Choosing the right shade for Nissan Qashqai is a task that requires not only aesthetic taste, but also a deep understanding of the technical nuances of automotive chemistry. The crossover body is constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation, reagents and small impacts of gravel, so the quality of the paintwork directly affects the preservation of the market value of the car.
Many owners are faced with the problem when a standard color from a catalog looks different than the original surface due to fading or a factory layering feature. To avoid the “patch” effect, it is necessary to take into account not only the paint code, but also the age of the car, as well as operating conditions.
In this material we will analyze all aspects of working with paintwork. Nissan Qashqai, from finding the correct code on the nameplate to professional tinting techniques and DIY repairs.
Where to find the paint code on a Nissan Qashqai
The first and most important step is to accurately determine the factory shade code. U Nissan this information is applied to a special metal plate, which is attached to the body in strictly defined places. For most generations Qashqai (J10, J11, J12) This location is located on the B-pillar on the driver or passenger side.
Open the door and carefully inspect the side of the opening. You will see a plate with a lot of technical data, where in the field Paint or Color the code is indicated. This is usually a combination of three letters and numbers, e.g. QAB or QAZ. This is the code you need to look for in catalogs when ordering paint.
Sometimes the sign may be damaged by corrosion or worn off over time. In this case, you can contact an official dealer, providing the VIN code of the car. The dealer computer will show not only the main code, but also information about possible touch-ups or factory changes to the batch.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to choose a color from a photo on the Internet or your eye memory. Even the same paint code can have a different shade depending on the batch and year of the car, and the human eye is easily deceived by lighting.
- 🔍 Inspect the body pillar under the driver and passenger doors.
- 🔎 Find the box that says
ColororPaint Code. - 📝 Write down the code (for example,
QAZfor Pearl White color) and save it.
Popular colors and their features
Assortment of colors for Nissan Qashqai ranges from classic neutral tones to bright and complex shades with pearl or metallics. Understanding the specifics of each type of coating will help you be better prepared for the restoration process. For example, white colors often contain pearlescent particles that change shade at different viewing angles.
The most common color is Super Black (code QAA). It is a deep, glossy black that contains no metallic particles, but requires perfect surface preparation as it will show all the small scratches and paint dust. At the same time, colors like Brilliant Silver (code QAB) contain aluminum powder, which creates a volume effect.
Particular attention should be paid to complex shades such as Scarlet Ember or Liquid Blue. These colors often have a three-layer structure: base, pearl and varnish. An error in mixing proportions can cause the red tint to turn orange, and the blue to violet.
| Color name | Paint code | Coverage type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Black | QAA | Deep black | Requires perfect polishing, dust is visible |
| Brilliant Silver | QAB | Metallic | Hides small irregularities, contains aluminum |
| Pearl White | QAZ | Mother of pearl | Complex three-layer color, expensive to repair |
| Scarlet Ember | QAL | Metallic | Bright red with a metallic sheen |
| Liquid Blue | QAK | Metallic | Deep blue, requires precise tinting |
- White (Pearl/White)
- Black (Super Black)
- Silver
- Red (Scarlet)
- Blue
Methods for selecting paint: from spray can to tinting
There are three main ways to obtain the required composition for repairs: purchasing ready-made paint in a can, ordering a ready-made canister volume according to the code, and professional tinting. The choice of method depends on the extent of the damage and the required quality of the result.
Ready-made spray paint is suitable for local touch-ups of chips and scratches that do not affect a large area. However, manufacturers often cannot guarantee a 100% shade match due to variations in production. This option is not suitable for serious work, as the color transition will be noticeable.
Professional tinting using computer equipment is the most accurate method. The colorist enters the paint code into the program, which calculates the recipe for mixing the base pigments. But even a computer does not always give the perfect result, so the technician makes adjustments manually, taking into account the burnout of the body of your particular car.
- 💡 Spray can: fast and cheap, but the risk of shade mismatch is high.
- 💡 Ready-made canister volume: suitable for painting entire parts if the color has not faded.
- 💡 Tinting: the most accurate method that takes into account the age and condition of the paintwork.
⚠️ Attention: When ordering paint online, be sure to check whether it comes with a hardener or varnish. Some manufacturers sell only the base, and the paint and varnish material must be purchased separately.
Application technology and surface preparation
Even the most expensive and correctly selected paint will not last long if the surface preparation technology is violated. For Nissan Qashqai With its complex body geometry, it is especially important to thoroughly degrease and clean the repair area. Skipping this step will result in the coating peeling off after a few weeks.
The process begins by removing rust and old layers of paint down to the metal or primer. Use abrasives of different grits: first coarse for leveling, then fine to create adhesion. After cleaning, be sure to rinse the surface with water and detergent and treat it with anti-silicone.
Paint should be applied in several thin layers with intermediate drying. For metallics and pearlescents, it is important to follow the direction of application so that the aluminum or pearlescent particles lie evenly. Too thick a layer can lead to “shagreen” or smudges, which will then have to be polished.
☑️ Preparation for painting
What is shagreen and how to avoid it?
Shagreen is a surface defect that resembles the peel of an orange. Occurs due to incorrect paint viscosity, too low temperature or high blowing speed. To avoid this, follow the paint can's dilution instructions and monitor the temperature in your paint booth.
After the base has dried, varnish is applied. The varnish protects the color from ultraviolet radiation and adds depth. For Nissan Qashqai It is recommended to use two-component varnishes with a hardness of 4H or higher so that the body is resistant to washes and minor damage.
Removing scratches and chips with your own hands
Small chips on the hood or bumper do not require complete repainting of the part; they can be repaired yourself. To do this, you will need special touch-up markers or a paint repair kit, which is often sold at dealerships. Nissan.
First, thoroughly clean the chip from dirt and corrosion. If there is rust inside the chip, it must be carefully removed with a thin needle and treated with a rust converter. Then apply primer if the chip is deep and reaches the metal. The primer must dry before applying paint.
Apply the paint pointwise using a thin brush or needle from the kit. Do not try to fill the chip right away; it is better to apply several thin layers with intermediate drying. After the paint has dried, you can carefully sand the repair area with fine sandpaper (2000-2500 grit) and polish it to remove any differences.
- 🛠️ Use a repair kit with the exact color code.
- 🛠️ Be sure to remove rust before applying primer.
- 🛠️ Polish the repair area only after the varnish has completely dried (after 24 hours).
Before applying paint to the chip, warm the part slightly with a hair dryer or blow dryer. Warm paint flows better and fills in uneven areas, creating a smoother surface.
Body care after painting
After renovation work or a new coat of paint is applied, proper maintenance is critical to the longevity of the finish. During the first 2-3 weeks, the varnish is in the process of final polymerization, so it is especially vulnerable to aggressive chemicals and mechanical stress.
During this period, it is not recommended to visit automatic car washes with hard brushes. It is better to wash the car manually with a soft sponge and special shampoos that do not contain abrasives and wax, which can create a film and prevent the varnish from drying completely.
To protect the fresh coating, you can apply a ceramic coating or liquid glass a month after painting. These products create an additional protective layer that repels water, dirt and UV rays, maintaining rich color. Nissan Qashqai for many years.
The quality of surface preparation is more important than the quality of the paint itself. Even expensive material will not hide dirt or rust underneath, and a properly prepared body will last for decades.
Frequently asked questions and answers
How to distinguish original Nissan paint from a fake?
Original paint Nissan has a specific label with a hologram and an exact indication of the batch code. Counterfeits often have blurred font, missing protective film on the lid, or the wrong color of the can itself. In addition, the consistency of the original paint is thicker and more uniform.
Is it possible to paint a plastic bumper to match the body color?
Yes, but before painting you need to use a special primer for plastic (adhesion promoter). Without it, the paint will simply fall off at the first impact or bend of the bumper. Plastic also requires a more elastic varnish to prevent the coating from cracking.
How much paint does it take to repair one door?
For local painting of one door, 50-100 ml of base and 150-200 ml of varnish are usually sufficient. If you plan to paint the entire door, you will need about 300-400 ml of base and 500 ml of varnish, depending on the application method and the number of layers.
Why does new paint look darker or lighter?
This phenomenon is called the "burnout effect." Over the years of use, the original coating loses pigments under the sun. New paint, being fresh, is always brighter. To avoid contrast, craftsmen add special correctors to the mixture to imitate fading, or paint adjacent parts.
Concluding the review, it is worth noting that working with Nissan Qashqai requires attention to detail. Correct selection of paint and adherence to application technology is the key to ensuring that your crossover will look like new even after several years of use. Don't skimp on materials and preparation as this will directly affect the future appearance and value of your vehicle.