You can find out the exact white paint color code for the Lada Granta by finding the factory markings on the body, since the AvtoVAZ plant uses several different shades of white depending on the year of manufacture and model. The least common, but most recognizable option is "The Snow Queen", which has a code of 690 and is a metallic shade. However, owners of budget trims or earlier model years will most often have to look for code 224, known as "White Cloud", which is a standard acrylic enamel without a metallic effect. Correct shade identification is critical before ordering paint, as the visual similarity of the different "white" pigments in a can does not guarantee a match in tone once applied to the body.
Owner VAZ-2190 or VAZ-2191 must understand that even within the same model range, shades can differ significantly in saturation and type of coating. If you are planning a local repair of a chip or a complete repainting of an element, an error in choosing the code will lead to the appearance of noticeable transitions and variations in tone that cannot be hidden by polishing. Factory instructions and technical documentation are always based on specific alphanumeric designations indicated in the vehicle passport. That is why finding a nameplate with a factory code is the first and mandatory step before visiting a colorist or auto enamels store.
It is worth noting that code 690 (metallic) and code 224 (acrylic) differ technologically not only in the presence of aluminum powder, but also in the method of applying the varnish layer. White cloud requires an acrylic varnish for protection and shine, while the Snow Queen already contains metallic particles but also needs a final varnish for durability. Confusion between these two types of paint is the most common mistake when doing Grant body repairs yourself. Below we will discuss in detail where to look for information, how to read the correspondence table and what nuances exist for each white shade used on the assembly line in Togliatti.
Location of nameplate with color code
Relying on visual judgment or memory is not enough to accurately determine the paint shade of your vehicle. The manufacturing plant places service information in strictly defined places, and for the model Lada Granta The main data carrier is a metal plate attached to the body. Most often it is located in the engine compartment, on the front panel of the body (TV) or on the B-pillar on the driver's door side. This plate contains the VIN code, information about permissible loads and, most importantly for us, a column with a color designation.
The information you are looking for is usually located at the bottom of the plate or in a separate field labeled “Color” or “Color”. There you will see a three-digit numeric code or alphanumeric combination. In the case of white Granta flowers, these will be the numbers 224, 690, 985 or other variations depending on the year of production. Attention: On some vehicles that have undergone body work before you, the plate may be replaced or damaged, so always check the paint color in hidden areas, such as inside the door opening, with the main body color.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a color code from 2010-2012 catalogs for a 2020 Grant without physical verification. The factory may have changed the chemical formula of the pigment, and the old code 224 may differ in shade from the new one, even if the name remains the same.
If the plate in the engine compartment is unreadable due to corrosion or contamination, duplicate information is often contained in the vehicle's service book or vehicle registration certificate (VRC), although in recent years the VCR often contains only a description of the color in words, without a code. Therefore, physical inspection of the nameplate remains the most reliable method. To make your search easier, also look in the trunk, under the carpet - sometimes there may be spare stickers or documents left by the dealer.
What to do if the sign is not readable?
If the nameplate has been erased or lost, you can try to determine the code through online services using the vehicle’s VIN code. There are also specialized forums for Lada owners, where they can tell you the most likely paint code based on the year of manufacture and equipment, but this will only be a rough guess.
Basic white color codes for Lada Granta
The assortment of white colors used on the AvtoVAZ assembly line for the Grant model is not as large as it might seem, but the differences between them are cardinal. The most widespread and recognizable is the code 224 "White Cloud". This is a classic white color without metallic effect. It is characterized by high hiding power and relatively simple restoration technology. It is this shade that is most often found on the basic “Standard” and “Norma” trim levels of the first years of production, as well as on many cars that have rolled off the assembly line in recent years as a basic color option.
The second most popular, especially among owners of more expensive trim levels and liftbacks, is the code 690 "Snow Queen". This is a complex metallic shade that, in certain lighting, can fade into a light silver tint. The peculiarity of this paint is the presence of aluminum powder, which creates the effect of glow and depth. When repairing the Snow Queen, it is critical to follow the base and varnish application technique, as improper drying or thinning can lead to the appearance of spots (“apples”) and changes in grain direction.
- ❄️ 224 "White Cloud" - pure white acrylic, the most common and repairable option for Grants.
- 💎 690 "Snow Queen" - pearlescent metallic, requiring professional painting and varnishing.
- 🌫️ 985 "White Mountain" - a rare three-component mother of pearl, found in limited editions or special versions.
- 📄 202 “Grey basalt” (conditionally white) - a very light gray, which in bright sun can be perceived as off-white, is often confused with white shades.
There is also Code 100 Quartz, which is a dark metallic grey, but may appear light in photographs in certain lighting conditions, but is not a white colour. Code 985, which is a three-component mother of pearl, deserves special attention. This is the most expensive and difficult to repair of all white paints. It contains a special pigment that changes color depending on the viewing angle. If your Granta is painted this color, repairing it yourself is almost impossible without special equipment and skills.
The most common white color code for Lada Granta is 224 (White Cloud), but before purchasing paint, be sure to check the code 690 (Snow Queen), as they are not compatible when mixed.
Codes and shades correspondence table
For ease of identification and ordering of repair compounds, it is recommended to use a summary table of codes. It helps to quickly compare the name of the color, its digital code and type of coating. Remember that the visual perception of color on the monitor and in reality may differ, so the digital value is the only objective selection criterion. The table shows the main characteristics that will help you navigate the variety of factory solutions.
| Color code | Title | Coverage type | Years of active use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 224 | White cloud | Acrylic (no metallic) | 2011 - present |
| 690 | Snow Queen | Metallic | 2013 - present |
| 985 | White Mountain | Mother of pearl (3 components) | 2015 - 2018 (limited) |
| 121 | Port-fin | Metallic (silver white) | 2012 — 2016 |
When ordering paint in a color studio, the operator will always ask for a code. If you name only the name, for example, “Snow Queen,” they may prepare a mixture for you according to the old recipe, which will differ from the factory Granta 2023. So always dictate the code 690 or 224. In addition, the table indicates the type of coating: acrylic dries differently than metallic and requires different amounts of solvent. An error in choosing the type of base will result in the paint either not adhering or bubbling.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the color 121 “Port Fin”. This is a light silver metallic that is often confused with white. It was less common on Grants, but if your car has a slight bluish-silver tint, most likely you have this code and not the “Snow Queen”. Comparing colors with a fan or color will help to avoid mistakes, since in the sun “Port Fin” looks clearly gray and not white.
Features of selecting and mixing paint
The process of selecting paint for the Lada Grant, especially white, has its own technical nuances. Even knowing the exact code, you cannot be 100% sure of a perfect tone match without preliminary tinting. Factory paint batches may vary depending on pigment supplier and production time. That’s why professional colorists always do a “paint”—a test application on a metal plate, which is then dried and compared with the car body.
Computer selection is carried out according to the formula included in the database, which corresponds to code 224 or 690. However, over time, the paint fades, turns yellow or becomes covered with a layer of oxides. The new paint, applied according to the code, will be brighter and richer than the old body. In such cases, a “transition” is required - a special painting technique that allows you to shade the boundary between the new and old layers, or computer-based tone adjustment taking into account the degree of fading.
- 🎨 Computer tinting — creating a mixture according to a factory recipe, an ideal start for a new part.
- 🔍 Spectral analysis — instrumental measurement of the color of the old body to create an individual formula if the standard code is not suitable.
- 🧪 Test spraying — a mandatory procedure for checking the color on the metal before the main painting.
It is important to understand the difference between a repair can and professional paint in a can. Spray cans sold in auto stores labeled “224” or “690” often have a simplified composition and may differ in shade from the factory paint of your specific Grant. For high-quality painting of a bumper or door, it is better to contact a specialized selection point, where the components (base, solvent and hardener) will be mixed using professional weighing equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to mix paint from different manufacturers or different years, even if the codes are the same. Chemical components may react, causing the paint to curl or lose adhesion.
White painting and restoration technology
Restoring the white color on the Lada Granta requires strict adherence to the technological map. For color 224 “White Cloud” the process looks relatively standard: surface preparation, priming, application of 2-3 layers of enamel and final varnishing. However, for The Snow Queen (690) the process is more complicated. The base layer with the metal is applied thinly, then dried, and only after that the varnish is applied. Violation of the interlayer exposure will lead to the fact that the metal particles do not have time to orient themselves correctly, and the color will become dull or mottled.
Body preparation is 80% of success. White color mercilessly reveals all defects: shagreen, dust, risks from sandpaper. Before painting, it is necessary to thoroughly polish the transition zones and degrease the surface. antisilicon. Any speck of dust on white paint will be visible as a black dot. Therefore, the spray booth or room must be prepared with special care, excluding drafts and sources of contamination.
☑️ Checklist before painting
White drying also has its own characteristics. Acrylic white enamels (224) may turn yellow if overheated in the drying chamber or if too hot a solvent is used. The optimal drying temperature for Granta is about 60 degrees Celsius. Exceeding the temperature may cause the shade to change and the white Granta will become slightly creamy. The varnish applied on top should be of high quality, with UV filters to prevent yellowing in the future.
Tip: When polishing white, use polishes without abrasive components if they contain color additives. Universal polishes are ideal for light-colored cars and do not leave marks in the paint pores.
White body care and protection against fading
White color, despite its popularity, requires careful care. It visually hides minor scratches better than black, but bitumen stains, insect marks and road dirt are very noticeable on it. Additionally, the white pigment (especially in 224 type acrylic paints) tends to accumulate dirt in the pores of the varnish, which can cause the car to appear greyish. Regular washing using two-phase shampoo and clay to remove bitumen is mandatory to maintain the Granta’s presentable appearance.
To protect against fading and oxidation, it is recommended to use ceramic coatings or liquid glass. These compositions create an additional hard layer that prevents the penetration of reagents and ultraviolet radiation into the enamel structure. This is especially true for the “Snow Queen”, since damage to the varnish layer will lead to oxidation of the aluminum powder and loss of shine. It is extremely difficult to restore metallic paint after oxidation; a complete repainting of the element is often required.
It is also worth paying attention to the protection of arches and sills. On a white Granta, chips from stones with black primer or rust look especially contrasting and spoil the look. Installing plastic protection or regular treatment with anti-gravel (colored or transparent) will help keep the body intact. Remember that any chip on white metal is a potential source of corrosion that needs to be painted over immediately, without waiting for rust to appear.
Regular application of wax or ceramic composition to Granta's white body extends the life of the paintwork and makes it easier to wash off dirt, keeping the color rich for years.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to paint Granta from “White Cloud” into “Snow Queen”?
Yes, it is technically possible, but it is labor-intensive. You will need to completely remove the old acrylic layer (224) or carefully mat it, then apply primer, base with metal (690) and be sure to varnish. You can’t just apply metallic over acrylic - the color will be wrong and the coating won’t be durable.
Why does the color code in the PTS not match the code on the plate?
The PTS often contains the general name of the color, which may not correspond to the factory coding, or indicates the code of the previous owner if the car was repainted. The code on the factory metal plate in the engine compartment always takes precedence.
How long does it take for white paint to dry on a Lada Granta?
Drying time depends on temperature and type of paint. Acrylic (224) dries to touch at 20°C in about 30-40 minutes, complete polymerization takes 24 hours. Metallic (690) dries faster (15-20 minutes), but requires the application of varnish, which takes longer to dry. When drying in a chamber at 60°C, the process takes 30-40 minutes.
What is the visual difference between paint 224 and 690?
Code 224 (“White Cloud”) is a dull, matte (before varnishing) white color without sparkles. Code 690 (“Snow Queen”) contains small silver sparkles (metallic) that shimmer in the sun. If your car has sparkles, you have 690, if it’s pure white, you have 224.
Where to buy original paint by code?
Original paint in cans can be purchased from official LADA dealers or in specialized auto enamels stores that carry out computer selection. Regular auto parts stores often sell universal cans, which may not match the color of your car.