2017 Nissan Altima Paint Codes & Color Guide

Quick Reference: 2017 Nissan Altima Paint Colors

Where to Find Your Altima's Paint Code

Finding the factory paint code for your 2017 Nissan Altima is a straightforward process. Nissan places a vehicle information sticker on the driver's side door jamb (the area visible when you open the driver's door, between the front and rear doors). This sticker contains a wealth of information, including your vehicle's VIN, manufacturing date, and, most importantly, the paint code.

Look for a label that is typically white, silver, or black. On this label, you will find the "PAINT" or "COLOR" code clearly indicated. It is usually a three-character code consisting of letters and numbers (e.g., K23, QAB, KH3). Always use this code from the sticker itself rather than guessing based on marketing names, as this ensures an exact match for your vehicle's specific finish.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you can source touch-up paint from several reliable suppliers. The best choice depends on your budget, the size of the repair, and how precise of a match you need.

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers paint pens and spray cans for many common colors like Super Black (KH3) and Brilliant Silver (K23). It's a great and affordable option for very small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer provides custom-mixed paint in pens, bottles, and aerosol spray cans. They are known for their high-quality color matching, even for more complex pearl and metallic finishes. You simply enter your year, make, model, and paint code on their website.
• Tcoat: For discerning owners and those tackling slightly larger repairs, providers like Tcoat can custom-mix your specific paint code into professional-grade aerosol cans that deliver a finer, more even spray pattern, mimicking a spray gun.
• Nissan Dealership: Your local dealer's parts department can sell you OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) touch-up pens or bottles. This is often the most reliable way to get a perfect match, though it can be the most expensive option.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

Achieving a great-looking repair on a chip or scratch is all about patience and process. Rushing the job will lead to a blob-like, obvious repair. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: The area must be impeccably clean. Use soap and water, followed by a wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth.
2. Primer: For any chip that goes down to bare metal, applying a small amount of automotive primer is essential. This prevents rust and helps the color coat adhere properly. Apply a very thin layer with a fine-tipped brush.
3. Base Coat (Color): Apply thin, even layers of the color-matched paint. Allow each layer to dry completely (as per the manufacturer's instructions) before applying the next. Build up the color slowly until it is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: The clear coat protects the base coat and provides the glossy finish. Like the color coat, apply it in thin layers. This is a critical step for matching the sheen of your factory paint.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Pearl White (QAB) and Deep Blue Pearl (RAY) are more complex and require extra care. These finishes get their depth and luster from multiple layers.

• Tri-Coat Paints: A "tri-coat" like Pearl White (QAB) consists of a solid base color, a translucent mid-coat containing the pearl effect, and a final clear coat. Replicating this with a touch-up pen is extremely difficult. For spray repairs, it is crucial to apply the mid-coat evenly to avoid blotchiness.
• Metallic & Pearl Paints: The metallic flake or pearl particles in paints like Gun Metallic (KAD) need to be suspended evenly in the paint as you apply it. Shake the pen or can thoroughly and frequently. The angle at which you spray can also affect how the metallic flake settles and reflects light, so test on a sample card first.
• Blending: For any repair larger than a small stone chip, blending the new paint into the existing paint is key to an invisible repair. This often involves very light sanding and polishing or is best left to a professional.

If you are ever uncertain about your paint code or the repair process, confirm your code with a dealer using your VIN and consider professional help for the best results.

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