Code KY0 - one of the most common shades in the palette Nissan, which is used on dozens of brand models, from compact hatchbacks to SUVs. This color is often called "dark gray metallic" or "graphite", but its exact shade depends on the year of manufacture of the car, application technology and even the region of assembly. Owners Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail or Juke with code KY0 encounter problems when selecting paint for local repairs: in the catalogs of paint and varnish manufacturers you can find up to 5-7 variations of this color with varying degrees of “coldness” or saturation.

In this article we will look at how to correctly decipher the code. KY0where to find original paint Nissan, which analogues are suitable for budget repairs, and why even professionals sometimes make mistakes with tinting. And also - unique data on changes to the KY0 formula after 2018, which are not written about in standard instructions.

What does the KY0 code mean in the Nissan palette?

Code KY0 belongs to the metallic group (metallic) and denotes a dark gray color with a silvery tint. Depending on the lighting, it can look like deep anthracite or almost black with a bluish undertone. It is important to understand that Nissan does not use a static formula for this color: for example, paint KY0 for Qashqai J11 (2014–2017) differs from the version for X-Trail T32 (2017–2022) due to different pigment suppliers.

In factory documents Nissan code KY0 may be accompanied by additional symbols:

  • 🔹 KY0 (A) — standard version for most models;
  • 🔹 KY0 (B) — modified formula for cars assembled in Europe (a “warmer” shade);
  • 🔹 KY0 (C) — option for the markets of Southeast Asia (with an increased content of aluminum powder).

If your car's nameplate only indicates KY0 without a letter index, this does not guarantee a 100% match with the standard. For example, Nissan Almera G15 2015 and Nissan Terrano 2019 with the same code KY0 will differ by 3–5% in colorimetric indicators.

📊 Which Nissan model with KY0 paint does your car belong to?
  • Qashqai
  • X-Trail
  • Juke
  • Almera
  • Other

Where can I find original KY0 paint for Nissan?

Original paint Nissan with code KY0 comes in three formats:

  1. Ready aerosol (volume 400 ml) - suitable for minor repairs (scratches, chips). Marking on the can: Nissan KY0 Metallic.
  2. Base enamel (1 liter jar) - requires dilution and application of varnish. Used in professional workshops.
  3. Tinting paste — for preparing paint to order (a spectrophotometer is required).

Official suppliers of original paints and varnishes for Nissan:

Manufacturer Article KY0 Format Note
Nissan Paint KY0-400ML Aerosol For local repairs only
PPG (Deltacron) 936033 Base enamel Requires varnish PPG 2002
Standox 22-6030 Tinting paste For systems Standomix
Sikkens M603.5030 Base + varnish Used in dealerships

⚠️ Attention: Buying paint KY0 from third sellers (for example, AliExpress or eBay), you risk getting a fake. Original cans Nissan have a holographic sticker with the serial number and production date. If the sticker is missing or damaged, it is 100% fake.

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Before purchasing KY0 paint, test it on a test panel! Apply 2-3 coats to the metal plate and compare to the body color in daylight. Even original paint can have a difference of up to 2% due to the batch of pigment.

KY0 paint analogues: what to choose for budget repairs?

If the original paint KY0 is unavailable or too expensive, you can use analogues from leading paint and varnish manufacturers. The main thing is to take into account color index (For example, KY0/A or KY0/B) and the year of manufacture of the car.

The best analogues for KY0:

  • 🔧 Mobihel KY0-501 — a budget option for an aerosol (up to 3% difference from the original).
  • 🔧 Spies Hecker 22-6030 - professional line, requires varnish Permahyd 280.
  • 🔧 R-M ONYX HD KY0 — premium segment, 98% match.
  • 🔧 DuPont D8363 - Suitable for cars up to 2016.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap analogues (for example, Kudo or Abro) often contain insufficient aluminum powder, which is why the color turns out “dull” and loses its metallic luster. If your budget is limited, it is better to buy an original aerosol Nissan in a minimum volume (200 ml), rather than taking risks with a low-quality analogue.

For accurate selection, use color programs:

  • 🖥️ ColorMobile (from PPG) - free mobile application;
  • 🖥️ Mixit (from AkzoNobel) — databases for professionals;
  • 🖥️ ChromaVision (from BASF) is a scanner for an exact match.

Wash off wax and silicones from the body|Matt the surface with P800 sandpaper|Degrease with a solvent (for example, PPG DX330)|Apply a leveling primer (if the chip depth is >0.5 mm)|Test spray paint on a test panel-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to paint a part in KY0 color

Local paint repair KY0 requires care: due to the metallic pigment, even a small mistake in the application technique will lead to visible transitions. Below is a step-by-step algorithm for beginners.

1. Surface preparation

  • 🧽 Clean the part from dirt and grease using PPG DX330 or 3M 08984.
  • 🔨 Sand the repair area with sandpaper P800–P1000 (for deep chips - P400).
  • 🖌️ Apply anti-silicone degreaser and dry for 10 minutes.

2. Priming

For KY0 recommended to use gray soil (For example, Spies Hecker 560-5010), since dark colors require a perfectly smooth base. Apply 2-3 layers with drying time between coats for 5-7 minutes.

3. Applying base paint

Key rules:

  • 🎨 Spray paint from a distance 20–25 cm from the surface.
  • 🌀 Pistol movements must be cross (first horizontally, then vertically).
  • 🖼️ Apply 2–3 thin layers with 10 minutes drying in between.

4. Varnishing and polishing

For KY0 suitable varnish PPG 2002 or Sikkens Autoclear LV. After drying (24 hours), polish the surface with paste 3M 09374 to restore gloss.

What happens if you apply too many layers of paint?

If the recommended number of layers is exceeded (more than 4), the metal particles in the KY0 paint begin to “sink” into the binder, causing the color to become dull and lose its “spark.” In addition, the risk of smudges and prolonged drying (up to 48 hours) increases.

Typical mistakes when painting KY0 and how to avoid them

Even professionals sometimes make mistakes when working with KY0. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

1. Color mismatch after drying

Reason: Unaccounted for metamerism effect - color change depending on the light source. For example, KY0 under fluorescent lamps it looks greenish, and under LED lamps it looks bluish.

Solution: Compare color when natural daylight or use lamps with color temperature 5000–6500K.

2. Visible transitions at the repair boundary

Cause: Incorrect blending technique or insufficient drying between coats.

Solution: Use transition solvent (For example, Sikkens Thinner 2000) and apply the last coat of paint at an increased distance (30–35 cm).

3. Loss of “metallic” after varnishing

Cause: The varnish is too thick or it was not dried properly.

Solution: Dilute the varnish by 10–15% with solvent and dry at a temperature 20–22°C at least 12 hours.

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For an ideal result when painting KY0, use the “wet on wet” method: apply varnish to the base paint that has not yet completely dried (15-20 minutes after the last coat). This will help avoid “steps” between layers.

How to care for KY0 paint so that it retains its appearance longer?

Color KY0 prone to fading and micro-scratches due to the high content of aluminum particles. To maintain the original shine, follow these recommendations:

1. Cleaning and protection

  • 🚿 Use contactless car wash or soft microfiber gloves.
  • 🛡️ Apply ceramic coating (For example, Ceramic Pro 9H) every 2 years.
  • 🌞 Avoid parking in direct sunlight - UV radiation destroys paint binders.

2. Polishing and restoration

For KY0 Suitable abrasive pastes with a grain size of no more than 2000 grit (For example, Menzerna PO203S). Polish 1-2 times a year to remove oxidation of aluminum particles.

3. Local repair of chips

To quickly eliminate minor defects, use:

  • 🎨 Dr. ColorChip Nissan KY0 — retouching kit;
  • 🔧 Chipex — “paint + varnish” system with an applicator;
  • 🖌️ TouchUpDirect — aerosol with a brush for spot application.

⚠️ Attention: Never use for KY0 silicone based wax polishes! They clog the paint pores and cause the metallic to become cloudy after 3-6 months.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about KY0 paint for Nissan

Can KY0 paint be mixed with other shades of grey?

No, KY0 has a unique formula with a specific ratio of pigments. Even similar colors (for example, KH3 or KB0) when mixed will give a visible transition. If you need to lighten or darken the shade, use special toners (for example, PPG Toner Black or White).

Why did streaks appear after painting KY0?

Streaks (or "tiger effect") occur due to:

  • Incorrect pressure in the spray gun (should be 2.0–2.5 bar);
  • Moving the gun too quickly;
  • Use a solvent with a low evaporation rate.

Solution: Polish the surface with abrasive paste 3M 09375 and apply another coat of varnish.

How much does it cost to have a part professionally painted in KY0?

The cost depends on the region and complexity of the work:

  • 🚗 Bumper — 8 000–12 000 ₽;
  • 🚪 Door - 10 000–15 000 ₽;
  • 🔄 Full body painting - 80 000–120 000 ₽.

The price includes: sandblasting, primer, 3 layers of paint + 2 layers of varnish, polishing.

How to check the authenticity of the original KY0 paint?

Signs of original paint Nissan:

  • 🏷️ Holographic sticker with serial number and date;
  • 📦 Packaging with logo Nissan Genuine Paint;
  • 🔢 Batch code on the bottom of the jar (for example, KY0-2023-05);
  • 💧 Consistency: there should be no lumps or separation when mixing.
Is it possible to paint plastic parts (such as bumpers) in KY0?

Yes, but special training is required:

  1. Process plastic adhesive primer (For example, PPG DP40LF);
  2. Apply elastic soil for plastic;
  3. Use flexible paint (For example, Sikkens Autoflex).

Without these steps paint KY0 will crack in 3-6 months.