2016 Nissan Altima Paint Color Codes

Quick Reference

Where to Find Your Paint Code

Finding the factory paint code for your 2016 Nissan Altima is a straightforward process. Nissan places a factory information sticker, which contains the paint code, on the driver's side door jamb.

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Look at the area on the B-pillar (the part of the car the door latches to) or on the rear edge of the door itself.
3. You will find a white or silver sticker that contains various pieces of information about your vehicle, including the VIN, manufacturing date, and gross vehicle weight.
4. On this sticker, look for the "COLOR" or "PAINT" label. The code listed next to this label is your factory paint code. For the 2016 Altima, this will be a three-character alphanumeric code, such as KH3 for Super Black or QAB for Pearl White.

It is crucial to use this specific code to ensure an accurate color match, as color names can be misleading and are often reused across different shades. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, a Nissan dealership parts department can retrieve your paint code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several options for purchasing touch-up paint.

• Dupli-Color: A popular choice for DIY auto body repairs, Dupli-Color products are available at most auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. They offer paint pens, aerosol cans, and complete kits. While convenient, their color match for aged paint or complex pearls might not be perfect.

• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer specializes in providing exact-match factory colors in a variety of formats, including pens, bottles, and spray cans. They are an excellent source for a precise match to your specific paint code.

• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a professional-grade match, services like Tcoat can custom-mix your paint based on your code and ship it to you. This is often the best choice for metallic and pearl finishes, as they can ensure the formula is precise.

• Nissan Dealership: Your local dealer’s parts department can sell you touch-up pens or bottles that are a guaranteed match for your original factory color. While sometimes more expensive, it removes any guesswork.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

Applying touch-up paint correctly is key to a seamless repair.

1. Clean: Thoroughly wash the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover to ensure the surface is free of contaminants.
2. Primer: For deep scratches that have gone down to the bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This helps the paint adhere properly and prevents rust. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Shake the paint pen or bottle thoroughly. Apply several thin coats of the base color, allowing each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes. Build the color up until it is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat has fully cured (typically after 24 hours), apply a clear coat. This protects the paint and provides the glossy finish that matches the factory look. Apply one or two thin layers.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

The 2016 Altima was offered in Pearl White (QAB), a tri-coat color that requires special attention for a perfect match. Unlike standard solid or metallic paints, a tri-coat consists of a base coat, a mid-coat (pearl), and a final clear coat.

When touching up a pearl or tri-coat finish, you must apply all three layers in the correct sequence to replicate the depth and color shift of the original paint. Metallic paints like Brilliant Silver (K23) also have a specific application method; the metallic flakes must be suspended evenly in the paint. For aerosol applications, this means holding the can at a consistent distance and using a smooth, overlapping spray pattern.

If you are not confident in your ability to match a complex pearl or metallic color, it is often best to consult a professional. For smaller chips, an exact-match touch-up kit is usually sufficient, but larger repairs may require blending by a skilled technician to be invisible.

If you are uncertain about your paint code or the repair process, always confirm your code via the VIN at a dealership or trusted paint supplier.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.