Color 215 on Nissan Safari: a complete guide to selection and application

Color code 215 for Nissan Safari - one of the most common shades among owners of this legendary SUV. But what is hidden behind this number? Why is this particular color so popular, and how to avoid mistakes when choosing paint for restoration? In this article we will look at not only technical nuances, but also practical tips that will save your time and money.

Many car owners are faced with a problem: the original paint fades, and the analogues from stores do not match in tone. This is especially true for Safari issues from the 90s and early 2000s, where the pigments change shade over time. We've analyzed manufacturer data, reviews from auto body repair technicians, and even the nuances of the Japanese color coding system to bring you the most accurate information on code 215 - including its official name, composition and tinting recommendations.

What does color code 215 mean on a Nissan Safari?

Code 215 in the notation system Nissan belongs to the classic dark green metallic with a slight grayish tint. The official color name is "Dark Green Metallic" (in Japanese documentation may be referred to as エメラルドグリーンメタリック — "Emerald green metallic"). This shade was used on Safari (and also on Patrol And Terrano) with 1997 to 2004, but with slight variations depending on the year of manufacture.

It is important to understand that the code 215 - this is not just a paint number, but complex identifier, including:

• 🎨 Base pigment (green with the addition of black and gray)
• ✨ Metallic effect (aluminum particles for shine)
• 🔬 Binder type (acrylic or acrylic-urethane in the original recipe)
• 📅 Year of manufacture (in 2000–2002 the shade was slightly lighter due to changes in environmental regulations)

Interesting fact: in catalogs Nissan for the European market this color was sometimes designated as KH3 (manufacturer's internal code), which can be misleading when searching for analogues. Always check with VIN code car!

Where can I find color code 215 on a car body?

To determine exactly what your Safari painted in color 215, check the following places:

1. VIN plate (usually on the driver's door pillar or under the hood). Look for the line COLOR or PAINT.
2. Engine compartment — on some models the paint code is duplicated on a metal tag next to the battery.
3. trunk — sometimes the code is printed on the inside of the trunk lid or on the wheel arch.

⚠️ Attention: If the sign indicates 215/A12 or 215/B34, this means that additional pigment has been added to the paint to adjust the shade. In this case the standard code 215 may not fit!

Table of analogues of color 215 for Nissan Safari

Original paint Nissan is expensive, so many car owners are looking for analogues from other manufacturers. Below is a table with verified compliance (data current as of 2026):

Manufacturer	Analogue code	Color name	Notes
DuPont	D8215	Dark Green Metallic	Exact match but requires 2 coat application
PPG	9350215	Nissan Green Metallic	Slightly lighter than the original, suitable for restoration of individual parts
Sikkens	K53.15.18	Autocolor Green	High quality, but more expensive than analogues
Mobihel	215-NIS	Safari Dark Green	Budget option, may require tinting

⚠️ Attention: Even trusted manufacturers may have discrepancies in paint batches. Always order test sample (100–200 ml) and apply it to an inconspicuous area of the body before painting completely.

How to choose the right paint according to code 215?

Simply specifying the code 215 There is not enough paint when ordering. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to avoid mistakes:

Specify the year of manufacture of the car (before 2000 or after)

Check for additional codes (for example, 215/A12)

Select paint type (acrylic, acrylic urethane or waterborne)

Order tinting taking into account fading (for older cars)

Ask for a sample before full painting -->

If you paint Safari over 15 years old, please note that the original shade may have changed by 10-15% due to UV radiation. In this case:

• 🔍 Use spectrophotometer for accurate color analysis (the service is available in most car services).
• 🎨 Order paint with the formula "215 + 5% black" - this compensates for fading.
• 🚗 Paint the inside of the door or trunk first for comparison.

For painting individual parts (bumper, mirrors) you can use aerosol cans with code 215, but remember: metallic in cans goes on worse than when professionally sprayed.

Why does spray paint look lighter?

Aerosols use fewer aluminum particles to prevent nozzle clogging. Because of this, the metallic effect is less pronounced, and the color appears 1-2 shades lighter.

Common mistakes when painting in color 215

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with dark green metallic. Here are the most common:

1. Improper surface preparation - if there is old paint or rust left on the body, the new layer will lie unevenly and the color will look dull.
2. Ignoring primer - for metallic 215 gray primer is required (code GRAY PRIMER 500), otherwise the shade will be too dark.
3. Incorrect application technique - metallic required 3 layers: base, color and varnish. If you skip the varnish, the paint will quickly lose its shine.

⚠️ Attention: When painting plastic parts (bumpers, moldings), use a special plasticizer in the primer. Without it, the paint will begin to peel off in 1–2 years.

Another typical problem is different tone between old and new parts. To avoid this, many craftsmen recommend painting the entire car, but this is expensive. Alternative:

• 🔄 Use transition over varnish (shading the boundaries between old and new paint).
• ☀️ After painting, treat the body UV-protective composition (For example, 3M Scotchgard) to slow down fading.

Where to buy original 215 paint for Nissan Safari?

Original paint Nissan with code 215 Sold in several formats:

Format	Article	Volume	Where to buy
Jar (ready to use)	KH3-21500	1 l	Official dealers, Nissan Parts
Concentrate for tinting	KH3-215C	500 ml	Specialized auto stores
Aerosol can	NIS-215M	400 ml	Online stores (for example, PaintScratch)

Prices vary from 1,500 rub. per can up to 6,000 rub. per liter jar. If you order paint online, pay attention to reviews about expiration date — over time, the pigments in the jars settle and the color may change.

💡 Helpful tip: When purchasing, please check if it is included in the package. hardener And thinner. Without them, the paint will not last long.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about color 215 on Nissan Safari

Can 215 paint be mixed with other colors to adjust the shade?

Yes, but only in professional settings. For example, to eliminate redness add 1–2% blue pigment, and for lightening - 5% white. Independent experiments can lead to irreversible errors. It is better to order tinting from specialists using a spectrophotometer.

Why does color 215 look too dark after painting?

This happens due to the wrong primer (for example, if black was used instead of gray) or insufficient layers of varnish. Also check whether you have covered the metallic with too thick a layer of paint - the aluminum particles should “shine through”.

How to care for paint 215 so that it retains its color longer?

Use contactless car wash (brushes scratch metallic), apply ceramic coating every 2 years and park in the shade. Avoid aggressive polishes with abrasives - they erase the protective layer of varnish.

Is 215 paint suitable for Nissan Patrol or Terrano?

Yes, but with reservations. On Patrol (Y61 models) this color was used until 2004, and on Terrano II - until 2000. Specify the year of manufacture: in 1999–2000 the shade was slightly lighter (code 215/A).

Is it possible to paint a car in color 215 with matte varnish?

Technically yes, but it will radically change the appearance: the metallic will lose its shine and the car will look “dusty.” If you want a matte effect, choose specialized paints with a satin finish (for example, PPG Matte Clear).