<em>Nissan Teana</em> paint code: where it is, how to decipher it and where to buy original enamel

Owners Nissan Teana sooner or later you have to deal with the need to touch up the body - be it small chips from gravel, scratches from branches or the consequences of an accident. The main problem in this case: how to accurately select the color so that the restored area does not stand out against the background of the original paint? The solution lies in the factory paint code, which is assigned to each car on the assembly line. However, finding it is not as easy as it seems.

In this article we will look in detail at where exactly the paint code is located on Teana (including models J31 And J32), how to read it correctly, what the alphanumeric designations mean, and where you can order original enamel using this code. You will also learn why, even if the code matches exactly, the shade may differ, and how to avoid this. If you are planning to paint yourself or just want to be prepared for a visit to a car service, save this instruction to your bookmarks.

Where to look for the paint code on Nissan Teana?

Factory paint code Teana may be located in several places - it all depends on the year of manufacture and modification of the car. Main locations:

• 🚗 Sign on the driver's door pillar - the most common place. Look for a sticker with technical data (VIN, weight, tire pressure). The paint code is usually indicated as Color Code, Paint Code or just C/Tr.
• 🔧 Under the hood — on some copies the code is duplicated on the nameplate under the hood (next to the engine data). More often found on models for the Japanese market.
• 📄 Service book — in the section with technical characteristics, the body color and its code may be indicated.
• 🔍 trunk - Rare, but the paint code can be found on a sticker under the spare tire or on the inside of the trunk lid.

If you don't find the code in these places, check electronic versions of documents - for example, in Nissan Connect (if you have an account) or through an official dealer using the VIN code. On Teana J32 (2013–2020) the code is most often located on the door pillar, and on J31 (2003–2012) may be duplicated under the hood.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the paint code with the upholstery code (Trim Code)! The latter is designated separately and has nothing to do with the paintwork. For example, the sign may indicate KH3 (body color) and GY (interior color).

What does a paint code look like and what do its symbols mean?

Paint code Nissan is a combination of 2–4 characters, which can include both letters and numbers. Examples of real codes for Teana:

• 🔘 KH3 - one of the most popular shades (dark gray metallic).
• 🔘 BV3 - black pearl (Black Obsidian).
• 🔘 AH3 - metallic silver (Brilliant Silver).
• 🔘 3P3 - white pearls (Pearl White).

Decoding the code:

• 🔤 First character - usually a letter denotes base color (For example, K - gray, B - black, A - silver).
• 🔢 Second character - number or letter, specifies shade (For example, H3 - metallic, V3 - pearl effect).
• 🔡 Third character (if any) - indicates additional effects (For example, 3 at the end may mean mother of pearl).

It is important to understand that the same code may sound different depending on the market. For example, KH3 in Russia it's called Dark gray metallic, and in Japan - Gun Metallic. When ordering paint, check the name of the shade with the seller to avoid confusion.

Example of decoding BV3 code

B - black (Black), V - shade option (Obsidian), 3 - pearl effect (Pearl). Full name: Black Obsidian Pearl.

Table of original colors Nissan Teana by codes

Below are the most common colors for Teana J31 And J32, as well as their factory codes. Please note: Some shades may vary depending on the year of manufacture.

Paint code	Name (Russian)	Title (English)	Coverage type	Years of use
KH3	Dark gray metallic	Gun Metallic	Metallic	2003–2020
BV3	Black pearl	Black Obsidian	Mother of pearl	2008–2020
AH3	Silver metallic	Brilliant Silver	Metallic	2003–2016
3P3	White pearl	Pearl White	Mother of pearl	2010–2020
CR4	Metallic red	Red Metallic	Metallic	2013–2020

If your code is not in the table, check it via official catalog Nissan or check with your dealer. It's also useful to know that some colors (eg. BV3) could be supplied with different shades of pearl - it depends on the batch of paint at the factory.

⚠️ Attention: Colors with effect metallic or mother of pearl require mandatory use original varnish Nissan (code KL301 or KL311). Replacing with a universal varnish may lead to a change in shade after drying.

Where to buy paint by code for Nissan Teana?

Once the paint code is known, the question remains: where to order? original enamel or its high-quality analogue? Options:

• 🏢 Official dealers Nissan — they sell paint in 1 liter cans or aerosol cans. Disadvantage: high price (from 3,000 rubles per liter).
• 🛒 Specialized auto paint stores (For example, Mobihel, PPG, Sikkens) - can select an analogue by code with an accuracy of up to 95%. Cost: 1,500–2,500 rub./l.
• 🌍 Online platforms:
  • 📦 PaintScratch — they ship paint in cans all over the world.
  • 📦 AutoTouchUp — specialize in precise tinting.
• 🔧 Car services with tinting — can mix paint according to code on site (use equipment Mixolor or Spies Hecker).

When ordering please specify:

1. Is it required base + varnish (for metallics/pearls) or enough one-component enamel (for matte colors).
2. Is it necessary primer from the same manufacturer (recommended for better adhesion).
3. Is there a guarantee for color matching (some sellers provide samples for comparison).

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If you order paint online, ask the seller to send a photo of the actual shade in the sun and in the shade - this will help evaluate possible discrepancies.

Why can even the original paint not match?

Even if you used exact code from the plate and original paint Nissan, the shade on the body may vary. Reasons:

1. Burnout of original paint — under the influence of the sun and time, the original color fades. The new layer will be brighter.
2. Different batches of paint — the plant may have used slightly different pigments in different years.
3. Improper surface preparation — if the old varnish or primer is not removed before painting, the color will “bleed through” over time.
4. Mistakes when tinting - even in services sometimes they make mistakes with proportions.

How to minimize risks?

• 🔍 Compare paint on a small area (for example, under the bumper) before full painting.
• 🌡️ Use the same varnish (For example, KL301 for metallics).
• 🎨 Trust the tinting to the professionals — manually mixed paint is more accurate than automatic paint.

⚠️ Attention: If your Teana painted before you, the code on the plate may not correspond to the actual color! In this case, the only way is to remove a paint sample from the body and submit it for spectral analysis (the service is available at large auto centers).

☑️ Preparation for painting

Clean the surface from dirt and greaseMatte the old paint with P800–P1200 sandpaperApply primer (for deep scratches)Check color on test areaUse original varnish (for metallics)

Done: 0 / 5

Do-it-yourself painting: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to paint Teana do it yourself, follow this algorithm (for small chips and scratches):

1. Preparation:
   • 🧼 Wash and degrease the surface (White spirit or Antisilicone).
   • 🔨 Clean the damaged area with sandpaper P800 (for deep scratches - P400).
2. Primer:
   • 🖌️ Apply 1-2 layers of primer (for example, Nissan Primer GN-101) with drying time of 10–15 minutes between coats.
3. Painting:
   • 🎨 Apply 2-3 layers of base paint (from a spray can or spray gun) with an interval of 15-20 minutes.
   • 💎 For metallics/pearls, after the base has dried, apply 2 layers of varnish (KL301).
4. Polishing:
   • 🔄 After 24 hours, polish the area with paste 3M or Menzerna to even out the shine.

For large areas (for example, a bumper or fender), it is better to contact a service center - without experience, it is difficult to avoid smudges and an uneven layer. Also remember that aerosol cans give a less durable coating than professional equipment.

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When painting in a garage, use a respirator and ensure good ventilation - paint fumes are toxic!

Common mistakes when selecting and painting

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that spoil the result. That's what it's impossible do:

• 🚫 Ignore varnish code - if indicated on the plate KH3/KL301and you use varnish KL311, the shade will be different.
• 🚫 Paint without primer — over time, the paint will begin to peel off.
• 🚫 Apply thick layers - this leads to smudges and long drying.
• 🚫 Polish too early — the varnish must harden completely (at least 24 hours).
• 🚫 Use cheap analogues - paint type "universal black" will never match BV3.

Another common problem is painting at low temperature (below +15°C). In this case, the paint does not apply evenly, and the varnish may become cloudy. Optimal conditions: temperature +20…+25°C and humidity not higher than 60%.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use paint code with Nissan Teana J31 for J32?

No, not always. Although some colors (eg. KH3) remained unchanged, in J32 updated pigments could be used. For example, black BV3 on J32 has a more pronounced pearl effect than J31. Always check the year of manufacture when ordering paint.

What to do if the code on the plate is erased?

In this case, there are three options:

1. Contact an official dealer with the VIN code - they can restore the data from the database.
2. Take a paint sample from the inside of the door or trunk and submit it for analysis to a tinting center.
3. Use a mobile application to select colors (for example, ColorSnap from Sherwin-Williams), but the accuracy will be lower.

Is it possible to paint Teana non-original paint?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔹 For matte colors (e.g. AH3) a high-quality analogue from PPG or Sikkens.
• 🔹 For metallics/pearl (KH3, BV3) it is better to use the original - analogues often give a different reflection.
• 🔹 Always check the compatibility of the varnish - some non-original paints require special varnishes.

If your budget is limited, order test sample (many stores offer small 100 ml jars).

How much paint do you need to paint a bumper? Teana?

Consumption depends on the application method:

• 🖌️ Spray gun: 150–200 ml base + 100 ml varnish (for bumper).
• 🎨 Spray can: 1-2 bottles (200-400 ml) - enough for 2-3 layers.

Please note that when tinting, the paint is prepared with a reserve (10–15% more), since it is difficult to reproduce the shade again.

How to care for a freshly painted area?

The first 30 days after painting:

• 🚿 Do not wash your car with shampoo - only with water.
• 🌞 Avoid long-term parking in the sun.
• 🚗 Do not use car washes with brushes.
• 🧴 Do not apply wax or polish (at least 2 weeks).

After a month, you can return to normal care, but for the first 6 months, try not to expose the painted area to aggressive detergents.