Color code 606 "The Milky Way"** One of the most recognizable shades in the palette of automotive enamels, which is associated with luxury and elegance. This color, often found on premium brands, combines the depth of gray with a subtle pearl tint, creating a “live” coating effect that varies depending on the lighting. However, working with such a shade requires a special approach: from the exact selection of paint to the application technology.
In this article, we will discuss Everything you need to know about the 606 color From its origin and official manufacturers to practical tips for repairing chips and scratches. You will learn how to avoid typical paint mistakes, what materials to use to restore shine, and why this color is so sought after among car owners. Lexus, Toyota and other brands. And if you are planning to sell a car - we will tell you how to properly present the "Milky Way" in the photo to emphasize its uniqueness.
What does the 606 color code mean?
Code. 606 This is the factory designation of the shade in the catalogs of automotive paints. He belongs to the group. pearl-metallicwhere the main gray pigment is combined with microparticles that create the effect of a "chameleon". The color received the name “Milky Way” due to a visual analogy with a cosmic galaxy: bluish-silver shimmering appears in sunlight, and in the shadows the coating looks deep graphite.
This color was actively used by manufacturers with 2005 to 2018especially in the models Lexus GS, Toyota Camry (restyled versions), as well as on some crossovers Mazda and Nissan. Interestingly, in different directories, code 606 may have variations of the name:
- 🔹 Lexus: Milky Way Mica (official name)
- 🔹 Toyota: Graphite Metallic 606 (internal symbol)
- 🔹 Nissan: Galaxy Gray (similar to palette)
It is important to understand that even one manufacturer shade could vary slightly depending on the lot of paint and the year of release of the car. Therefore, when repairing the body is always recommended to check with VIN code machines for accurate selection.
Where the color 606 is used: car models and features
The Milky Way hue is most commonly found on premium cars, where the emphasis is on visual depth and the play of light. Below is a table with the main models, where this color was available in the factory configuration:
| Manufacturer | Model | Years of issue | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus | GS 350/460 | 2006–2012 | Used in a pair with chrome elements, emphasized the futuristic design |
| Toyota | Camry XV40 (restyling) | 2009–2011 | Combined with dark interior trim and light inserts on bumpers |
| Mazda | CX-9 (first generation) | 2007–2013 | Used on top trim levels with a black leather interior |
| Nissan | Murano Z51 | 2010–2014 | It was a much colder place compared to Lexus |
In the secondary market, cars in the color 606 are often priced above average – especially if the paintwork has retained the factory shine. However, there is a nuance: in unqualified repairs (for example, after an accident), it is difficult to choose the perfect shade because of its use. trilayer (base + pearl + varnish).
⚠️ Attention: Cars. Lexus In 2010, the original 606 paint was xanthanum in the composition of the varnish, which complicates polishing with modern pastes. Before processing, check the compatibility of the materials!
How to choose the paint 606: instructions for body repair
Selecting paint for the color "Milky Way" is a task that requires accuracy. Even a slight deviation in the pigment or application technology will lead to a visible difference between the old and new coating. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:
- Definition of the exact code. Use it.
VIN decoderor a plate on the body (usually located on the front of the driver's door or under the hood). U Toyota and Lexus 606 may be duplicated with suffixes, for example,606-4321. - Ordering paint. Contact authorized dealers or trusted suppliers, for example PPG, Sikkens, Mobihel. Check if you need to. mother-of-pearl (usually)
D802for Lexus). - Test application. Before painting the whole detail, make a painting on a metal plate and compare in daylight and artificial light.
To mix paint by hand (if you work with pigments), use the proportions:
- 🎨 Base: 70% gray pigment
RAL 7021 - 🎨 Pearl: 25% Blue Pearl (e.g.,
PPG 8665) - 🎨 Additional: 5% black for depth (optional)
Clean the surface of old paint and rust |Put with epoxy soil (for example, 3M 05893)|Application of a base layer of gray |Add a pearl layer with a slither |Cover 2-3 layers of varnish with a UV filter-->
The key mistake when working with 606 is the wrong technique of applying mother of mother of mother of mother of mother of mother of mother of mother. It needs to be sprayed. cross-movement from a distance of 25-30 cm to avoid stripes. After each layer, allow the paint to dry for 10-15 minutes at a temperature of +20 ° C.
If painting is done in winter, use infrared drying – this will prevent the formation of microbubbles in the lacquer layer.
Common 606 Color Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even professionals face difficulties when working with the Milky Way. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:
- Rasnot after painting.
The reason: mismatch of the party of paint or the wrong ratio of pigments. Solution: always order paint with a margin (up to 20% more than the required volume) and use it. spectrograph for tinting.
- Loss of the "chameleon effect."
The reason: too thick layer of varnish or lack of finish polishing. Solution: After drying, polish the surface with paste with abrasive
2000 grit(e.g., 3M 09374). - Visible transitions during local repairs.
The reason: pearl was applied unevenly. Solution: Exfoliate the paint outside the repair area by 10-15 cm.
⚠️ Attention: When polishing the color 606, never use a rotary machine at speeds above 1200 rpm – this destroys pearl particles and makes the color dull!
If you are recovering the coating after deep scratches, keep in mind that on the Milky Way they are more noticeable than on matte flowers. Use it for disguise. paint-pencil (e.g., TouchUp Direct 606) followed by varnishing.
What to do if the paint 606 is rubbed to the ground?
In this case, a complete repainting of the detail will be required. Attempts to paint the bare ground lead to a drawdown of color and visible spots. Algorithm of action:
1. Clean the area to metal with sandpaper P180.
2. Apply 2 layers of epoxy soil.
3. Repeat the painting process (base + mother of pearl + varnish).
4. Polish in 72 hours.
Car care in color 606: retaining shine and depth
The color “Milky Way” requires special care – it is more sensitive to external influences than standard metallics. Here are the key rules:
- 🚿 Wash: Use only. contactless (e.g.,
Karcher RM 530) and microfiber wipes. Hard brushes scratch pearl. - 🌞 UV protection: Put it on. ceramic (e.g., Ceramic Pro 9H) every 2 years - it prevents the pigment from burning out.
- 🛠️ Polishing: Use microdamage to remove microdamage effluent crudely
3000 grit(e.g., Menzerna PO106FA). - 🚗 Storage: In the garage, avoid close contact with other cars - mother of pearl is easy to damage even with light friction.
To remove stains from bird droppings or tar, never rub the surface with a dry cloth! First, wet the stain. cleaner (e.g., Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover), then wet gently.
Regular waxing (once every 3 months) prolongs the life of the lacquer layer and enhances the effect of the “depth” of the color 606.
Alternatives and Color Analogues 606
If the original paint 606 is not available (e.g., for older models), a similar shade can be chosen. It is important to consider that complete coincidence is impossible to achieve, but the following options give a similar visual effect:
| Paint manufacturer | Code analogue | Name of name | Differences from 606 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 93506 |
Milky Way Pearl | Warmer undertone, less blue tide |
| Sikkens | K606.00 |
Galaxy Gray | Contains more aluminum powder, brighter shimmering |
| Mobihel | 606-420 |
Cosmic Silver | Close analogue, but requires an additional layer of varnish |
When choosing an analogue, be sure to make a test painting on a small area (for example, on the inside of the trunk lid). Pay attention to this. angle Pearl paints may look different when changing the angle.
For a temporary solution (for example, when selling a car) vinyl It's chameleon-like. The best options are:
- 🎨 3M 1080-S120 (silver grey with blue tint)
- 🎨 Orafol 970-20 (deep graphite with pearl)
Photographing a car in color 606: tips for sale
The Milky Way color looks different depending on the lighting, and this can be used to create spectacular photos when selling. Follow these recommendations:
- Shooting time. Best lighting. golden-hour (The first hour after sunrise or before sunset) Avoid cloudy days – the color will look dull.
- Foresight. Take the car at an angle of 45° to the light source to highlight the shimmering of mother of mother of mother of mother of mother of mother-of-pearl. A photo "in the forehead" will make the color flat.
- Von. Use neutral backs (gray asphalt, green spaces) – they do not “eat” the ebb of paint.
- Processing. V Lightroom zoom in
Clarity(+10) and reduceHighlights(-15) to enhance depth.
An example of a good shot:
⚠️ Attention: Never use a flash when photographing pearl flowers! It burns the tide and makes the paint visually cheap.
FAQ: Frequent Questions About 606 'Milky Way' Color
Can you paint plastic parts (bumper, mirrors) in 606 color?
Yes, but special preparation is required: plastic must be treated. archetypal (e.g., PPG DP40) and apply the base layer with increased elasticity. Without it, the paint will peel off quickly.
How much does it cost to paint a 606 color hood for professionals?
The price depends on the region and the complexity of the work. On average:
- 💰 Preparation (stove, soil): 3000-5000 rubles.
- 💰 Painting (3 layers): 8000-12,000 rubles.
- 💰 Polishing: 2 000-4 000 rubles.
Total: from 13 000 to 21 000 rubles. behind the hood.
How to remove small scratches on the color 606 without painting?
For scratches that do not damage the soil, use:
- Polyrene with abrasive (e.g.,
Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound). - Wax pencil (for a disguise, but not a long-term solution)
- Nanoceramics (Closing micro-cracks, for example) Gyeon Ceramic Coating).
Deep scratches (up to metal) require painting.
Why are there still divorces on 606 after washing?
This is a typical problem of pearl paints. Reasons:
- 🚫 Hard water (use it) osmotic or distilled.
- 🚫 Poor quality shampoo (choose with a pH-neutral formula).
- 🚫 Wax residues (remove the old protective layer before washing) degreaser).
To remove the divorce, wipe the body isopropyl (70%) and apply a fresh layer of wax.
Can I mix 606 paint with other colors to create a unique hue?
Technically, yes, but the outcome is unpredictable. For example, adding 10% RAL 5024 (pastel blue) will increase the cold tide, and 5% RAL 8019 (Gray-brown) will make the color warmer. However, such experiments are recommended only for tuning - during repair they will lead to different tones.