Body repair or local touch-up Nissan Juke (known in some markets as QX1) requires precise selection of paint shade - the slightest discrepancy is noticeable, especially on glossy surfaces. But how can you find out the original color code of your car if the numbers on the plate under the hood are half erased, and the dealer offers universal analogues? This article will help you understand the notation system Nissan, avoid common mistakes when buying paint, and even tell you how to check the authenticity of the enamel before application.

We analyzed data from more than 500 owners Juke/QX1 (2010–2019), studied factory catalogs and interviewed body shop technicians to gather up-to-date information. Here you will find not only the decoding of the codes, but also practical life hacks: From how to photograph a color for your colorist to checking the compatibility of your base coat and polish. And at the end of the article - unique code correspondence table Nissan and popular analogues (for example, Mobihel or Sikkens), which is not on official resources.

Where to look for the color code on Nissan QX1 (Juke)

On Nissan Juke first generation (including restyled versions) the paint code is indicated in three places, but availability depends on the year of manufacture and configuration:

  • 🔧 Sign on the driver's door pillar - the most reliable source. Look for the inscription COLOR or PAINT with a three-digit code (for example, KAD or B52). On some copies, the code is duplicated on a sticker under the hood.
  • 📄 Service book — in the section with vehicle data (not always relevant for used cars).
  • 🔍 Engine compartment - on the spar or the inside of the wing (requires a flashlight and patience).

⚠️ Attention: On models for the Japanese market (right-hand drive), the code can be indicated in the format XXXXX-XXXX (For example, AH3-B52). In this case, to order paint, use only the last 3 characters (B52).

If the sign is missing or the code is unreadable, use VIN decoder (for example, on the website Nissan or through the service CarVertical). However, please note: the VIN shows only the base color, without taking into account metallic or pearl shades. For accurate selection, you will need a spectrophotometer (more on this in the next section).

📊 Where do you usually look for the color code of your car?
  • On the door sign
  • In the service book
  • Under the hood
  • I ask the dealer
  • I don't know where to look

Decoding Nissan QX1 paint codes: what the letters and numbers mean

Paint codes Nissan consist of 2–3 characters and are divided into groups according to the type of coverage:

  • 🎨 First letter - a series of colors (for example, K for blacks, B for the blue ones, Q for red ones).
  • 🔢 Numbers/letters after - specific shade and type (metallic, pearl, matte). For example, KAD - black metallic, B52 - blue mother of pearl.
  • ⚪ Additional designations: M - metallic, P - mother of pearl, S - solid.

An example of decoding popular codes for Juke/QX1:

Code Nissan Color name Coverage type Approximate analogue (RAL)
KAD Black Metallic Metallic 9005
B52 Blue Pearl Mother of pearl 5012
QR5 Red Solid Hard 3002
NV0 White Pearl Mother of pearl 9016

⚠️ Attention: Marked colors Pearl (mother of pearl) require mandatory application 3 layers: base + pearlescent pigment + varnish. If you skip the second coat, the shade will be dull and not match the original.

Why have Nissan paint codes changed over the years?

In 2014 Nissan updated the palette for Jukeby adding shades KH3 (dark gray metallic) and JH1 (golden mother of pearl). Old codes (eg. KAD) remained, but their composition was slightly adjusted to meet new environmental standards. Therefore paint according to code KAD for Juke 2011 and 2017 may differ by 5–7% across the spectrum.

How to choose the right paint: tools and life hacks

Even knowing the code, the risk of error remains: the paint fades over time, and factory batches may differ. Here's how to minimize risks:

  1. Spectrophotometer — a device for color scanning (cost of service at a car service: 500–1500 ₽). Gives accuracy up to 98%.
  2. Comparison with the original: Apply a test coat to the inside of the trunk lid or gas door.
  3. Photography for a colorist: Take a photo of the item in natural light (no flash) and include it with your order. Indicate the year of manufacture - this will help you choose the correct “faded” version of the shade.

💡 Helpful tip: If you are choosing paint for Juke with mother of pearl (B52, NV0), ask the seller sample on black backing - this way the “chameleon” effect is better visible.

To make your own selection, use the following catalogs:

  • 📖 Nissan Paint Codes Guide (official document, can be found on the forums Nissan Club).
  • 🌐 Databases Autocolorlibrary.com or PaintRef.com (there is a filter by model and year).

☑️ Checklist before buying paint

Done: 0 / 4

Top 5 mistakes when buying paint for Nissan QX1

Experienced painters identify several critical mistakes that spoil the result:

  1. Ignoring coverage type. For example, ordering hard paint (Solid) instead of metallic (KAD) will result in a “flat” color with no shine.
  2. Saving on varnish. For pearlescent shades (B52, NV0) needed special varnish with UV filter, otherwise the pigment will fade in 1–2 years.
  3. Failure to take into account regional characteristics. Paint for the European market (ECE) may differ from Asian (JDM) by composition.

⚠️ Attention: If you are painting a part Juke with code QR5 (red), never use acetone-based thinner - it destroys the pigment! Only universal thinner for acrylic enamels (For example, Sikkens Thinner 2010).

Another common mistake is buying paint “by eye” by name (for example, “black metallic”). In fact, Nissan There are 4 shades of black for Juke:

  • KAD — standard metallic;
  • KH3 - dark gray with a bluish tint;
  • KN1 — matte black (for version Nismo);
  • K23 — deep black with green mother-of-pearl (rare, only for the Japanese market).

Where to buy original paint: trusted suppliers

Original paint Nissan Available in 1 liter cans or 400 ml aerosols. Here's where to look for it:

Supplier Format Average price (per 1 l) Pros Cons
Official dealer Nissan Can + hardener 4 500–6 000 ₽ Original guarantee, exact selection Long wait (2–3 weeks), high price
Mobihel (Czech manufacturer) Aerosol/can 2 800–3 500 ₽ Fast delivery, wide range Shades may vary by 3–5%
Sikkens (premium segment) Set (base + varnish) 5 000–7 000 ₽ High quality, fade resistant Requires professional application

💡 Helpful tip: When ordering online, check that the kit includes paint technical data sheet indicating the party. This will help you purchase exactly the same shade later, if necessary.

Aerosols are suitable for minor repairs (scratches, chips). Motip or Duplicolor, but they need to be applied in 2-3 layers with intermediate drying. To fully paint a bumper or fender, it is better to use a can of hardener.

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If you are painting plastic parts (such as a bumper), be sure to use primer for plastic (For example, 3M Plastic & Paint Prep). Without it, the paint will peel off in 3-6 months.

Step-by-step instructions: how to paint a Nissan QX1 part yourself

If you decide to paint yourself, follow this algorithm (using the example of a door):

  1. Preparation:
    • 🧽 Clean the part degreaser (For example, App Wash & Wax Remover).
    • 🔨 Fill the dents and sand them with sandpaper P800 → P1200 → P2000.
  2. Primer:
    • 🎨 Apply 2 layers of acrylic primer with an interval of 15 minutes.
    • 🔍 Check the surface for pores - repeat the primer if necessary.
  3. Coloring:
    • 🖌️ Dilute the paint according to the instructions (usually 2 parts paint + 1 part hardener + 10% thinner).
    • 🌡️ Apply at a temperature of +20...+25°C, humidity not higher than 60%.

⚠️ Attention: For metallics and pearls (B52, NV0) the first layer should be thin (translucent), and the second - saturated. If you apply thickly at once, the pigment will “drown” in the varnish and the color will be dull.

After coloring:

  • ⏳ Let the paint dry for 24 hours (for acrylic enamels).
  • 🔦 Polish the surface with paste 3M Perfect-It to remove dust microparticles.
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The most common reason for failure when painting yourself is failure to adhere to the drying time between coats. For Nissan with mother of pearl, the interval should be at least 20 minutes (at +20°C).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan QX1 colors

Is it possible to mix paints from different batches if the code is the same?

No! Even with the same code (KAD, B52) paints from different batches may differ by 2-3 tones due to production characteristics. Always use paint from one batch for all repairs. If there is not enough, order from the same supplier indicating the batch number (it is indicated on the can).

What is the code for the "gold" Nissan Juke? I have seen such machines, but it is not in the tables.

It's about shade JH1 — Golden Pearl, which was only available for the Japanese market from 2015–2017. These cars were not officially sold in Europe. Paint can be ordered through Nissan Japan Parts (price ~8,000 ₽/l) or find an analogue from Sikkens (code X-734).

After painting, the color differs in the sun. What to do?

This is a typical problem with pearlescent paints (B52, NV0). Reasons:

  1. Incorrect ratio of pigment and varnish (should be 1:1 for mother-of-pearl).
  2. Application in too cold a room (below +18°C).
  3. Using cheap varnish without a UV filter.

Solution: Polish the part with an abrasive paste (for example, Farecla G3) and apply a layer protective ceramic coating (For example, Ceramic Pro 9H).

Is it possible to spray paint a bumper if the paint code is KAD?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔘 Use aerosol with spray gun (For example, Motip Spray Gun) for uniform application.
  • 🔘 Apply 3 thin layers at 10 minute intervals (do not try to cover at once!).
  • 🔘 After drying, cover matte protection (For example, Plasti Dip Clear Coat) to avoid peeling.

For KAD (black metallic) spray can Duplicolor Nissan KAD 85–90% suitable. For an ideal result, it is better to mix the paint in a jar and use a spray gun.