A complete guide to finding and selecting paint codes for Nissan Terrano

Buying a used car or needing cosmetic repairs of your own Nissan Terrano often presents the owner with a difficult task: how to accurately determine the body color? An error in choosing a shade can lead to the fact that even professionally applied paint will differ from the factory paint by several tones, which is especially noticeable at the joints of panels. Unlike older models, where the colors were simpler, modern cars are painted with complex compositions, including mother-of-pearl, metallic and pearl, which requires strict adherence to technology and the use of the original code.

A paint code is not just a random set of numbers and letters, it is a unique identifier of the chemical composition of the enamel, which the manufacturer assigned to a specific body at the factory. For Nissan Terrano this code is the key to achieving a perfect restoration result. Ignoring the markings and trying to select a color “by eye” or from a photo on the Internet is almost guaranteed to lead to additional financial costs for repainting the part and redoing the painter’s work.

Where is the color label located?

The main source of reliable information about the color of your vehicle is the nameplate, often called the "nameplate" or "VIN plate." In models Nissan Terrano (both in the first generation, based on the Dacia Duster platform, and in the second) this is a metal plate attached to the body with rivets. You can find it in the engine compartment, usually on the partition separating the engine from the passenger compartment, or on the inside of the hood. Sometimes the plate is located on the driver's door pillar, but for this model the engine compartment is a more common location.

The plate contains a lot of technical data, including the VIN number, load rating and, importantly for us, the paint code. You need to look for a box that says PAINT or Color. The value in this field consists of a combination of letters and numbers, for example, QAB or 41U. It is this code that must be reported to the colorist or used to order paint in the catalog. Do not confuse this with the VIN number, which is much longer and contains more information about the configuration and production date.

Sometimes the plate may be damaged by corrosion or faded varnish, making it difficult to read. In such cases, it is necessary to carefully clean the surface with a solvent, but do not use abrasive materials that may erase any remaining markings. If the nameplate is completely lost, the only reliable way to find out the code is to contact an authorized dealer with the vehicle's VIN number, since the dealer database stores the complete history of the factory equipment, including body color.

⚠️ Caution: Never try to scrape paint from invisible areas of the body (for example, from the inside of the sill) to compare the color with the can, as you may damage the anti-corrosion coating, which will lead to metal rotting in the future.

Popular Nissan Terrano shades and their codes

Assortment of colors for Nissan Terrano is quite wide and includes both classic basic colors and complex pearlescent options. Understanding the differences between them will help you navigate catalogs faster. The most common colors often have codes starting with numbers, while unique or seasonal shades may have letter prefixes. Knowing the code allows you to order not only the paint itself, but also the correct varnish or primer, if required.

Here is a list of the most popular colors that can be found on the roads, with their corresponding codes:

• 🔵 Deep Blue Pearl — deep blue mother-of-pearl, code KB7 or KB8 depending on the year of manufacture.
• 🔴 Brick Red - a rich red tint, often referred to as QAC or RJ0.
• 🟡 Alpine White — pure white color without mother-of-pearl, code QAB (one of the most common).
• ⚫ Black — classic black, often found in code KA8.
• ⚪ White Pearl - white mother-of-pearl, which requires a double layer of varnish, code QAL or K53.

It is important to consider that the same color may have different codes in different years of production, as manufacturers often update paint formulas. For example, white color in 2014 could be produced according to one recipe, and in 2018 - according to another, more resistant to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, when ordering paint, always indicate not only the code, but also the year of manufacture of your car, so that the colorist can clarify the current formula.

Table of correspondence between codes and color names

For convenience, we have prepared a summary table that will help you quickly find the information you need. Please remember that data may vary slightly depending on the market (Europe, Asia or Russia), but the main codes remain unified within the global platform Nissan Terrano. Use this chart as a guide, but always refer to the original nameplate for exact ordering.

Color name (EN)	Paint code	Coverage type	Note
Alpine White	QAB	Basic (Solid)	Most popular color
Black	KA8	Basic (Solid)	Requires careful polishing
Deep Blue Pearl	KB7	Mother of pearl (Tri-coat)	Requires underlay
Brick Red	QAC	Metallic	Rich shade
Flame Orange	QAE	Metallic	Rare color for the Russian Federation

Pay attention to the “Coating Type” column. If your car is painted Pearl, the process of selecting and applying paint will be more difficult. A regular base will not give the desired effect of depth and shimmer. In such cases, a three-layer system is used: primer, color base with effect and clear varnish. An error in choosing the type of coating will result in the part looking flat or having an unnatural shade under different lighting angles.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to paint only a small part, such as a wing, be sure to use base primer the same type as the original, otherwise the varnish may not adhere to the surface or cause unsightly streaks.

How to decipher the paint code yourself

Decoding the paint code for Nissan Terrano does not require special skills if you know where to look. The code usually consists of three characters: one letter and two numbers, or vice versa. The first letter often indicates a series or type of paint, and the numbers indicate a specific shade within that series. For example, in the code QAB the letter "Q" may represent a series of white flowers, and "AB" may represent a specific shade of alpine white.

Sometimes the code may be supplemented with additional symbols to indicate color modification. For example, if you see QAB-1 or QAB-2, this means the manufacturer has made slight changes to the formula, perhaps to improve fade resistance. Ignoring these additional symbols may result in noticeable differences in color, especially if the vehicle already shows signs of sun fading.

If the code on the nameplate is erased or unreadable, try to find the information in the car’s service book. Dealers often include color and VIN information on the first pages of sales documentation. The code can also be duplicated on a sticker located under the hood next to the shock absorbers or on the inside of the trunk, although for Nissan Terrano this is less typical. As a last resort, you can contact a specialized paint selection laboratory, where they will use a spectrophotometer to determine the exact composition of the paint on your body.

Features of paint selection for different types of coatings

Selection of paint for Nissan Terrano depends not only on the color, but also on the type of coating. Basic colors such as black or white are applied in two layers: primer and enamel. Metallics contain aluminum powder, which creates a shiny effect, and pearls contain mica pigments, which give shimmer. When selecting metallic paints, it is important to consider the direction and size of the powder particles, as this affects the visual perception of the color.

For pearlescent paints (Tri-coat) the process is even more complex. First, the base layer is applied, then the layer with mother-of-pearl, and only then the varnish. If you make a mistake with the thickness of the mother-of-pearl layer, the color may turn out too dark or, conversely, faded. Therefore, when ordering paint for these colors, it is best to use original cans or order the mixture from a professional colorist who has access to the Nissan database and knows the nuances of mixing.

It is also worth considering that paint fades over time. Even if you know the exact paint code, the new coat will be different from the old one that has faded in the sun. In such cases, colorists add correctors to the mixture or do a “camouflage”, gradually drawing the new color into the old one so that the transition is invisible. This is especially important when painting individual parts such as fenders or doors.

What is paint “fading”? With prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, the pigments in the paint are destroyed and the color becomes less saturated. A new coat of paint applied without taking this factor into account will look brighter and more contrasting, creating a “patch” effect on the body.-->

DIY paint application instructions

If you decide to paint the part yourself, you will need not only the right paint, but also the right equipment. The process begins with surface preparation

rust removal, grinding and degreasing. Then a primer is applied, which levels the surface and ensures paint adhesion to the metal. After the primer has dried, a base coat of paint is applied, followed by varnish.

It is important to observe the temperature and humidity conditions in the room where painting takes place. The optimum temperature is 20-25°C, and the humidity should not exceed 60%. Apply the paint in several thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This will prevent smudges and ensure even coverage.

After applying the varnish, the part must dry for several days before polishing. Polishing allows you to remove minor defects and give the surface a glossy shine. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this work to professionals, since a mistake at any stage can lead to the need to repaint the part.

⚠️ Attention: When working with paints and varnishes, use personal protective equipment: respirator, gloves and safety glasses. Paint and varnish fumes are toxic and can cause poisoning or an allergic reaction.

Where to buy original paint and analogues

Buy paint for Nissan Terrano You can buy it in specialized auto enamels stores, on the official websites of dealers or through online stores. Original paint from Nissan is more expensive, but guarantees accurate color matching and high quality. An alternative can be high-quality analogues from well-known manufacturers, such as PPG, Basf or Sikkens, which also have their own color catalogs.

When purchasing, be sure to ask for a quality certificate and a receipt so that in case of problems you can return or exchange the product. It is also worth paying attention to the expiration date of the paint, as expired materials may not dry or change color. If you buy paint in a canister, check that the packaging is intact and that there is no sediment at the bottom.

Some stores offer a tinting service, where the paint is mixed right in front of you under computer control. This allows you to achieve the most accurate match to the color of your car. However, even with this method of purchase, it is always recommended to first test the resulting mixture on an inconspicuous area of ​​the body.

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Original paint and professional tinting are the best way to avoid color discrepancies, but when painting yourself, it is important to strictly follow the application and drying technology.

Common mistakes when selecting and painting

One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the burnout factor. Many owners believe that paint codes are an eternal truth and forget that color changes over time. As a result, the new part looks unnaturally bright against the background of the rest of the body. To avoid this, colorists often add special additives to the mixture that simulate fading, or use the technique of “masking” transitions.

Another mistake is choosing the wrong type of coverage. For example, an attempt to paint over a mother-of-pearl part with a regular base will lead to a loss of color depth and characteristic shimmer. It is also important to choose the right primer: for different types of paint (metallic, pearl, base), different types of primers are used, which provide the necessary adhesion and protection against corrosion.

Don't skimp on varnish. The varnish protects the paint from ultraviolet radiation, chemical reagents and mechanical damage. Cheap varnish can quickly yellow or peel, requiring repainting. It is best to use varnish of the same brand as the paint to ensure maximum compatibility of materials.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to accurately select the color without a nameplate?

Without a nameplate, accurate selection is only possible using a spectrophotometer in a specialized laboratory. The dealer can find the code using the VIN, but this will take time and require contacting official sources.

What to do if the paint code is erased?

Try to find the code in the service book or contact the dealer with the VIN number. You can also remove the part and send it to the laboratory for tinting, where they will select the color based on the sample.

How much paint does it take to paint one part?

Typically, painting one part (for example, a wing) requires about 200-300 ml of paint and 100-150 ml of varnish. The exact volume depends on the size of the part and the number of layers applied.

Is it possible to mix paints from different manufacturers?

Not recommended. The chemical composition of paints from different brands may not be the same, which will lead to coating defects. It is better to use materials of the same brand.

How long does Nissan Terrano paint take to dry?

Drying time depends on temperature and humidity. At 20°C, the paint dries in about 20-30 minutes between coats, and the varnish takes 24-48 hours to dry completely. Polishing can be done after 3-5 days.