Subaru Paint Codes

Your Subaru touch up paint color is posted near the vehicle’s door jamb or by one of the strut towers on either side of the engine compartment.
Written by Annette Maxon
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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No matter the make and model, all Subaru paint codes are located on the driver’s side door jamb, door edge, or near the strut towers in the engine compartment.
Minor scratches or nicks often happen quickly and unexpectedly and may leave you wondering when the damage even happened. No matter the cause, touching up your car’s paint job to hide any marks is an easy
car repair
task that you can do yourself. 
Every Subaru is equipped with a paint code that tells the car’s exact color—this code is essential to make sure that you don’t end up with a mismatched paint job! 
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Where can I find my Subaru’s paint code?

Most Subaru paint codes are three digits containing a mix of numbers and letters, listed next to the “color code” heading on the manufacturer’s tag. If you have a two-tone car, this code will indicate the exact color for the upper body paint color and the lower bumper color. 
Whether you drive a 2007
Outback
, a brand-new
Crosstrek
, or something in between, the paint code will be listed in one of three places on all Subaru makes and models:
  • Open the hood and look for the metal tag near the strut tower; check both the driver and passenger side
  • Door edge
  • Door jamb
If your Subaru was made between 1990 and 2006, your paint code will just be on the driver-side strut tower.
If you’ve checked all three locations and still can’t find the paint code, you can look up your paint color by the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is unique to your car and can be found on your vehicle’s title and registration. 
Don’t worry if your documents aren’t easily accessible; the VIN can also be in one (or more) of these places on your Subaru:
  • Open the hood of your car and look for the build plate, located at the back of the engine bay
  • Open the hood and check on the passenger side strut tower
  • Inside the driver’s side door jamb or door edge
  • Bottom corner of the driver’s side windshield

Where can I get paint for my Subaru?

Once you have your paint code or VIN handy, it’s time to shop! You can buy Subaru touch-up paint online from
Automotive Touchup
or
SubaruPartsForYou
Be sure that the paint code you found on your vehicle matches the Subaru paint colors that you’re purchasing—you don’t want to end up with a splotchy paint job!
When looking at options, paint pens are an easy and affordable way to get enough paint for small touch-ups without buying an entire can of paint. 

Paint touch-up tips

Once you’ve gotten your supplies and are ready to paint, there are a few simple tricks to make your touch-up paint job look expertly done: 
  • Wash the damaged area using soap and water to remove any hidden debris
  • Gently buff away any rust that may have appeared using fine sandpaper or a wire brush
  • Apply primer to any bare metal or plastic that you will be painting—this needs to be done the night before and allowed to dry overnight. The next day, gently sand it down to create a smooth and even surface 
  • Paint the area by applying several coats—make sure you are using the color that matches your car! Allow at least 20 minutes for the paint to dry between coats 
  • Once you’ve applied the final coat of paint, let it dry overnight 
  • Apply a clear protective coat over the painted area the next day. Like with the paint, it is best to apply several layers, letting it dry between coats
  • After the final layer, allow the protective coat to dry for a least three days
  • After the protective coat has been given three days to rest, use a rubbing compound to buff the area until it shines

How to find affordable car insurance

Paint is one of the easiest parts of keeping your Subaru looking brand-new, but
car maintenance
isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to car ownership.
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MORE: How to remove bugs, tar, and sap from car paint

FAQs

The paint code is three digits that indicate your exact paint color. The paint code will be listed in one of three places on your Subaru: near the strut tower, the door edge, or the door jamb.
Fortunately, touching up the paint on your car is one of the easiest maintenance tasks to do at home. All you will need is to order a paint can or pen that corresponds with your car’s paint code. 
If your car needs a full-body paint job, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to get the job done.
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