2020 Subaru Crosstrek Paint Codes

Quick reference

Where to find your paint code

The paint code for your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is typically located on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver sticker, usually near the latching mechanism or on the B-pillar (the vertical post between the front and rear doors). The paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code, sometimes followed by a two-character variant code.

Best touch-up paint sources

When it comes to touching up minor scratches or chips on your 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, several reputable sources offer quality products:

• Dupli-Color: A widely available brand that offers touch-up paint in pens, bottles with brushes, and aerosol cans. You can often find Dupli-Color products at automotive parts stores and online retailers. Be sure to match your paint code carefully.
• AutomotiveTouchup: This company specializes in custom-mixed touch-up paint to precisely match your vehicle's factory color. They offer paint in various sizes, from small bottles to spray cans, and also provide primers, clear coats, and other painting accessories. Their service ensures a very close match to the original factory finish.
• Tcoat custom-mix: Tcoat is another excellent option for custom-mixed touch-up paint. They pride themselves on color accuracy and offer a range of products including paint pens, bottles, and aerosols. They often use the latest in color-matching technology to provide a near-perfect match.
• Dealership: Your local Subaru dealership parts department can also supply OEM touch-up paint. While potentially a bit more expensive, this ensures you're getting the exact factory formulation for your specific color.

How to use touch-up paint

Achieving good results with touch-up paint involves a few key steps:

1. Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the chipped or scratched area with soap and water, then degrease it with rubbing alcohol or a specialized automotive prep solvent. This removes dirt, wax, and oils that could interfere with paint adhesion.
2. Apply primer (if necessary): For deeper chips that expose bare metal or plastic, apply a thin layer of primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions.
3. Apply base coat: Apply several thin coats of your color-matched base coat, allowing each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. Build up the paint gradually to avoid a thick, uneven appearance. For pens, dab the paint on; for bottles, a fine brush works best.
4. Apply clear coat: Once the base coat is fully dry (this can take several hours), apply a few thin coats of clear coat. The clear coat protects the base coat and provides a glossy finish that blends with the surrounding paint. Allow it to cure completely.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri-coats

Many of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek colors, such as Crystal White Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, and Crimson Red Pearl, are pearl or metallic finishes. These types of paints include metallic flakes or pearl pigments that give the paint a unique sheen and depth. When touching up these colors, it's especially important to:

• Shake thoroughly: Ensure the paint is very well-mixed before and during application to evenly distribute the pearl or metallic particles.
• Apply thin coats: Applying thin, even coats is crucial for pearl and metallic paints. Thick coats can cause the metallic flakes or pearl pigments to settle unevenly, leading to a blotchy or tiger-stripe effect.
• Feather the edges: When applying the color and clear coat, try to feather out the edges of the repaired area. This helps the new paint blend seamlessly with the surrounding factory finish.
• Consider a professional: For larger repairs or if you're aiming for a factory-perfect match on a pearl or tri-coat, a professional body shop may be the best option. Their equipment and expertise can achieve results that are difficult to replicate at home.

Never hesitate to confirm your exact paint code using your VIN at a Subaru dealership or a reputable paint supplier to ensure the perfect match.

Find a trusted body shop on Repairius.