Owners Škoda Kodiaq sooner or later they are faced with the need to touch up chips, scratches or restore the paintwork after repairs. For accurate paint selection you need color code - a unique identifier that the manufacturer applies to the car body. Without this code, even professional car repair shops will not be able to guarantee a 100% shade match.

In this article we will look in detail where exactly to look for the paint code on Kodiaq different years of manufacture, how to decipher it correctly, and what nuances are important to consider when purchasing enamel. You will also find an up-to-date table of original colors with codes and tips for choosing between factory paint and analogues.

Where is the paint code on the Škoda Kodiaq

The manufacturer applies information about the body color in several standard places. On Škoda Kodiaq (including restyled versions 2021+) paint code can be found:

  • 🚗 On the sign in the trunk - usually glued to the inside of the trunk lid (left or right). Look for the inscription Farbe (German "color") or Paint.
  • 🔧 In the service book - if the car is new, the code is indicated in the technical data section (can be indicated as Color Code or Lackierung).
  • 📄 On the nameplate under the hood - less often, but on some modifications the code is duplicated on a sticker next to the VIN number.

On Kodiaq first generation (2017–2020) the paint code plate is most often located on the driver's door pillar (from the threshold side) or on the inside of the gas tank flap. If you can't find it, check glove compartment (sometimes the code is on a sticker on the back).

What to do if the code is erased or missing?

If the paint code is not readable or the label is missing, contact your authorized dealer. Škoda with the vehicle's VIN number. Based on the database, they will provide accurate color information. An alternative is to use spectrophotometer in car services, but this is a paid service (from 1,500 rubles).

Important: on some copies Kodiaq paint code can be specified in electronic form - it can be read through a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS or OBDeleven) in the block 09-Cent. Elect. (address 46).

How to decipher the paint code of a Škoda Kodiaq

Paint codes Škoda (as well as the entire concern Volkswagen Group) consist of 3–4 characters: letters and numbers. The first 1–2 characters usually indicate basic color group, and the latter - a specific shade or effect (for example, metallic or pearl).

Examples of decoding popular codes for Kodiaq:

Paint code Color name (Russian) Color name (English) Coverage type
L6JE Quartz gray Quartz Grey Metallic
U2U2 Black magic Magic Black Mother of pearl
R4R4 Red petrograph Petrograph Red Metallic
9U9U White lunar Moon White Solid (no effects)
K8K8 Blue bike Bicycle Blue Metallic

Please note: if there are duplicate characters in the code (for example, U2U2), this indicates mother-of-pearl coating. For metallics, codes with the letter are often used L (for example, L6JE). Solid (non-metallized) colors usually start with numbers (9U9U).

Black Magic (U2U2)|Quartz Gray (L6JE)|Lunar White (9U9U)|Red Petrograph (R4R4)|Other-->

Original paint vs analogues: what to choose for Kodiaq

When purchasing paint for Škoda Kodiaq you have two main options: original enamel from Škoda (or VW Group) and analogues from third-party manufacturers. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

  • ✅ Original paint:
    • 🎨 100% color match (manufacturer guaranteed).
    • 🛡️ Optimal adhesion with factory coating.
    • 📦 Supplied in 100–500 ml cans (convenient for local repairs).
  • ⚠️ Analogs (Mobihel, Sikkens, Dupont):
    • 💰 30–50% cheaper.
    • 🔍 Tinting required (risk of inaccurate match).
    • 🛠️ Drying time and durability may vary.

Critical nuance: for colors with a “mother of pearl” effect (for example, U2U2 Magic Black) original paint contains special pigments that cannot be accurately reproduced in analogues. When touching up large areas the difference will be noticeable.

Where to buy original paint for Kodiaq:

  • 🏢 Official dealers Škoda (price: ~3,000–5,000 rubles per 500 ml).
  • 🌍 Online stores: Autodoc, Exist.ru, Emex.ru (search by paint code + article VW 8H0 019 001 A for a spray can).
  • 🔧 Car services with tinting (can be ordered using your code).
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Check it before buying paint production date on the bank. Enamel older than 2 years may lose some of its properties, especially if stored incorrectly (at temperatures above +25°C).

Step-by-step instructions: how to touch up chips on a Kodiaq

If you decide to touch up minor defects yourself, follow this algorithm. You will need: paint (according to code), primer, varnish, polishing paste, masking tape, brush or airbrush.

Clean the surface from dirt and grease (use a degreaser)|Sand the area around the chip with P1200 sandpaper|Apply 1-2 layers of primer (let dry for 15 minutes)|Seal adjacent areas with masking tape-->

Painting process:

  1. Applying paint: apply a thin layer with a brush or airbrush. For metallics and pearlescents it is required 2–3 layers with intermediate drying (20 minutes at +20°C).
  2. Varnishing: after the paint has completely dried (4–6 hours), apply varnish in 1–2 layers. For glossy colors (eg. 9U9U Moon White) varnish is required.
  3. Polishing: After 24 hours, polish the area with paste. 3M 09374 or similar to remove haze.
⚠️ Attention: Do not paint at temperatures below +10°C or humidity above 70% - this will lead to clouding of the varnish and poor adhesion. For flowers with mother-of-pearl (for example, U2U2) be sure to use pearl-varnish, otherwise the “depth” effect will be lost.

Common mistakes when selecting and applying paint

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that spoil the results. Here are the most common:

  • 🔴 Ignoring effect code: For example, for R4R4 Petrograph Red I need a metallic, not a solid red. The difference will be visible in bright light.
  • 🌡️ Failure to comply with temperature conditions: Paint applied in a cold garage may crack after 1-2 months.
  • 🧴 Saving on varnish: Without varnish, the paint will fade within a year, especially on dark colors (U2U2, L6JE).
  • 🎨 Applying too thick a layer: This leads to smudges and long drying times (up to 48 hours).

Another typical problem is incorrect selection of shade for restyled models. For example, Kodiaq 2022 in color L6JE Quartz Grey may have a warmer undertone than the 2019 pre-restyle. Always check the year of manufacture when ordering paint!

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For perfect results use set of paint + varnish + primer from one manufacturer. Mixing brands (such as paint Škoda + varnish Mobihel) often gives an unpredictable effect.

Paint compatibility table for Škoda Kodiaq by year

The manufacturer periodically updates the color palette, so the same code may mean different shades depending on the year of manufacture. Below is the current data for Kodiaq:

Paint code Years of use Notes
L6JE 2017–2023 From 2021, a slight bluish tint has been added.
U2U2 2017–present time Mother-of-pearl with green iridescence (often absent from analogues).
9U9U 2018–present time Only solid (no metallic). The 2021+ restyle is more matte.
R4R4 2020–present time Replaced 3U3U (Candy White) in a line of bright colors.

If your Kodiaq released before 2019, check with the dealer to see if the paint composition has changed. For example, L6JE before the facelift it had a darker gray undertone, and after it it was closer to “graphite”.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Škoda Kodiaq paint

Can paint from other VW Group models (eg Tiguan) be used?

Yes, but only if the color code matches exactly. For example, U2U2 Magic Black is the same for Kodiaq, Tiguan and Passat. However, some colors (eg. K8K8 Bicycle Blue) may have different shades for different brands of the group.

How much paint does it take to touch up a bumper?

Enough for local repairs (chips, scratches) 100–200 ml. To completely paint the bumper you will need 400–500 ml (including primer and varnish). The original paint is sold in 500 ml cans (item no. VW 8H0 019 001 A).

How to check the quality of paint before purchasing?

Ask the seller to show certificate of conformity (for original paint) or test paint (for analogues). Pay attention to the production date - paint older than 2 years may peel off. Also check that the jar is tightly closed (there are no leaks under the lid).

Can Kodiaq be painted in winter?

Technically possible, but only in a heated room with a temperature +18–22°C and humidity up to 60%. When painting outdoors in winter, the paint will lie unevenly and the varnish may become cloudy. For drying, use an infrared lamp (distance 50 cm from the surface).

What's the difference between the paint on the Kodiaq and the Kodiaq RS?

Colors Kodiaq RS (for example, NJ0E Petrol Blue) often have more saturated pigments and a special varnish with a “depth effect”. Regular paint for standard Kodiaq will not convey this effect. Always specify modification when ordering.