Color code 0Q0Q from Skoda - one of those shades that raise the most questions among car owners. This color belongs to the palette metallic gray tones with a slight bluish undertone, which visually changes depending on the lighting. In official catalogs Škoda Auto it is often referred to as "Quartz Grey Metallic" or "Quartz gray metallic", but may have variations in name in different models.

The main difficulty with 0Q0Q — its “chameleon” effect: in sunlight it seems cold steel, and in cloudy weather it acquires warm graphite notes. This makes it popular among owners Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq, but at the same time complicates the process of selecting paint for local repairs. In this article we will look at where exactly the code was used 0Q0Q, how to choose the right analogues and avoid typical mistakes when painting.

Official name and history of color 0Q0Q

In the documentation Skoda color 0Q0Q most often appears as "Quartz Grey Metallic" (manufacturer code - LA7W in the system VW Group). This shade debuted in 2017 and became part of the “premium” palette offered for flagship models. Interestingly, a similar code was used in other brands of the concern - for example, Audi he is known as "Ara Blue Crystal Effect", and Volkswagen — "Quartz Grey Metallic" (QG1).

From a technical point of view 0Q0Q refers to three-layer metallics with a high content of aluminum pigments. This means that for correct application you need:

  • 🔹 Base coat (grey pigment)
  • 🔹 Effect layer (metal flakes)
  • 🔹 Protective varnish (for depth and shine)

In 2020 Skoda slightly modified the color formula, adding additional blue pigments to the composition for better “play” in the light. Therefore, the paint for models before and after 2020 may differ slightly - this is critical to take into account when selecting.

📊 What color is your Skoda?
  • Metallic gray (0Q0Q)
  • Black
  • White
  • Blue
  • Other

On which Skoda models was 0Q0Q used?

Color 0Q0Q was available for most models Skoda, released from 2017 to 2023, but with some nuances:

Model Years of Availability Features
Octavia (3rd generation, FL) 2017–2023 Standard color for complete sets Style and L&K
Superb (3rd generation) 2017–2023 Additional option for 25,000–30,000 rubles
Kodiaq (1st generation) 2017–2022 One of the most popular colors for this crossover
Karoq 2018–2023 Available only on top trim levels
Scala 2019–2023 Rarely chosen due to the visual “heaviness” of the body

Important: on Fabia and Rapid color 0Q0Q was not officially offered, but some dealers installed it as a custom option. In this case, the paint code could be different (for example, 0Q0R - darker version).

⚠️ Attention: On Kodiaq 2020-2022 color 0Q0Q had an enhanced blue base, making it 10–15% darker than Octavia the same period. When selecting paint for these models, a separate tinting recipe is required.

Technical characteristics of paint 0Q0Q

Color 0Q0Q belongs to the category water-soluble metallics with a high content of effective pigments. Its key parameters:

  • 🔬 Paint type: Base + varnish (3-layer system)
  • 🔬 Manufacturer code: LA7W (VW Group), SKD-0Q0Q (Skoda)
  • 🔬 Coverage: Matte base coat + metallic + gloss varnish
  • 🔬 UV resistance: 8/10 (fading after 5–7 years)

For correct application you need:

  1. Primer PPG DP40/DP402 (gray).
  2. Base layer Skoda Quartz Grey Metallic (MIX-0Q0Q).
  3. Effective layer with aluminum flakes (EFFECT-QG).
  4. Protective varnish PPG D8115 or Sikkens Autoclear LV.

The thickness of the layers must be strictly observed:

  • 📏 Soil: 15–20 microns
  • 📏 Base: 10–12 µm
  • 📏 Effect: 5–8 µm
  • 📏 Varnish: 40–50 microns
Why is 0Q0Q difficult to find?

The main problem is the dependence of the shade on the angles of incidence of light. In artificial light (for example, in a box), the color appears 20% darker than in daylight. Craftsmen often make the mistake of choosing paint under D65 lamps instead of natural light. It is recommended to use a spectrophotometer X-Rite MA98 for precise pigment analysis.

How to choose analogues of color 0Q0Q?

If the original paint Skoda is not available, you can use analogues from other manufacturers. The main thing is to check not only the visual match, but also chemical compatibility layers. Best options:

Manufacturer Analogue code Title Compatibility
PPG DBC 1970 Quartz Grey Metallic 98%
Sikkens U3550 Autowave Quartz Grey 95%
Mobihel 7860 Grey Metallic 0Q0Q 92%
R-M U3550 ONYX HD Quartz Grey 97%

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Gloss index (should be 85–90 units on the scale Glossmeter).
  • 🔍 Aluminum flake size (optimally 15–25 microns).
  • 🔍 Drying temperature (original paint requires 60°C for 30 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Analogs from Mobihel and Duxone often give a “cooler” shade due to the reduced content of yellow pigments. For accurate selection, it is recommended to order a test spray on a plastic panel and compare in daylight.

Check the paint code on the label in the trunk|Order spectrophotometer tinting|Prepare a test panel for a test spray|Use original clearcoat PPG D8115|Observe the drying temperature-->

Typical mistakes when painting 0Q0Q

Even professional painters often make mistakes with this color. Here are the most common:

  1. Improper surface preparation: If you do not remove the old varnish down to the metal, the new layer will peel off due to the difference in expansion coefficient.
  2. Incorrect spray angle: The metal flakes must lie parallel to the surface, otherwise the color will look "patchy".
  3. Saving on varnish: A thin layer of varnish (< 40 µm) causes pigments to fade quickly.
  4. Ignoring the substrate: on dark soils 0Q0Q becomes dull, so gray primer is required PPG DP40.

Another critical mistake is the use of cheap solvents. Paint 0Q0Q sensitive to the composition of the diluent: when using universal solvents (for example, 646) metal flakes can stick together, which will lead to the appearance of “clouds” on the surface.

💡

Before applying the base coat, be sure to “develop” it—apply a thin layer of base to a small area and let it dry. This will help you see the real shade without the “wet” color effect.

How to care for 0Q0Q color?

Color 0Q0Q requires special care due to the high content of metal pigments. Basic rules:

  • 🚿 Washing: Use only contactless shampoos (e.g. Sonax Xtreme Brilliance Shampoo) and microfiber sponges. Abrasive sponges scratch the varnish, causing the scales to lose their shine.
  • 🛡️ Protection: Apply a ceramic coating (eg. Ceramic Pro 9H) every 2 years - this prevents the oxidation of aluminum pigments.
  • 🌞 Parking: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light destroys the binder in the varnish, causing the color to fade 30% faster.
  • 🧴 Polishing: Use only silicone-free pastes (for example, 3M Perfect-It III). Silicone polishes leave a film that distorts the “chameleon effect”.

Pay special attention in winter: salt and reagents from the roads penetrate into microcracks in the varnish and cause corrosion of aluminum flakes. Wash the body after each trip on treated roads. distilled water (regular tap water contains minerals that accelerate oxidation).

💡

Ceramic coating increases the fade resistance of 0Q0Q color by 40-50% but requires professional application. Self-treatment with “liquid glass” can have the opposite effect - the appearance of streaks due to uneven drying.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about color 0Q0Q

Is it possible to paint over a scratch on 0Q0Q with a spray can?

Technically it is possible, but the result will be noticeable. Spray cans (for example, Motip Quartz Grey) cannot accurately convey the three-layer structure of the original paint. To mask scratches up to 0.3 mm deep, it is better to use touch-up pencil (for example, Dr. ColorChip) followed by polishing.

Why is the color different from the original after painting?

There are several reasons:

  1. Recipe mismatch (for example, an analogue without blue pigments was used).
  2. Violation of application technology (too thick or thin base layer).
  3. The difference is in the equipment: in boxes with LED lighting, the color appears lighter than in daylight.

Solution: Always do a test spray on a separate panel and compare in natural light.

What primer is needed for 0Q0Q?

Must use gray epoxy primer (for example, PPG DP40 or Sikkens Autowave 160). Black or white primer will distort the final shade: on black 0Q0Q will look dull and too light on white.

How much does it cost to paint an element in 0Q0Q?

The cost depends on the part:

  • 🚗 Hood: 25,000–35,000 rubles (including preparation).
  • 🚗 Bumper: 18,000–25,000 rubles.
  • 🚗 Wing: 20,000–30,000 rubles.

The price includes: sandblasting, primer, 3 layers of base + varnish, polishing. Skimping on the preparation steps will result in paint peeling off after 1–2 years.

Can 0Q0Q be mixed with other gray Skoda colours?

Strongly not recommended. For example, 0U0U ("Graphite Grey") is 20% darker and has a green undertone, and 0Q0R - warmer beige shade. When mixed, the result will be an uneven color with visible transitions.