Car owners Nissan Often faced with the need to restore paintwork, the first step in this process is to find the exact color code. Among the many combinations of letters and numbers, the designation occupies a special place QAB, which is found on models Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail and other crossovers of the brand. This is not just a random set of characters, but a strict identifier that determines the specific shade of gray that the manufacturer used at the factory.
Understanding what's behind the code QAB, is critical for quality repairs. Errors in determining the tone can lead to the fact that the repaired element will differ from the rest of the body even in daylight. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the characteristics of this color, how to apply it, and how to choose the perfect paint so you can maintain the aesthetic integrity of your car.
What does the QAB code mean in the Nissan palette?
Code QAB in the manufacturer's catalogs corresponds to the color, which is officially referred to as Gun Metallic (Lead metallic) or its variations depending on the year of manufacture and market. It is a deep, complex gray shade with a distinct metallic effect that gives the car a strong and premium look. It is important to understand that visually this color can vary from dark gray to almost black depending on the lighting and the angle of incidence of the light.
During production Nissan uses complex pigment compositions, which, in addition to the base gray color, contain aluminum particles and special pearlescent additives. It is these components that create the “metallic” effect, which distinguishes the factory coating from simple single-color paints. Paint code serves as the key to obtaining an accurate formulation, including the percentage of base, pigment and varnish.
Owners are often confused QAB with other gray shades such as Dark Slate or Brilliant Silver. However, the differences lie in the depth of tone and degree of gloss. If you are planning a repair, never rely solely on a visual comparison, as even a slight deviation will be noticeable when repairing a bumper or fender.
Characteristics and visual features of the shade
Color Gun Metallic with code QAB has the unique ability to hide minor body defects, such as cobwebs or light scratches, thanks to its deep texture. In cloudy weather, the car looks solid and restrained, and in bright sunshine, the metallic sheen reveals itself, emphasizing the lines of the body. This makes the choice of this shade one of the most popular for models Nissan Qashqai and Pathfinder.
However, this color also has its own characteristics that must be taken into account during repairs. Metal pigment tends to settle unevenly if the application technology is broken. This can lead to a "spotting" effect, where one area of the body appears lighter or darker than another. Therefore, when painting locally, it is important to follow strict dilution and layering technology.
To achieve an ideal result, specialists often use special additives - anti-glare agents or tone correctors. They help smooth the transition between a new coat of paint and the factory finish that may have faded over time. Without the use of such components, the result may look unnatural, even if the paint itself is chosen correctly.
- 🚗 Color depth: creates the effect of volume and solidity of the body.
- ✨ Metallic effect: provides a high level of light reflection.
- 🛡️ Disguise: hides minor scratches and abrasions well.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to mix the paint QAB with ordinary gray enamels excluding metal pigment. This will result in a loss of signature shine and visual inconsistency.
Where to find the exact color code on a car
Before ordering paint, you need to make sure you write down the correct code. By car Nissan The plate with the VIN number and color code is usually located on the B-pillar on the driver's side or on the inside of the door. Sometimes information is duplicated in the engine compartment on a plate Engine Bay. Look for the line that says Color or Paint, next to which a three-character code will be indicated.
It is important to carefully examine the plate, as the code may be indicated in the format QAB/QAB or just QAB. If you see multiple codes separated by a slash, the first one usually indicates the main body color, and the second one indicates the color of the roof or individual elements. For QAB most often it is indicated as the main body color. An error in reading even one letter can lead to the purchase of a completely different shade.
If the sign is damaged, faded or lost, don't guess. In this case, you need to contact the dealer or a specialized service that can decipher the color by VIN code. The dealer has access to factory databases that store information about each vehicle from the time it was manufactured, including original paint.
- Metallic gray
- White mother of pearl
- Gloss black
- Other
The process of selecting and mixing paint
Modern painting stations use computer programs to select paint based on code QAB. However, even computer selection does not give a 100% guarantee, since the original paint on the car could fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, professionals always perform the step test application (grout) on an inconspicuous area of the body or on a special metal plate.
During the mixing process, the master can make adjustments to the composition by adding microdoses of other pigments. For example, if the car is faded and has become lighter, a little more dark pigment will be added to the mixture. If the coating has darkened due to dirt and oxidation, the tone can be adjusted towards a lighter color. This process requires high qualifications and experience working with gray shades.
- 🎨 Computer selection: the basis for the initial paint composition.
- 🔬 Samples on the plate: a mandatory step for checking the shade.
- ⚙️ Tone correction: manual color adjustment to match the current condition of the car.
Always ask the technician to make a test paint on a metal plate and apply it to the body from different angles before starting to paint the part.
You should not skimp on the selection stage, as this is the most important part of the repair. Cheap paint without correction will look cheap and will not hide defects. High-quality results are achieved through the use of certified materials, such as Nissan Original Paint or proven analogues from leading manufacturers of auto enamels.
Table of analogues and compatible shades
Sometimes find original paint by code QAB can be difficult, especially for cars with high mileage. In such cases, you can use similar colors from other manufacturers or mixed options. Below is a table of the closest shades that may be suitable for repair if the original is not available.
| Nissan code | Color name | Close analogue (Manufacturer) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| QAB | Gun Metallic | PPG 4085 | Full compliance |
| QAB | Gun Metallic | Basf 8003 | May differ by 1-2 tones |
| QAB | Gun Metallic | Spies Hecker 8500 | Good hiding power |
| QAB | Gun Metallic | Color Mix 202 | Needs correction |
The use of analogues requires caution. Even if the code is the same, the recipe may differ due to different production technologies. Test application is a prerequisite when working with analogues. Take the time to check to avoid repainting the entire part or the entire car.
Why can the color be different even if the code is the same?
Color may vary due to paint fading, differences in paint batches, storage conditions and age of the vehicle. Factory paint on a car may differ from fresh paint in a can by 1-2 tones.
Application and drying technology
After selecting the paint, the application process begins, which requires strict adherence to technology. The surface must be perfectly clean and degreased. The application of the base layer (base) occurs in several passes: the first layer is thin to fix the pigment, the subsequent layers are denser to enhance color saturation. For QAB It is critical to achieve an even distribution of the metallic pigment.
After the base has dried, varnish is applied. The varnish protects the color from fading and gives the surface a deep shine. Drying Painting can occur either naturally or in a heated chamber. It is important to control temperature and humidity, since the quality of adhesion of the varnish to the paint and the absence of defects such as “shagreen” or matte spots depend on this.
If you are doing the work yourself, remember to be safe. Work in a well-ventilated area and use personal protective equipment. Solvent-based paints are toxic and may cause health hazards if vapors are inhaled.
☑️ Preparation for painting the part
Caring for painted elements
After repairs and the paint has dried, it must be properly cared for in order to maintain the color and shine for a long time. In the first two weeks, it is not recommended to wash the car with aggressive chemicals or use touchless high-pressure washes. Varnish must completely polymerize to gain the required hardness.
Regular polishing will help protect the metallic pigment from oxidation and restore depth of color. Use special compositions for metallic coatings that contain protective components. Avoid using abrasives, which can wear away thin layers of varnish and open the door to corrosion.
- 🚿 Washing: use soft shampoos without alkaline additives.
- 🛡️ Protection: apply ceramic coating or wax once every six months.
- ☀️Shade: Park your car in the shade to avoid getting burned out quickly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use wax polishes with abrasive particles on fresh paint during the first 3 months after repair. This may cause scratches and loss of shine.
Common mistakes when repairing QAB color
Many owners make common mistakes when trying to save money or perform repairs themselves without proper preparation. One of the most common mistakes is trying to paint over a defect “by eye” without selecting paint. The result is often disastrous: the stain stands out against the background of the rest of the body, attracting attention and spoiling the appearance.
Another mistake is ignoring surface preparation. If old paint, rust or dirt is not removed, the new paint will not adhere and will peel off over time. Primer plays a key role in creating a strong base for the paint and ensuring the longevity of the repair.
It is also worth noting the error associated with improper drying. Speeding up the drying process with hair dryers or heaters can cause bubbles, wrinkles, or cracks. Natural drying or using a professional camera is the only sure way to a quality result.
The quality of paintwork repair depends not only on the paint itself, but also on the thoroughness of surface preparation and adherence to drying technology.
What does the QAB code mean on Nissan?
Code QAB stands for Gun Metallic color. This is a deep gray shade with a metallic effect, popular on models Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail and others.
Where is the paint code plate located?
The paint code plate is usually located on the B-pillar on the driver's side or on the inside of the door. Also, information can be duplicated in the engine compartment.
Can QAB be mixed with other gray paints?
No, mixing with regular gray enamels without considering the metallic pigment will result in loss of gloss and visual inconsistency. Use only specialized compositions for metallic paints.
How long does QAB paint take to dry?
Drying time depends on temperature and humidity. With natural drying, the base dries in 15-20 minutes, the varnish in several hours. Complete polymerization takes up to 24 hours or more.
Do I need to repaint the entire part when renovating?
For color QAB Often the entire piece will need to be repainted as localized repairs may be noticeable due to the complexity of the metal pigment. However, with high-quality selection and shading, local repairs are also possible.