2022 Nissan Frontier Paint Codes

The 2022 Nissan Frontier boasts a bold redesign, and its updated color palette is a key part of its appeal. Whether you're dealing with a minor scratch or planning a larger repair, finding the right paint code is the first step to a perfect finish. This guide covers every factory color for the 2022 Frontier, where to find your paint code, and how to get the best results from your touch-up project.

Quick Reference

Here are all the factory paint colors offered on the 2022 Nissan Frontier.

Where to Find Your Paint Code

Nissan makes finding your paint code straightforward. You'll find it on the Factory Specification Label (also called the Service Parts Identification sticker) located on the driver's side door jamb.

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Look at the B-pillar (the area between the front and rear doors).
3. You will see a black sticker that contains vehicle information, including the VIN, manufacturing date, and gross vehicle weight.
4. Look for the "COLOR" or "PAINT" heading on this sticker. The code listed there is your factory paint code. For example, if your truck is Gun Metallic, the sticker will show the code KAD.

Always use this code to order paint. While color names like "Super Black" are helpful, the three-digit code is the precise formula the paint supplier will use to mix a perfect match.

Best Touch-Up Paint Sources

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

• Dupli-Color: Widely available at auto parts stores, Dupli-Color offers pre-packaged applicators (pens and small brush-in-cap bottles) for many popular colors. It's a convenient option for very small chips and scratches.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This online retailer is an excellent source for precision-matched paint. You just enter your year, make, model, and paint code (e.g., QAK), and they offer a full range of products, from ½-ounce touch-up bottles to aerosol spray cans and professional-grade quarts.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: For a guaranteed match, a local automotive paint supplier (like a Tcoat distributor) can use your paint code to mix a fresh batch of paint in the exact quantity you need. This is often the best choice for metallic and pearl colors, as they can ensure the formula is based on the most current variant.
• Nissan Dealership: Your local dealer's parts department can order official Nissan touch-up paint pens. This is a reliable, albeit sometimes more expensive, option that guarantees an OEM product.

How to Use Touch-Up Paint

A successful touch-up requires patience and the right process. Rushing the job will always lead to a sub-par result.

1. Clean: The area must be completely free of wax, grease, and dirt. Use a prep solvent or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water to thoroughly clean the chip or scratch.
2. Primer: For any chip that goes down to bare metal or plastic, applying a thin layer of automotive primer is essential. This helps the paint adhere and prevents rust. Let it dry completely.
3. Base Coat (Color): Apply thin, even layers of your color-matched base coat. For small chips, use a toothpick or a fine-tipped artist's brush for precision. Build the color up slowly, allowing each layer to dry for at least 20-30 minutes. The goal is to make the paint level with the surrounding finish.
4. Clear Coat: After the base coat is fully cured (check the paint instructions, but 1-2 hours is typical), apply a thin layer of automotive clear coat. This protects the color and provides the glossy finish. The clear coat should slightly overlap the edges of the repair.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Colors like Boulder Gray Pearl (KBY), Cardinal Red TriCoat (NBY), and Baja Storm Pearl (NAC) have added depth that makes them harder to match perfectly with a simple touch-up pen.

• Pearl Paints (Two-Stage): These paints have metallic and ceramic (mica) flakes mixed into the base coat, which gives them their shimmer. The way these flakes lay down determines the final look. For this reason, spray application (even from an aerosol can) often yields better results than a brush by distributing the flakes more evenly.
• Tri-Coat Paints (Three-Stage): A tri-coat like Cardinal Red (NBY) is even more complex. It consists of a solid base color, a translucent "mid-coat" containing the pearl effect, and a final clear coat. Matching this requires blending both the base and mid-coat, a task often best left to professionals.
• Spray-Out Cards: When using aerosol cans for a larger repair on a pearl or tri-coat, always use a test card first. Spray the primer, base, and clear onto the card to confirm the color match in direct sunlight before applying it to your truck.

When in doubt, especially with the more complex pearl and tri-coat finishes, confirm your paint code with a dealer or paint supplier using your VIN. For larger repairs, a professional will have the blending skills necessary for an invisible repair.

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