2018 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Color Codes & Touch-Up Guide

Whether you are fixing a minor scratch from a rogue shopping cart or preparing your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek for a more extensive cosmetic repair, getting the exact paint match is critical. The 2018 Crosstrek, known for its rugged capabilities and vibrant color palette, came with a variety of unique finishes. From the iconic Sunshine Orange to the wildly popular Cool Gray Khaki, having the correct factory paint code ensures a seamless touch-up job.

Quick reference: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Codes

Below is the complete list of factory paint colors offered for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Always verify your specific code before ordering paint.

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

Where to find your paint code

Subaru makes it relatively easy to locate your factory paint code, but it isn’t in the same spot as every other manufacturer.

For the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, the paint code is located on the vehicle identification sticker found on the passenger side door jamb or B-pillar. Open the front passenger door and look down at the pillar. You will see a black or white placard detailing tire pressures, VIN, and manufacturing data. Near the bottom of this label, look for a section marked "Color" followed by a three-character code (e.g., "PAF" for Cool Gray Khaki).

If the sticker is missing, faded, or illegible, you can call any Subaru dealership parts department and provide your 17-digit VIN. They can pull up the exact factory paint code associated with your Crosstrek.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to purchasing touch-up paint for your 2018 Crosstrek, you have a few highly reliable options:

• Subaru Dealership: The most direct route for an exact match, especially for paint pens. OEM Subaru paint pens usually include the base coat and clear coat in an easy-to-use applicator.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Known for precision custom-mixing, they offer paint in various formats including bottles with brushes, aerosol spray cans, and half-pints for professional spray guns.
• Dupli-Color: A widely available aftermarket option found in most local auto parts stores (like AutoZone or O'Reilly). Their Exact-Match line is great for standard metallics and solids.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: An excellent online resource for high-quality, custom-mixed batches, particularly useful if you are trying to match pearls or tri-coats that require multi-stage application.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving a professional-looking repair at home requires patience and proper prep work. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean the area: Wash the scratched area thoroughly with soap and water. Follow up with a wax and grease remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure no contaminants block paint adhesion.
2. Apply Primer (if needed): If the scratch goes all the way down to the bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of automotive primer. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Apply Base Coat: Shake your touch-up paint vigorously. Apply the color base coat in light, thin layers using a fine-tipped brush or toothpick. Do not glob the paint on. Allow 15-20 minutes of drying time between each coat until the scratch is filled and the color matches.
4. Apply Clear Coat: The base coat will usually dry to a dull finish. The clear coat provides the glossy shine and UV protection. Apply a thin layer of clear coat over the dried base coat, overlapping slightly into the original paint.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Colors like Crystal White Pearl (K1X) and Venetian Red Pearl (H2Q) are notoriously tricky to match. These are often multi-stage or tri-coat paints, meaning the factory finish is achieved by layering a solid base, a translucent pearl mid-coat, and a protective clear coat.

• Test first: Always test your touch-up paint on a piece of cardboard or scrap metal first. Practice layering the base and pearl coats to see how many layers of pearl are needed to match your car's specific shimmer.
• Feathering: When spraying aerosols, feather the edges of the repair area so the new paint blends seamlessly into the old paint.
• Manage expectations: Touch-up pens are great for preventing rust and hiding rock chips from 5 feet away, but a perfect, invisible match on a pearl finish usually requires a professional body shop to blend the adjacent panels.

If your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has sustained damage that goes beyond a simple driveway touch-up, don't leave it to chance. Find a trusted body shop on Repairius to get your Subaru looking as good as the day it rolled off the lot.