2015 Nissan Altima Paint Color Codes

A complete guide to all 2015 Nissan Altima paint colors, codes, and touch-up application tips.

Quick Reference

Where To Find Your Paint Code

On your 2015 Nissan Altima, the paint code is located on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the B-pillar (the vertical pillar behind the door). This sticker contains various vehicle specifications, including the VIN, manufacturing date, and, most importantly, the paint code. The code is typically labeled as "COLOR" or similar and is a three-character alphanumeric code (e.g., QAB, K23, KH3).

If the sticker is missing or illegible, your next best option is to contact a Nissan dealership. Provide them with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can look up the original factory paint code for your specific car.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you can find a matching touch-up paint from several reliable sources:

• Dupli-Color: A popular and widely available brand found in most auto parts stores. They offer pre-mixed colors in paint pens, brush-in-cap bottles, and aerosol cans. While convenient, their color library may not cover every specific factory shade, especially for less common colors.
• AutomotiveTouchup: An excellent online resource that provides custom-mixed paints based on your exact OEM paint code. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including pens, bottles, aerosol cans, and even larger quantities for spray guns. Their color match is generally very accurate.
• Dealer: Your local Nissan dealership parts department can order touch-up paint pens or bottles that are a guaranteed match for your vehicle's color. This is often the most reliable, albeit sometimes more expensive, option.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Many automotive paint supply stores (like those that supply to body shops) can mix a custom batch of your paint color in an aerosol can or for use in a spray gun. This is a great option for larger repairs or when you need a perfect match.

How To Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a good result with touch-up paint requires patience and a systematic approach:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, followed by a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is free of any contaminants.
2. Primer: For deep scratches that go down to the bare metal or plastic, applying a thin layer of automotive primer is crucial. This helps the base coat adhere properly and prevents rust. Let the primer dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Apply the colored base coat in thin, even layers. If using a pen, dab the paint on carefully. For a spray can, use several light coats rather than one heavy one to avoid drips. Allow the paint to "flash" or become tacky between coats. Build up the color until it is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat has fully dried (check the product instructions), apply one or two thin layers of clear coat. The clear coat protects the base color and provides the glossy finish that matches your car's original paint. Without it, the touch-up spot will appear dull and will not be protected from the elements.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

The 2015 Nissan Altima was offered in two notable tri-coat pearl colors: Pearl White (QAB) and Cayenne Red (NAH). These finishes are more complex than standard solid or metallic paints.

A tri-coat system involves three stages:

1. A solid base color layer.
2. A translucent mid-coat containing the pearl or metallic flakes.
3. A final clear coat.

The depth and final color effect are created by the interplay between the base and mid-coats. When touching up these colors, it is essential to purchase a kit that includes both the base and the pearl mid-coat. Applying the mid-coat correctly is key; too few layers and the color will be light, too many and it will be dark. Practice on a test card first to get a feel for how many layers you need to achieve a good match before applying it to the vehicle.

For any significant damage, especially on a pearl or metallic finish, achieving a perfect, invisible repair with touch-up paint is extremely difficult. The metallic flakes will not lay down in the same way as a professional spray gun application, which can cause the repaired spot to look darker or lighter from different angles.

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