Nissan Chrome Silver Metallic (KY0) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color defined the rebirth of Nissan's design language in the early 2000s. While it served as the high-energy launch color for the 350Z, giving the coupe a liquid metal appearance, it eventually became a staple for the Maxima and Pathfinder. On a smaller car like the Micra, it adds a crispness that stays clean even when you haven't washed it in weeks. Since your vehicle has likely been on the road for several seasons, the original finish has probably faced some UV exposure, so expect the factory-fresh paint to look a bit deeper than the weathered panels.

Technical Details

Because this is a true metallic finish, it relies on thousands of microscopic aluminum flakes to catch the light. This creates a challenge for repairs. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, those flakes will bunch up and create dark, blotchy patches called mottling. These "tiger stripes" happen when the paint stays wet for too long, allowing the metal to sink. To get that bright, airy silver to match your car, you must apply thin layers rather than one thick coat.

Best Practices

You can find your color identifier on the manufacturing sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or on the firewall inside the engine bay. Before you spray or dab Nissan Chrome Silver Metallic (check for code KY0), you need to shake the container for a full 60 seconds to wake up the metallic flakes. Test the color on the included card to see how the light hits the metal before touching the car. If you are using a spray can, keep the container moving in steady passes to ensure the flakes lay down flat. If you are using a pen or brush, use light strokes and allow for plenty of drying time between layers to prevent the silver from turning grey.