Owners of compact crossovers Nissan Juke often face the need for local body repairs or complete repainting of a part after a minor accident. Even high-quality polishing is not always able to hide deep scratches or chips that expose metal. In such situations, it is critical to accurately determine the original shade so that the new layer of enamel does not stand out from the rest of the body.
Finding the right color is not just a matter of choosing a name from a list, but a precise technical task. Automotive factories use thousands of shades, which may vary slightly depending on the year and batch. An error in the last digit of the code can cause the painted door to appear as a blotch against the fender, especially in direct sunlight.
Where is the paint code plate located?
The first thing to do before purchasing paint is to find the nameplate. On models Nissan Juke first generation (F15) it is most often located on the central pillar on the driver's side. You need to open the front door and take a close look at the bottom of the pillar where it attaches to the body. There is a sticker with the technical data of the car.
Sometimes, depending on the market and year of manufacture, the nameplate may be located in the engine compartment. Carefully check the engine splash guard or front bulkhead. If you don't find the information there, check the rear door or trunk opening, although for Juke this is less typical. The key is to find a metal plate or durable sticker with lots of numbers and letters.
Find the box on this sign that says PAINT or Color. Next to this designation a combination of characters consisting of letters and numbers will be indicated. This is your unique color identifier. Do not confuse this with the vehicle's VIN, which is 17 characters long and located in a different location.
Explanation of symbols and code structure
Paint code Nissan usually a combination of three characters, e.g. QAB, K12 or QAD. Sometimes the main characters may be preceded by additional prefixes, but for ordering enamel, it is the last three characters that are important. These symbols are unique for each shade and do not depend on the name of the color in Russian or English.
It is worth considering that the same visual shade may have different codes depending on the type of coating. For example, regular enamels, metallic and mother-of-pearl (tricoat) have different designations, even if visually they seem similar. Manufacturer Nissan uses a complex classification system where a number or letter at the end of the code indicates the type of pigment.
- 🔍 Always check the code with the plate, and not with the name of the color in the PTS documents.
- 💎 Pay attention to the presence of the letter M or P in the description indicating metallic or pearlescent.
- 📅 Check the year of manufacture of the car, as shades may change even if the name remains the same.
⚠️ Attention: Do not trust 100% the color shown on your smartphone screen or monitor. Shades on screens are greatly distorted due to display calibration, and choosing a paint based on a picture on the Internet is a lottery with a high risk of error.
- White
- Black
- Silver
- Red
- Other
Features of popular Nissan Juke colors
Model Nissan Juke famous for its bold designs, which are often supported by a vibrant palette of colors. One of the most popular colors - Super Black (code KA2). This is a deep black color that can be either simple or with the addition of mother-of-pearl, which requires a special approach when mixing.
Hue Pearl White (code QAB or QAC) is also common. This is a complex three-layer mother of pearl that cannot be accurately recreated without professional equipment. Even with the correct code, the technician must carry out a selection using a tinting machine, taking into account the fading of the main body.
For lovers of bright solutions, the company offered colors like Scarlet Ember (red) or Sunlight Yellow. In such cases
| Color (Name) | Paint code | Coverage type | Years of popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Black | KA2 |
Metallic | 2010–2019 |
| Pearl White | QAB |
Mother of pearl | 2010–2020 |
| Scarlet Ember | QAZ |
Metallic | 2014–2018 |
| Gun Metallic | K12 |
Metallic | 2010–2016 |
| Electric Blue | K19 |
Metallic | 2012–2015 |
If the paint code plate is damaged or worn off, contact your dealer with the vehicle's VIN. They can request a factory paint card from the manufacturer's database.
Self-selection and ordering process
Once you have found the code, you can begin ordering the material. There are two main ways: purchasing a ready-made canister composition or ordering individual mixing. Ready-made paints are only suitable for the most common colors that will not fade on your specific vehicle.
Most cases require a tinting service. You provide a workshop code where a professional computer mixes the base pigments. However, even computer selection does not guarantee a 100% perfect match, since your body could be faded in the sun. Therefore, additional color correction by a master is often required.
- 🎨 Order a 50-100 ml paint sample for preliminary testing on an inconspicuous area.
- ⚙️ Check the type of varnish used by the factory to match it with the paint.
- 🛡️ Don’t skimp on the quality of the base; cheap analogues can give a different shade when drying.
☑️ Preparation for painting
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to paint an entire part (for example, a hood), be sure to use the method of “stretching” the color on adjacent elements, otherwise the transition border will be visible to the naked eye.
The effect of fading on the final result
Time and sun have a significant impact on body color. Even if you know the code exactly original paint, new paint applied over the old faded layer will look too bright and contrasting. This phenomenon is called the "patch effect".
To avoid this, specialists often use tinting technology. A small amount of black or gray paint is added to the base color to artificially age the new layer. This allows it to visually merge with the rest of the body. Without this procedure, even a perfectly selected paint code will look alien.
This is especially noticeable on light shades, such as white pearl, and on dark colors, where fading leads to a loss of depth. Key Point: Never attempt to repaint an old piece with new paint without first testing it in an inconspicuous area or using color stretching techniques.
What to do if the color doesn't match?
If after applying paint you see a clear discrepancy in shade, do not try to repaint right away. Allow the layer to dry completely and harden, then have a painter adjust the formula or use the stretch method on adjacent panels.
Where to buy original paint and analogues
Original paint Nissan can be purchased from authorized dealers. This guarantees compliance with the factory formula, but the price will be significantly higher than the market price. In addition, dealers often sell only large quantities, which is unprofitable for spot repairs of chips.
An alternative is specialized auto enamels stores and tinting centers. They mix paint to your code using quality bases (eg. Spies Hecker, Brilliant or Mobihel). This allows you to get the desired volume and is often cheaper, and the quality is comparable to the original.
- 🏪 Official dealer: high price, guarantee of accuracy, large minimum volumes.
- 🛠️ Tinting studio: flexible volume, possibility of adjustment for fading, average price.
- 📦 Online stores: low price, but the risk of error when ordering independently without consultation.
The most reliable way to get the perfect color is to contact a professional tinting studio, where the master will take into account not only the code, but also the actual condition of your body.
Tools for spot repair of chips
If you just need to paint over small chips, you don't have to order a whole can of paint. There are special kits for repairing chips, which include a bottle of paint and a brush or applicator. They are ideal for maintaining the appearance of your car between full repairs.
When using such kits, it is important to follow the application technique. The paint should be applied in several thin layers, allowing each layer to dry. It is better to remove excess paint immediately, since after drying it will be difficult to remove without damaging the adjacent varnish.
Don't forget to apply a coat of varnish after the paint has dried if your car is varnished. For metallics and pearlescents this is critically important, since the absence of varnish will lead to rapid oxidation of the pigment and loss of shine. In some cases it is recommended to use a clear spray varnish for final protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do if the paint code on the plate is erased?
Answer: Contact your authorized dealer Nissan with the vehicle's VIN code. Their database stores information about all factory options, including body color, even if the sticker is lost.
Question: Can I use paint from another model? Nissan with the same code?
Answer: Yes, the paint code is universal for all models of the brand. If the code matches, the chemical composition of the enamel is identical, regardless of which machine it was applied on.
Question: Why does the new paint look different than the code on the plate?
Answer: This is due to the fading of the body over time. The code indicates the original color, but your vehicle's actual shade may have changed due to sun and weather.
Question: Do I need to prime the chip before applying paint?
Answer: Yes, if the chip is deep and exposes metal, it is necessary to apply anti-corrosion primer. This will prevent rust from appearing under the paint layer.
Correct search and use of paint code is the basis for quality repair of your car body. Nissan Juke. Don't ignore details such as fading and finish type, as they directly affect the aesthetic result. With careful preparation and the use of professional materials, your car will look perfect again.