2017 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Whether you are dealing with a rogue shopping cart scratch, rock chips from a weekend trail run, or minor parking lot bumper damage, getting the exact paint match for your vehicle is critical. If you drive a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, this guide will help you locate your exact factory paint code, choose the best touch-up paint, and apply it like a pro.

Quick reference: 2017 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Codes

Below is the quick reference guide to the factory paint colors offered on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. Always verify your code before purchasing paint, as monitor colors and naming conventions can sometimes be deceiving.

Note: If you are uncertain about your specific color, always confirm your paint code via your VIN at a local Subaru dealership or with your paint supplier.

Where to find your paint code

Subaru makes finding your paint code relatively straightforward, though they utilize a few different locations depending on the factory of origin. For a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, look for an information plate or sticker in these specific areas:

1. The Passenger Side Front Strut Tower: Pop the hood and look at the metal towers that hold the top of the suspension struts. Subaru frequently places a metal plate here. The paint code is a three-character alphanumeric sequence (e.g., K1X or G1U) located near the bottom of this plate.
2. The Driver’s Side Door Jamb (B-Pillar): Open the driver's side front door and look at the frame (the B-pillar). You will find a black and white VIN compliance sticker. The paint code is often printed near the barcode or at the bottom of this label.

If the stickers are missing, faded, or you simply want to be 100% sure, you can call any Subaru dealership parts department. Give them your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can pull the exact factory paint code from their system.

Best touch-up paint sources

Once you have your three-character Subaru paint code, you need a high-quality touch-up product. Here are the most reliable sources:

• Subaru Dealerships: Buying OEM touch-up paint pens directly from the dealer guarantees a factory match. They are inexpensive and perfect for tiny rock chips.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Highly recommended for larger repairs. They custom-mix paint based on your exact factory code and offer it in bottles, aerosol spray cans, and ready-to-spray pints for spray guns.
• Dupli-Color: A great off-the-shelf option available at most local auto parts stores. Look for their "Perfect Match" line, which features an abrasive prep tip and a built-in clear coat dispenser.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Excellent for precise, custom-mixed batches that account for minor factory variations, ensuring a seamless blend.

How to use touch-up paint

For a repair that lasts and looks great, resist the urge to just dab the paint on and walk away. Follow this standard process:

1. Clean the area: Wash the spot thoroughly with soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure no contaminants prevent the paint from sticking.
2. Apply Primer: If the scratch goes all the way down to bare metal or plastic, apply a light coat of automotive primer. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Shake your touch-up paint well. Apply the base color in very light, thin layers. Allow 15-20 minutes of drying time between each coat. Build the paint up until it is flush with the surrounding area.
4. Apply Clear Coat: Most modern automotive paints require a clear coat to match the glossy finish and protect the base color from UV damage. Apply the clear coat carefully over the dried base coat and let it cure.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Crystal White Pearl (K1X) are considered tri-coats. This means the factory paint consists of a base color, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clear coat.

When touching up tri-coats, you will usually be provided with two separate color bottles (the base and the pearl). You must practice on a scrap piece of metal or cardboard first. The final color changes depending on how many layers of the pearl mid-coat you apply. Practice helps you determine the exact number of pearl layers needed to match the brightness and depth of your Crosstrek's specific finish. For metallic colors like Dark Gray Metallic, ensure you shake the paint frequently during application to keep the metallic flakes suspended evenly in the liquid.

If the damage is too extensive for a touch-up pen or aerosol can, don't risk a botched DIY job. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.