“Safari” color on a VAZ: codes, features and painting technology

Color Safari (sometimes called "Safari") - one of the most recognizable and controversial shades in the palette AvtoVAZ. This golden beige metallic, which appeared in the 1990s on models VAZ-21099 And VAZ-2110, still causes nostalgia for some and rejection for others. But regardless of subjective preferences, the original “Safari” paint code is 626, and its modern analogue is in catalogs Mobihel And Duxone designated as 145 or KX-145.

Today this color is again gaining popularity among owners of classic VAZ and retro enthusiasts. However, finding the exact shade, avoiding tinting problems and applying paint correctly is not an easy task. In this article, we'll cover everything from color history to step-by-step painting instructions, including common mistakes, which spoil the result.

History of Safari color on VAZ: from 21099 to modern restylings

Color Safari debuted in 1995 on VAZ-21099 "Sputnik" and quickly became the model’s calling card. Initially, it was positioned as a “premium” shade - it was offered only in top trim levels. Interestingly, in the official catalogs AvtoVAZ At that time, the color was listed as “beige metallic,” but the name stuck among the people Safari - probably due to associations with desert landscapes.

In the 2000s, the color migrated to VAZ-2110/2112, where his code changed to 626. However, after 2007 AvtoVAZ refused this shade in mass production. Today Safari can only be found on:

• 🚗 Retro models (VAZ-21099, VAZ-2110 first issues)
• 🔧 Customized projects (for example, VAZ-2107 in luxury style)
• 🎨 Car repainted to order (most often VAZ-2114 or Priora)

The difficulty is that the original paint 626 Long out of production. Modern analogues (Mobihel 145, Duxone KX-145) only approximately repeat the shade, but often differ in the saturation of the metallic. For example, depending on the lighting Safari might look like:

• 🌅 Golden in the bright sun
• ☁️ Gray beige in cloudy weather
• 💡 Yellow-green under artificial light

Safari paint codes: how not to make a mistake with your choice

The main problem when painting in Safari - lack of a uniform standard. Even from official suppliers AvtoVAZ shades may vary. Below is a table with current codes and their features:

Manufacturer	Paint code	Title	Features	Approximate price (per 1 l)
Mobihel	145	Safari Metallic	Closest to the original, but a little darker	1 200–1 500 ₽
Duxone	KX-145	Safari Beige	More “yellow”, suitable for restyled models	1 300–1 600 ₽
PPG	93626	VAZ Safari	High metallic content, dear	1 800–2 200 ₽
Sikkens	U626	Autocolor Safari	European standard, less golden	2 000–2 500 ₽

⚠️ Attention: If you are not painting the entire car, but only individual parts (for example, a bumper or hood), keep in mind that even the original paint 626 fades over time. To avoid color imbalance, it is recommended:

1. Compare shade on unlit parts of the body (for example, under door seals).
2. Order tinting taking into account 10–15% darkening for new parts.
3. Use matte varnish to level the gloss on old and new elements.

Technology for painting a VAZ in Safari color: step-by-step instructions

Painting in Safari requires a special approach due to the high content of metal particles in the paint. If the technology is violated, the following may appear on the body:

• 🔴 Stripes (due to uneven metallic spraying)
• 🟠 Dark spots (in case of improper drying)
• 🟡 Orange peel effect (if the varnish is applied too thickly)

To avoid these problems, follow the algorithm:

1. Body preparation:
   • Remove old paint down to metal (use sandblasting or chemical removers).
   • Treat the surface anticorrosive (For example, Body 930).
   • Apply primer-leveler (recommended Novol Protect 360).
2. Applying the base layer:
   • Thin the paint Safari with solvent in proportion 2:1.
   • Apply 3 thin layers at intervals of 10–15 minutes (compressor pressure - 2–2.5 atm).
   • Keep the gun at a distance 20–25 cm from the surface.
3. Varnishing:
   • Use two-component varnish (For example, Mobihel 2K).
   • Apply 2 layers: the first one is “wet on wet”, the second one is after 20 minutes.
   • Dry in dust chamber at temperature 20–25°C at least 12 hours.

Compressor with moisture separator prepared|

The body is degreased Antisilicon|

Test spray paint on a sample piece|

Paint supply +10% of the calculated volume|

Protective masks and gloves-->

⚠️ Attention: If you paint plastic parts (bumper, moldings), pre-apply adhesive primer (For example, PPG DP40). Without it paint Safari may peel off after 1–2 years.

What happens if you apply the varnish too thickly?

If there is an excess of varnish, microbubbles form on the surface, which after drying will turn into craters. In addition, a thick layer of varnish takes longer to dry and may “float”, especially on vertical surfaces (for example, on doors).

Common mistakes when painting in Safari and how to avoid them

Even professionals sometimes make mistakes with this color. Here are the top 5 problems and their solutions:

1. Mismatch of shades on different parts

   Reason: Use of paint from different batches or manufacturers.

   Solution: Buy paint one episode and mix the entire batch before application.

2. Matte spots after drying

   Cause: Moisture or dust on a freshly painted surface.

   Solution: Paint in clean room with humidity no higher 60%.

3. Leopard skin effect (uneven metallic)

   Cause: Incorrect gun distance or too fast movements.

   Solution: Practice on a test piece while holding the gun at an angle. 90°.

Another common mistake is ignoring wet-on-wet technology. If you apply a second coat of paint after the first has completely dried, the metal particles will fall chaotically and the color will look dull.

How to care for your Safari car: Tips to keep it shiny

Color Safari requires special care due to the high content of metal pigments. Here's what to do:

• 🚿 Washing: Use contactless shampoos (For example, Karcher RM 801) and soft microfiber sponges. Abrasive scourers scratch metallics.
• 🛡️ Protection: Apply ceramic coating (For example, Ceramic Pro 9H) once every 2 years - it prevents burnout.
• 🌞 Parking: Place the machine in the shade or use UV protective case — the sun “eats” the golden pigment.
• 🔧 Polishing: Polish your car every six months abrasive paste (For example, 3M 09374) to restore shine.

⚠️ Attention: Never wash Safari in direct sunlight! As water evaporates, it leaves microscopic salts that dull the metallic. The optimal time for washing is early morning or evening.

If small scratches appear on the body, do not rush to paint the part again. In many cases it is enough:

1. Treat the scratch restorative pencil (For example, Fix It Pro).
2. Polish the area paste with cerium oxide.
3. Apply protective wax (For example, Collinite 845).

Safari on modern VAZs: is it worth repainting?

Many owners VAZ-2114, Priors or Vesta thinking about repainting Safari. But before you make a decision, consider:

Pros	Cons
Unique appearance (few cars in this color)	Difficult to choose the exact shade
Covers minor scratches and chips well	30–40% more expensive than standard painting
Nostalgic charm (associated with the 90s)	Requires careful care (fades quickly without protection)
Suitable for retro styling	May not like it on resale

If you still decide, consider a few nuances:

• 🔹 On dark cars (for example, black Vesta) Safari It will look too contrasty. It is better to choose a base of light shades.
• 🔹 For youth models (For example, VAZ-2115) is more suitable Duxone KX-145 - it is less “retro”.
• 🔹 If your budget is limited, paint only roof and hood - this will visually transform the car without high costs.

Where to order painting in Safari: TOP 5 trusted workshops

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust painting to professionals. We have compiled a rating of workshops (based on reviews on Drive2 And AutoMile), who specialize in retro colors VAZ:

1. "RetroColor" (Moscow)

   Specialization: Restoring original colors VAZ 90s

   Cost: from 45,000 ₽ for full painting.

   Pros: Use original pigments PPG.

2. "AutoStyle" (St. Petersburg)

   Specialization: Customization VAZ-21099 And VAZ-2110.

   Cost: from 50,000 ₽ (including anticorrosive).

   Pros: They provide a 1 year warranty on chips.

3. "Body Doctor" (Ekaterinburg)

   Specialization: Painting metallics with a chameleon effect.

   Cost: from 35,000 ₽ (without preparation).

   Pros: Works with paints Sikkens.

⚠️ Attention: Before taking your car to a workshop, check:

• 🔍 Availability certificates for paint (fake Mobihel And Duxone common).
• 📸 Workshop portfolio - ask for photos of the work in color Safari.
• 📝 Agreement indicating guarantees against paint peeling.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the color of Safari on VAZ

Is it possible to paint Safari in a spray can?

Technically yes, but the result will be worse than with professional painting. It is difficult to distribute metallic evenly in spray cans, so the color may turn out patchy. If you still decide, use airbrush instead of a conventional spray and apply the paint in 4–5 thin layers.

Why does my Safari look green and not gold?

This is a feature of the pigment: under certain lighting (especially under fluorescent lamps) Safari gives to the green ones. To enhance the golden hue, you can:

• Apply over paint yellow tinting varnish (For example, Spies Hecker 5600).
• Polish the body abrasive with yellow pigment.

How much does it cost to paint a VAZ-2110 in Safari?

The cost depends on the amount of work:

• Local painting (bumper + hood): 15 000–20 000 ₽.
• Full painting (body + plastic): 40 000–60 000 ₽.
• Retro restoration (with anti-corrosion and lamination): 70 000–100 000 ₽.

Tip: If your budget is limited, look for workshops that give discounts for group order (for example, painting 2-3 cars at the same time).

What primer is best to use for Safari?

For metallic type Safari critical to use highly filled soil (For example, Novol Protect 340 or PPG DP74). He:

• Evens out micro-irregularities in the body.
• Prevents paint sagging.
• Improves the adhesion of metallic to the surface.

⚠️ Do not use cheap acrylic primers - they may show yellow spots after 1-2 years.

Can Safari be mixed with other colors (such as black)?

Yes, but there are a few rules to consider:

1. For contrast use matte black (for example, on moldings or mirrors).
2. Avoid combination with bright red or blue - this visually “cheaps” the car.
3. If you combine with gray, choose warm shades (For example, Anthracite Grey).

An example of a successful combination: VAZ-2110 in Safari with black roof and mirrors (panda style).