2021 Nissan Titan — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Notes:

• The list above reflects the most widely available 2021 Titan factory colors. Nissan occasionally offers limited or late‑availability hues by trim/package. If your label shows a different code, use that code and confirm with a dealer or paint supplier by VIN.

Where to find your paint code

On the 2021 Nissan Titan, the factory paint code is printed on the VIN certification label located on the driver’s side B‑pillar (door jamb). Open the driver’s door and look at the vertical pillar between the front and rear doors; the white or silver label includes build information such as GVWR and axle ratings. On that label you’ll see a row with headings like COLOR, TRIM, TRANS, AXLE. Your paint code is a 3‑character alphanumeric under COLOR (for example, KH3, QAB, KAD).

Tips:

• Some labels abbreviate the field as “COLOR/TRIM” with two codes separated by a space; the first three characters are the exterior paint, and the following characters are the interior trim code.
• If the sticker is missing or illegible, your Nissan dealer can pull the exterior color code from your VIN. Reputable online paint suppliers can also verify by VIN before mixing.

Best touch‑up paint sources

• Dupli‑Color: Readily available pens, bottles, and aerosols for popular Nissan codes like KH3, QAK, KAD, and QAB. Good for small chips and convenient repairs.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Offers primer, basecoat, mid‑coat (for tri‑coats), clear, and custom‑filled aerosols for precise color matching on Nissan codes including pearls like QAB and RAY.
• Tcoat custom‑mix: Local or mail‑order custom formulation matched to your specific code, ideal when you need higher‑quality solvents and fan‑spray aerosols for blending.
• Nissan dealer parts counter: OEM‑branded touch‑up pens/bottles for common Titan colors. Useful when you want a factory‑labeled product and confirmation of the correct code by VIN.

How to use touch‑up paint

1. Clean and prep: Wash with soap and water, then wipe the repair area with isopropyl alcohol or a wax/grease remover. Lightly de‑rust and feather any lifted edges with 1000–1500 grit paper. Mask adjacent areas if spraying.
2. Prime bare metal: Apply a thin etching or filler primer only where metal is exposed. Let it flash and sand smooth with 1500–2000 grit.
3. Apply basecoat: Shake well. For solid/metallic single‑stage base colors (e.g., KH3, KAD, K23, QAK, NAH), apply 2–4 light coats, allowing proper flash between coats. Keep coats light to avoid dark spots or metallic streaking.
4. Tri‑coat/pearls: For QAB (Pearl White Tricoat) and other pearls like RAY, spray the groundcoat base first, then 1–3 light mid‑coats to build the pearl effect evenly. Stop when the hue and flop match the surrounding panel in daylight.
5. Clearcoat: After color flashes, apply 2–3 medium coats of 2K or standard clear, allowing flash between coats. Let cure fully; then, if needed, lightly wet sand and polish to blend texture and gloss.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri‑coats

• Verify the exact code from your B‑pillar label before ordering. Nissan codes are case‑sensitive alphanumerics (e.g., QAB vs QAK).
• Spray a test card: Always test color and number of coats on a card or spare panel, then hold it against the truck in sunlight and shade. Pearls like QAB and RAY change character with viewing angle ("flop").
• Control your film build: With tri‑coats, each mid‑coat pass shifts the color. Too many passes on QAB can make it too warm/opaque; too few can look flat. Count your coats and replicate on the vehicle.
• Blend when possible: For visible areas, extend color slightly into the adjacent panel and bury the blend with clear to hide boundaries—especially important with metallics (KAD, K23) and pearls (QAB, RAY).
• Match application method: A pen can fill chips, but pearls/metallics generally lay down better by airbrush or aerosol fan pattern for uniform flake orientation.
• Temperature and lighting matter: Spray in 65–80°F with low humidity. Judge the match outdoors; shop lighting can mislead on pearls and metallics.

If your Titan’s color doesn’t appear in the table, it may be a limited‑run or late‑availability shade. Use the B‑pillar code or confirm by VIN with a Nissan dealer or paint supplier to ensure an exact match.

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