2023 Nissan Titan Paint Color Codes and Touch-Up Guide

Maintaining the rugged good looks of your 2023 Nissan Titan requires knowing your exact factory paint code. Whether you are dealing with a minor scratch from a trail run or a rogue shopping cart ding in a parking lot, finding the correct paint color is the first step toward a seamless repair. Below is your complete guide to 2023 Nissan Titan paint color codes, where to find them, and how to apply touch-up paint like a pro.

Quick reference

Here is a list of the factory colors offered for the 2023 Nissan Titan. Always verify your code before ordering paint, as names can vary slightly by dealership or region.

Color Name	Paint Code	Type
Red Alert	A20	Solid
Tactical Green Metallic	DBS	Metallic
Baja Storm	HAG	Metallic
Gun Metallic	KAD	Metallic
Super Black	KH3	Solid
Cardinal Red Metallic Tricoat	NBA	Pearl / Tri-coat
Pearl White TriCoat	QAB	Pearl / Tri-coat
Glacier White	QAK	Solid
Deep Blue Pearl	RAY	Pearl

If you are uncertain about your specific color, check your vehicle's identification tags or confirm via your VIN at a local Nissan dealer or paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Nissan makes it relatively straightforward to find your paint code. For the 2023 Nissan Titan, the color code is located on the manufacturer’s sticker (often called the Vehicle Certification Label).

1. Open the driver's side door.
2. Look at the door jamb (the B-pillar) where the door latches, or on the edge of the door itself.
3. Locate the black or white sticker that displays your VIN, tire pressures, and vehicle weights.
4. Near the bottom or middle of this sticker, look for the word "COLOR" or "C/TR" (Color/Trim).
5. The paint code will be a three-character alphanumeric code (e.g., KAD, QAB, or KH3).

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your three-digit Nissan paint code, you need a high-quality touch-up product. Here are the most popular and reliable sources:

• AutomotiveTouchup: Known for precision mixing and offering exact OEM matches. They sell paint in various sizes, including paint pens, half-ounce bottles with brushes, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints or quarts for larger jobs.
• Dupli-Color: A highly accessible option found in most major auto parts stores. They offer convenient two-in-one scratch fix pens (Scratch Fix All-in-1) that feature an abrasive prep tip, paint color, and clear coat all in a single tool.
• Tcoat (Custom-Mix): Excellent for hard-to-match colors and fleet vehicles, offering custom-mixed batches based on your exact VIN and paint code.
• Your Local Nissan Dealer: The parts department can order OEM touch-up paint pens or small brush bottles. This is a great route if you want the peace of mind of buying directly from the manufacturer.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking repair takes a bit of patience. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean the area: Wash the scratched area with automotive soap and water. Once dry, wipe it down with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure the paint will adhere properly.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Let it dry completely (usually 20-30 minutes).
3. Apply the base coat: Shake your touch-up paint well. Using a fine-tipped brush, toothpick, or paint pen, carefully dab the paint into the scratch. Do not brush it on heavily; apply thin, light coats, allowing 10 to 15 minutes of drying time between each layer until the color sits just below the level of the surrounding paint.
4. Apply the clear coat: Once the base coat is thoroughly dry to the touch, apply a layer of clear coat. The clear coat protects the color and gives it the glossy finish needed to blend in with the rest of your truck.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Pearl White TriCoat (QAB) and Cardinal Red Metallic Tricoat (NBA) are stunning, but they are notoriously difficult to touch up.

Tri-coats consist of three layers: a solid base coat, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clear coat. When touching up a tri-coat, you must apply the base color first, followed by the mid-coat pearl layer. The number of mid-coat layers you apply dictates how light or dark the pearl effect looks.

Pro-Tip: Always practice on a piece of scrap metal or heavy cardboard first. Apply the base coat, then test one, two, and three thin layers of the mid-coat pearl to see which combination best matches your Titan’s factory finish before touching up the actual vehicle.

If your 2023 Nissan Titan has sustained more than just a minor rock chip or scratch, touch-up paint might not be enough. For larger scuffs, dents, or panel resprays, professional blending is required.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.