always intuitive. Usually these are 2-4 characters located next to the inscription “Paint” or “Color Code”. For example, the popular white color may be designated as QAB, and deep black - like KA2. It is important to understand that these codes are unique for each brand and even for different platforms within the same brand.
Car owners often confuse the color code with the car's VIN code. The VIN code contains information about the production date, manufacturer and equipment, but does not directly indicate the paint color. The color code is a separate parameter that can be the same for different models if they used the same palette in a particular year. For Nissan a typical structure looks like a combination of letters and numbers, e.g. K11 or QAB.
In some cases, the plate may indicate not only the main code, but also additional symbols indicating the type of coating (metallic, mother-of-pearl, matte). This data is critically important, since the application technology and paint composition for metallics fundamentally different from simple enamels. An error in determining the type of coating will result in the paint not having the desired shine or depth of color.
- 🎨 Look for a combination of 3-4 characters that is in the “Paint” or “Color” field.
- 📅 Check the year of manufacture of the car, as the same code may have different shades in different years.
- ⚙️ Pay attention to additional markings indicating the type of coating (Metallic, Pearl).
What does it mean that there is no color code on the plate?
If the plate is damaged or erased, the color code can be restored through the dealership using the VIN code, but this will require the provision of vehicle documents.
Features of popular Nissan Note colors
Model Nissan Note was popular due to its wide range of colors, some of which have become classics. One of the most common colors is white pearl, which is often indicated by the code QAB. This shade has a complex structure with the addition of luminous particles, which creates the effect of depth and volume. When painting, it is important to follow the technology of applying the base coat and varnish to avoid the “zebra” effect.
Black color on Nissan Note also has its own nuances. Often used code KA2 (Super Black), which is pure black without metallic additives. However, there are also variations, such as black mother-of-pearl, which looks richer and shimmers in the sun. Incorrect mixing can cause the black to appear dark gray or have a bluish tint.
Gray and silver shades such as KAB or K11, often used on business class cars and crossovers. These colors require special attention when selecting, as they are very sensitive to lighting. Silver can appear lighter in the sun and darker in the shade, creating visual distortion when mixing the paint.
- 🌟 White mother of pearl requires careful application of the base layer to achieve the desired depth.
- 🌑 Black color is often confused with dark gray, so it is important to check the code with the original palette.
- 🌫️ Silver shades depend on the angle of light, which makes their selection difficult without a spectrophotometer.
- White (QAB)
- Black (KA2)
- Silver (KAB)
- Red (KY2)
- Other
Tools for precise paint selection
Modern technologies make it possible to select paint with minimal error using specialized equipment. A spectrophotometer is a device that scans the surface of a car body and analyzes the reflection of light to determine the exact color. This method is especially effective if the car has already been repainted or sun-bleached, as the factory code may not match the current shade.
For accurate selection, computer databases are also used, which contain mixing formulas for thousands of shades. These databases are updated regularly by paint manufacturers, which allows them to take into account changes in the formulation. When working with Nissan Note It is important to use an up-to-date database, since paint formulas can change even within the same year of production.
If you do not have professional equipment, you can use color catalogs, which contain paint samples on plastic cards. However, this method is less accurate, since color perception depends on lighting and individual vision. To achieve an ideal result, it is recommended to combine several selection methods.
☑️ Check before ordering paint
⚠️ Caution: Do not rely solely on visual color comparison on your monitor screen, as the screen color space may distort actual paint shades.
Process of mixing and applying paint
Once the paint code is determined and ordered, the mixing process begins. In professional settings, this is done on computer-controlled tinting machines that weigh components to the nearest gram. For Nissan Note It is important to consider that some colors require the addition of special additives, such as pearl or metallic, which may settle to the bottom of the jar.
Before applying paint, it is necessary to prepare the surface by cleaning it from dirt, grease and old layers of varnish. For this purpose, special degreasers and abrasives are used. It is important to follow the sanding technology so that the surface is perfectly smooth and ready to receive paint. Improper preparation may result in paint peeling or defects.
The paint is applied in several layers: a base layer, which forms the color, and a varnish layer, which adds shine and protection. Each layer must dry for a certain time to avoid defects such as smudges or bubbles. For Nissan Note with E12 and E13 bodies, it is recommended to use varnishes with increased UV resistance.
- ⚖️ Use an accurate scale to mix paint components to avoid discrepancies in shade.
- 🧼 Thoroughly degrease the surface before applying paint to ensure adhesion.
- 🌡️ Control the temperature and humidity in the room to ensure the paint dries properly.
Before applying paint to the body, be sure to test the color on a test panel or old part to ensure the shade is accurate.
Extended Nissan Note Color Code Chart
To make your search easier, we have prepared a table with the most common color codes for different generations Nissan Note. This information will help you quickly navigate the variety of shades and avoid mistakes when ordering paint. Please remember that the codes given are for reference only and may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and region.
| Generation | Color name | Paint code | Coverage type |
|---|---|---|---|
| E11 (2005-2013) | Super Black | KA2 | Matte |
| E11 (2005-2013) | White Pearl | QAB | Mother of pearl |
| E12 (2013-2021) | Gun Metallic | KAB | Metallic |
| E12 (2013-2021) | Deep Blue | K11 | Metallic |
| E13 (2021-present) | Scarlet Ember | KY2 | Metallic |
The table shows the main codes, but there are also rare shades that are found in specific markets or in limited editions. If you do not find your color in the list, it is better to contact an official dealer or a specialized service where you have access to the full database Nissan.
⚠️ Attention: The table contains only basic codes. For rare or exclusive colors, it is necessary to use the VIN code to accurately determine the recipe.
The accuracy of paint selection depends on the correct identification of the code and the use of an up-to-date database, and not just on visual comparison.
Common mistakes when choosing paint
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the burnout factor. Even if the paint code is the same as factory, the color on the body may vary due to exposure to sunlight and time. In this case, simply mixing according to the formula will not give the desired result, and the shade will need to be adjusted manually.
Another mistake is using paints from different manufacturers without taking into account their compatibility. Some brands use unique formulations that may not mix with other brands of paint. This may result in a chemical reaction that will degrade the coating or render it unusable.
Also often forgotten is the need to use the right varnish. The varnish must match the type of paint (acrylic, polyurethane) and operating conditions. Using the wrong clearcoat can cause the finish to become dull or peel quickly, especially on vehicles driven in harsh climates.
- ☀️ Consider paint fading in the sun, especially for light and bright shades.
- 🧪 Use paints and varnishes from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
- 🛡️ Choose varnish taking into account the operating conditions of the car and the type of paint.
What to do if the paint code is erased?
If the paint code plate is completely erased or damaged, the only reliable way is to contact the dealership with the vehicle documents to recover the VIN code data.
FAQ: Questions and answers
Where exactly is the paint code on Nissan Note E12?
On the Nissan Note E12, the paint code is located on a metal plate in the engine compartment, usually on the right pillar or front cross member. Also, a duplicate sticker may be located in the driver's door opening.
Is it possible to select paint based on VIN code?
Yes, the VIN code can accurately determine the factory paint code, even if the plate is damaged. This is done through official dealer databases or specialized services with access to Nissan catalogs.
Why is the paint different from the body color if the code is the same?
The difference may be caused by the paint fading in the sun, varnish oxidation, or using a different batch of paint. In such cases, manual adjustment of the shade by a specialist is required.
Do I need to paint the entire body or just a part?
In case of minor damage, it is enough to paint only the damaged part and transfer to adjacent panels. For major damage or complete color restoration, the entire body may need to be repainted.
How long does paint dry on a Nissan Note?
Drying time depends on the type of paint and conditions. The base layer dries in 15-20 minutes, the varnish - about 30-60 minutes. Complete polymerization takes 24-48 hours at room temperature.